Launched in January 2024, the DC Digital Collective (DCDC) is a membership association that serves as a power-building forum for residents living in the District of Columbia’s Black / African American communities. More than 1,000 Ward 8 residents have already expressed interest in organizing to build a healthier, more equitable, more prosperous community. Our aim is to recruit and engage 20,000 to 30,000 residents from Wards 8, 7, and 5 by 2026.

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 detailed priorities ranging 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 bring residents together and serve as an information-sharing, planning, and organizing platform. DCDC is that platform.

DCDC is working to build and leverage the power of DC residents 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. Our aim is to improve the lives of families in Wards 8, 7, and 5 today and for generations to come.

YOUR COMMUNITY, YOUR CHOICE

 Based on input from residents, DCDC’s work will begin by focusing on health, economic equity, and early childhood. Our biggest priority for 2024 is to increase membership and build momentum on the issues that matter most to you. As a member, you’ll have an opportunity to engage in activities that support the future of your community, including:

• Launching a community-based mental health/trauma strategy
• Creating subcommittees to address specific resident priorities like housing and health
• Helping us get more DC residents involved and secure resources for our work
• Monitoring and evaluating programs, to ensure that our work delivers real change

Please email [email protected] for more information on how to join the DC Digital Collective.