Florida NetDay began in October 1996 with a specific, measurable goal: to connect every school in Florida to the Internet (except those buildings to be torn down or retrofitted). The organizers raised over $9 million and wired approximately 1,500 schools. In Florida, NetDay2000 continues the legacy of community involvement with events for donating and refurbishing computers, training teachers, and showcasing school technology.

Communications Experts Bring People Together

Victoria Zepp
Florida NetDay Coordinator
Intermedia Communications
www.intermedia.com/company/philanthropy

NetDay came to Florida through the fourth largest data carrier in the country, Intermedia Communications when they discovered the NetDay web site. Looking for a major educational technology initiative, they went to www.netday.org , clicked on Florida and signed up as the state organizer. They considered wiring schools the beginning.

The group provided communication to reach key players in the project. They created a collateral program; set up a database to monitor schools, sponsors, vendors, and large volunteer groups; and worked with the commissioner of education to send out communiqués to all superintendents and principals. Communication tools to support the project included 800 numbers for information, state-wide conference calls and video satellite panels. They also led efforts raise funds to buy the materials that weren't donated.

Our first corporate partners were our competitors, since they too had major connectivity resources. Together, we met with our Republican Education Commissioner who immediately saw NetDay as a vehicle to accelerate district technology plans, released "Break the Mold" Funds, and gave the department's full support. Upon calling our Democratic Governor's Chief of Staff, we learned they had already passed on participating. I asked him, to let me know how to play this in the press. He said be in my office in 15 minutes. They threw out the red carpet, we did a joint press conference, and launched NetDay-Florida, non-partisan and non-exclusive.
-- Victoria Zepp

Zepp and her colleagues conducted a road show in each county explaining the program to community leaders and school administrators. At one meeting, they presented NetDay , and the group said, "Thanks for sharing, but what do you know about our schools?" Zepp and her colleagues turned it right back on the schools and said, "You're right." They didn't know about the school's specific needs, so they sat back and facilitated a meeting between local community members as they structured their NetDay event.

According to Zepp, they "future paced" the access initiative to overcome resistance. The first step is about wiring, equipment, and access, but the real program begins once the technology is in place with training for teachers, opportunities for students, and life-long learning for adults. They also encouraged participants to customize the program, using their own suppliers and building on existing relationships to accomplish the task.