Launched in January 2024, the DC Digital Collective (DCDC) is a membership association that serves as a power-building forum for residents of the District of Columbia’s underserved communities. More than 1,000 Ward 8 residents have already expressed interest in organizing to build a healthier, more equitable, and more prosperous community. We aim to recruit and engage 20,000 to 30,000 residents from Wards 8, 7, and 5 in 2024.

DRIVING THE DREAM

 In 2023, the resident-led Ward 8 Community Economic Development Initiative (W8CED) released A Dream Deserved, a first-of-its-kind synthesis of Ward 8 residents’ priorities for the future of their community. The report details priorities, from affordable housing and workforce development to mental health care access and youth civic engagement.

The W8CED report recognized that real and durable progress could not depend on government, businesses, or philanthropy and that residents themselves must drive change. Residents told W8CED they wanted a comprehensive communication network to unite residents and serve as an information-sharing, planning, and organizing platform. DCDC is that platform.

DCDC is working to build and leverage DC residents’ power to take charge of their own futures. Under the direction of a resident governance body, the platform champions bottom-up resident engagement and delivers value through advocacy, information, communication, and integrated service delivery. We aim to improve the lives of families in Wards 8, 7, and 5 today and for generations to come.

A BRIGHTER FUTURE TOGETHER

 Leading area nonprofits played a critical role during the W8CED process. Nonprofits shared information with residents about the planning process and connected residents with opportunities to contribute as ambassadors and subcommittee members. As we work to build DCDC membership, we invite area nonprofits to continue playing this vital information and connection role, emphasizing the collaborative nature of our work.

We would value the opportunity to talk with you about how, through your support, we can help the people you serve to connect, learn from, share, and work together for a brighter future.

Together, we can make a significant and positive impact on our communities.