January 8 Event Detailed Description

Do you need a job? A better job? A new change is coming and we have to prepare because it will change everything - high speed internet across Champaign-Urbana. Computers are now required for most good jobs. If you don't want to be let behind it's time to find out what's going down with technology and the economy.

In the eBlackChampaign-Urbana project we know that the future of our society will involve the use of digital technology in all aspects of our lives. Here in Champaign-Urbana we have the opportunity to come together to ensure that the historically under-served African-American community will get jobs and careers in this new digital society. Come to this event to learn more about some of the educational, career and job opportunities available, and to find ways for community groups to support each other as we move towards the future.**

This three-hour conference will be Saturday, January 8, from 9 a.m. to noon, at Champaign Public Library, Robeson Rooms A&B, 200 W. Green St. All are welcome! No pre-registration is necessary and refreshments will be served.

At 9 a.m. economic leaders from the two cities, from Parkland Community College and from the University of Illinois will lead a discussion on economic development, jobs and technology.

After a break with light refreshments, at 10 a.m. we will have break-out conversations on technology and: religious institutions, social services, youth and media/memory. These break-out conversations are follow-ups from the November 5-6 campus-community symposium. The audio and video from the November 5-6 Symposium event is available online for free for review: http://eblackcu.net/portal/schedule. We need to find ways to work together to enable everyone to make productive uses of technology!

At 11 a.m. we will bring the conversation back to a large group discussion on the next steps. What do we have to do to make sure our community will receive the jobs that already exist, and that will be created, which require technological skills? How can we work together to productively embed technology into all aspects of our lives and community institutions for the betterment of everyone?

Event co-sponsored by: NAACP - Champaign County; Urbana-Champaign Independent Media Center; C-U Citizens for Peace and Justice; Champaign Cty. Black Chamber of Commerce; Champaign City Council Member Will Kyles. All local groups can cosponsor this event. Contact us for details.

More details on event at: http://eblackcu.net/portal/symposium

**If you are looking for a job please leave a resume with us or fill out an application at the January 8 event. We need to gather the resumes of our underserved community so that when jobs are created we can make sure local community members are in the running for the positions.