Digital Navigators of the Hudson Valley: Requirements

Requirements:

• Watch a one-hour on-demand video created by NDIA.
• Attend the two live training sessions.*
• Attend all the office hour meetings.*
• Dedicate 5 hours of time to research (examples: learning about the resources list, adding to the list, learning about Digital Inclusion, attending NDIA meetings, setting up the program at your organization.)
• Meet with at least 5 unique clients and complete an intake and exit form for each client.
• Engage with the listserv at least once by asking or answering a question or sharing an anecdote.

* We understand that things come up! If you have an unavoidable conflict on a training session or office hours date, you may be excused if you can catch up on the work. However, if you know that more than one of these dates will be a conflict with your schedule, we ask that you please wait until the next session to apply. 

Additionally, Navigators will do ONE of the following:

• Demonstrate using promotional materials with “Digital Navigators of the Hudson Valley” - either a press release, event, newsletter, or social media posting.
• Coordinate with an organization outside of yours to promote Digital Navigator service.
• Coordinate with Southeastern, MHLS, or RCLS to meet with an elected official to talk about Digital Navigators
• Represent Digital Navigators of the Hudson Valley at NYLA, Net Inclusion, ALA or another related trade conference. (we highly encourage you to submit a proposal for a presentation or lightning round slot!)
• Attend an in-person event if we host one for Digital Navigators

Once all the requirements have been met, your library or organization will receive an investment incentive of $500 to continue the work of a Digital Navigator. If you do not submit requirements by December 31, 2024, the investment incentive will not be granted.

In order for a participant to be successful as a Digital Navigator, participants must have these eight critical skills and aptitudes.

• Active Listening: You can reflect back what clients say so they know you understand them. You can establish a relationship of trust and respect.
• Emotional Intelligence: You have high levels of self-awareness, empathy, and sympathy to others.
• Organization: You are able to prioritize work and schedule client meetings.
• Cultural Competence: You are able to work with diverse clients and are culturally responsive to people from different racial, socio-economic, and ethnic communities.
• Strong Boundaries: The work of digital inclusion is never complete, you are able to look after yourself by having limits when working with clients.
• Empathy: You have the ability to imagine yourself in another person’s situation, which is essential for understanding what they are feeling.
• Communication: You can be clear about the limits of the service you are providing and are able to explain what kind of help you are reasonably able to give.
• Curiosity: Navigators are not expected to be technical experts, but you are expected to be interested in learning along with your clients and competent in finding relevant resources.