National Urban League Policy on Telecommunications

Policy Statement: Telecommunications

The National Urban League advocates the following position on telecommunications:

While the broadband adoption gap between blacks and whites is narrowing, more than one-third of African American households do not have access to broadband service. Increasingly, the key to jobs, and upward mobility, economic development and entrepreneurship opportunities lies in digital literacy and access to broadband.

A technologically competent workforce, digital literacy and the importance of STEM education and engagement by young people are critical to economic development in a broadband economy. Indeed, the number of jobs requiring technology skills is expected to grow as much as 75% in the next decade.

Significant gaps in broadband adoption continue to exist and African Americans are underrepresented in employment and business ownership in sectors that depend on broadband connectivity. From enabling communication between parents and educators, to promoting B2B activities to creating job opportunities, technology and access to broadband have become necessities in today’s high-tech society.

Through its participation in stakeholder coalitions, on federal diversity committees and other civil rights groups, the Washington Bureau works to identify solutions sector-by-sector to fit the needs of local communities and businesses and to ensure that urban communities are able to fully participate in the innovation economy.

Recent National Urban League Policies

Sep 12 2013 Healthcare The National Urban League believes that improving health outcomes is a vital component to building economic empowerment. Through our work in health policy we seek to reach the goal that Every American has access to quality and affordable health care solutions.
Sep 11 2013 Housing and Wealth Building The Urban League believes that strong, economically secure communities begin with progressive housing policies and financially literate citizens. 
Sep 10 2013 Civil Rights and Social Justice The National Urban League remains vigilant in the enforcement of our civil rights laws by working in collaboration with other civil rights organizations, particularly in the areas of affirmative action and voting rights.