Breaking barriers, closing gaps: Connected Nation's bid for a world record

On this episode of Connected Nation, we're talking about Connected Nation's attempt to set a GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS™ title for the "longest internet literacy livestream" a 25-hour global event focused on building essential digital skills. 

We'll discuss how the idea came together, what participants can expect, why digital skills matter, and the impact this effort could have beyond the world record.

Related links:

Connected Nation World Record webpage

Heather Gate LinkedIn

Molly Weiner LinkedIn

Transcript

Jessica Denson (00:07): 

This is Connected Nation, an award-winning podcast focused on all things broadband, from closing the digital divide to improving your internet speeds. We talk technology topics that impact all of us, our families, and our neighborhoods. On today's podcast, we're talking about an ambitious effort that is bringing together digital inclusion advocates, educators, nonprofits, and technology leaders from around the world. Connected Nation is attempting to set a Guinness World Records title for the longest internet literacy livestream, a 25 hour global event designed to help people build the digital skills they need to succeed in today's connected world. We'll discuss how the idea came together, what participants can't expect, why digital skills matter just as much as internet access, and what success would mean for communities far beyond the world record itself. I'm Jessica Denson, and this is Connected Nation. I'm Jessica Denson, and today my guests are two Connected Nation powerhouses, Heather Gate, the Executive Vice President of Digital Transformation, and Molly Weiner, Director of Local and Regional Planning. Welcome, ladies. 

Molly Weiner (01:18):
Thanks, Jessica. Good to be here. 

Jessica Denson (01:22):
Thanks. I'm excited to talk about this. This is something that's been months and months, if not a year in the planning, and I'm excited to share it with the world. Um, before we jump into the world record attempt itself, I'd like for our listeners to learn a little more about each of you. So, Heather, let's start with you, and then Molly, we'll come to you in a moment. Um, Heather, you've spent years leading Connected Nations digital inclusion and adoption efforts. So talk about your role and what drives your pa- passion for this work. 

Heather Gate (01:49):
Thanks, Jess. That's a good starting point. <laugh> I have been with Connected Nation for 20 years now. Uh, for the record, I was 10 when I started. <laugh> 

Jessica Denson (02:00):
Of course. 

Heather Gate (02:01):
So I'm still a spring chicken. And I actually went to college and graduated with a undergraduate and a master's degree in computer science. Uh, so I'm very passionate about technology. And so from a very young age, I realized that technology was a, provided opportunities to people. It's a, it's a, technology's the driver for economic development, but more important, it's a driver for economic opportunity for people. So, um, when I connected with Connected Nation, it was almost a fulfillment of a dream of mine to advance technology without actually becoming a programmer because, you know, you go do a degree in computer science, people think you're gonna go to Silicon Valley <laugh> to write programs and do things like that. My dream was, um, uh, which I stumbled on, was to find a way I could help particularly children have access to opportunity through technology. So that's something that has been a part of pretty much my whole adult life, is how can I leverage technology as it evolves to better people's lives or to at least give them access to a pathway to economic opportunity and a better life or a way of life that they want to live that's powered by technology?
(03:29)
Well, Jessica Denson (03:30):

We're, we're grateful that you took those skills in our direction instead of the Silicon Valley direction. <laugh> And, and Molly, you've worked closely with communities across the country. I know you're located in Texas, you've done a lot with Texas, but you've done more than that and helping plan, uh, for a more connected future all across the country. Share a little bit about your background and your current work at Connected Asian. Molly Weiner (03:55):

Yeah, of course. I come to this work kind of from a little bit of a different way in than Heather. So I've always been, I spent my career in education and nonprofits and kind of no matter where I was working, whether I was a classroom teacher or working kind of on nonprofit policy and advocacy, I kind of over the years always saw how technology played such a big influence on the challenges I was seeing, but also many of the solutions that we were adopting. So even 15 years ago in the classroom, we were, you know, doing one-to-one computer initiatives with our high school students and learning how to bring in technology into the classroom. Then my later work kind of at the Texas legislator working to really help people find access to affordable broadband to help them with their health challenges, with their economic opportunity.
(04:43)
And so I've gotten to spend the last four years here at Connected Nation really getting to marry all that previous work together and focus specifically on kind of how technology can help communities improve their own communities and the lives of the people that live in them. So I get to spend a lot of my time helping local communities think about what their challenges are related to technology, whether it's, uh, challenges with physical infrastructure, connections, or challenges with affordable internet services, services, uh, digital skills, all of that, and then connect them to a lot of the amazing work that Connected Nation does. So making sure that our communities that we work with have access to all the different programs that help people adopt and use the internet. So I get to do a lot of matchmaking in that regard really and getting to make sure that our, our communities know what's available and then have access to things like this marathon we're gonna talk about. Jessica Denson (05:40):

I think it's interesting, you mentioned that you have a diverse, a different background than Heather, but the fact that a lot of people at Connected Nation come from all kinds of walks of life, all kinds of backgrounds, and it comes together in this technology space that really seems to work where we all answer different issues that are, are needed out there. So, and I can tell you folks, I've seen Molly and Heather work together and it is a synergy that will kind of blow your mind. <laugh> Um, uh, you both spend a lot of time thinking about connectivity that affects everyday life. Uh, when you hear the term digital divide today, what does it mean to each of you? And Molly, since you just had the floor, we'll let you start and then Heather, you could answer that question as well. Molly Weiner (06:21):

Sure. I mean, I think when I hear the term digital divide, I think we use it so much that I really think of the kind of people that we work with that, um, with the access to technology and all the in- incredible things that they can do once they have that access. And so I think a lot of, um, the digital divide is kind of buil - bridging that gap between people that are not currently using technology for various reasons, and we can talk about those, and then enabling them to be able to use it in ways that are meaningful to them. So we think a lot, I think at CognNation about what meaningful technology uses and helping people make that transition, whether it's, you know, uh, a grandma that wants to learn how to FaceTime so she can talk to her grandkids or a high school student that wants to access, you know, an, an AP class that's not available at their school and they wanna do it, um, over the internet, right?
(07:16)
Just thinking about ways that you can help bridge gaps and challenges that people are facing so that they can, um, access digital spaces in whichever ways they want. Jessica Denson (07:26):

Great answer. And Heather, uh, how would you really, how do you really view that term now? Heather Gate (07:32):

So I think, you know, the digital divide is very interesting because the digital divide is not something that stays the same. Um, because again, you know, when it comes to digital skills and what you need, what you need today versus what you needed 20 years ago, as far as digital skills is concerned, it's different, right? In terms of speeds, right? Mm-hmm. A lot of things evolve. So the digital divide is ever evolving and it evolves based on the type of technology that we have. Uh, so when they talked about the digital divide, uh, at the very beginning of the internet re - ev- evolution, they were really talking about dial-up, right? It was very, <laugh> it wasn't even high speed. It's like, do you have access to. And then speeds began to change and then broadband came along and then we had fast, faster speeds. The digital divide was different then.
(08:30)
And then what happened? We had the mobile device evolution. The mobile device evolution resulted in people having access to internet via, via their mobile devices. And so guess what happened when that happened? Some people came out and celebrated and said, "Yay, we've solved the digital divide." <laugh> Most people have access to a phone. And now they, you know, the digital divide is solved. And that was not true because - Jessica Denson (08:58):

And then you throw in AI and all that stuff now, right? Yes. Heather Gate (09:01):

Yes. And so today, the digital divide is really around AI, the evolution of AI, you know, making sure people have the skills and the, the skills and the information they need to navigate, um, now in this new world of AI. So again, the bottom line is the digital divide is ever evolving as far, as long as technology's evolving. And the things that organizations like Connected Nation do is making sure that we have the resources and the training and the support that people need to address the digital divide of the time. Jessica Denson (09:41):

Well, that's a, a perfect setup, um, for what we're doing now. The big announcement, you know, let's talk about what Connected Nation is doing. Uh, the, Connected Nation, for those who don't know, is a, is a 501 national nonprofit. Um, we are based in Kentucky, in, uh, Bowling Green is our back offices. Um, but we are about to attempt something pretty incredible. Uh, it's, Connected Nation is attempting to set a Guinness World Records title for, quote, "The longest internet literacy livestream as part of our 25th anniversary celebration. The event is called 25 Hours, One Connected World, of course, 25 Hours for the 25th Anniversary." So let's talk about where this idea came from. And Heather, I know it was from your, um, incredible mind. <laugh> So talk about w- where that, where, what made you decide, "Hey, let's do this." Um, and at, at w- what point did you really say, "Okay, this is not just an idea, this is gonna happen." Heather Gate (10:42):

Well, for me, it was either we have an office party or we do something that's gonna take hours of work. And I decided to go the route of, um. No, but seriously, I thought what could be a meaningful way for us to celebrate 25 years of service. And it occurred to me that we've spent 25 years with, uh, millions of people that have been affected by our work, um, really advancing digital empowerment or digital inclusion. And so I though, what a way to elevate that mission that Connected Nation has had for that time. Then to go to a Guineasbook world record, pursue a record for good, uh, while we're at it, bring the nation together. Oh no, not just the nation, bring the world together to really have a conversation about the importance of digital empowerment and then all the different topics that are around digital empowerment.
(11:44)
So it all came together and I'm fortunate enough to have people like Jessica and Molly who will go down any crazy road I decide to <laugh> want to go. And so together with, uh, a lot of CN staff members, we've really sat down and thought through this idea and said, you know, how do we really elevate this conversation? And how do we bring together organizations that are, uh, similar to us in mission that recognize the importance of technology? And how do we bring awareness not only to the topic at hand, but actually do it while also serving people with some real, real important, hour long training segments? Jessica Denson (12:30):

And Molly, when, when Heather said, "Hey, I've got this idea and I think we can do it." What, what was your reaction and what are some of the first steps that you've taken since? <laugh> Molly Weiner (12:40):

Yeah. I mean, I was all in. I think that's probably why Heather came to me early. <laugh> She knew I'm always game for anything. Um, but no, I think it's a, you have to, especially in, you know, in the non-profit space and in today's world, like you, these things that are exciting, that are interesting, that are different really can draw attention, which is a lot of what we wanna do, is bring attention to the topic of digital empowerment, but it's also go- gonna create really, uh, useful training tools. And I think that's also very exciting about this. So I was all in from the beginning. I like to think of myself as like that first follower who's like, "Yes, Heather, we can do this." <laugh> And, uh, it kind of just
(13:22)
Started running from there. And I mean, I think one of the first things we really did was, uh, kind of start talking about the idea of thinking through it. But I think when we got our first partner to agree to do an hour of training, uh, and it was a pretty easy ask. Like we got excitement - Yes. Immediately when we, you know, went to some of our partners. We were like, "Okay, we can, we can actually do this. We can build out, uh, you know, 25 hours of content and partnerships." And then, then the ideas really started growing from there that we'll talk about. Watch, party, other kinds of things, right? Like once you have kind of the core together, then it really allowed us the freedom to be creative in, in planning this event. Jessica Denson (14:02):

Um, and I'm gonna, I know I usually develop a script for these things, but I'm gonna throw a, a side, uh, an unexpected question at both of you guys. Uh, as you're planning this, what are some of the really aha. I know you just kind of mentioned an aha moment, but like that exciting thing, like, oh my gosh, this is, this is gonna be a training that they're really excited about. Uh, Molly, since you just had the floor, I'll start with you. And then Heather, I would like to also hear from you, what are you really excited about from that day? Molly Weiner (14:29):

I mean, I think I'm really excited about kind of the, the world part aspect of this. Like we've just had such an incredible response from nonprofits and NGOs and other organizations based that are doing incredible work in their own countries and regions and that they're so excited to be a part of this mission and work as well. And I think it's like really, uh, can be both reaffirming and just so important to like build these ties with, with other places and know that kind of we're all working in our own ways to kind of build towards the same kind of connected future, if you want. And so I think that's been, what's been really exciting and energizing, right? It's just like the, the willingness of our partners and especially internationally to fill, um, kind of to really fulfill the mission of making it a, a global event and a global movement. Jessica Denson (15:24):

What about for you, Heather? Heather Gate (15:26):

I think I'm, I'm a little bit similar to Molly. I think that, uh, it's been such an honor and a, and a, and a pleasure to meet with new and old organizations that care so much, that really share our mission. And, uh, are also excited or as, as excited as we are to be part of this. And so I think we have partners in six continents. Think about that. And each one of them is going to talk about their experience. They're opening to, they're open to sharing the things that they've been doing successfully with the rest of the world. So that's really, it's really been a, a positive experience for me to engage with so many different people who understand the underlying mission. And they've been working in their own way to help their own communities. Jessica Denson (16:23):

So let's, let's break that down even further. So we're talk - let's talk about the concept of this. It's gonna start in Louisville, Kentucky, and there's gonna be some, um, when we first launch on, uh, September, uh, 24th, the official record kicks off at 9:00 AM Eastern. And then what happens? We follow the sun? How does it, how does it work, Heather? Heather Gate (16:42):

Yes. So we, as you said, we're starting off in Eastern time in the US. And then over the 25 hours, we will follow the sun westwards. So we will s- s- spend most of the day, uh, in the US daytime going, going west. And then at about 10:00 PM, we will go international from Australia to India, to Africa, to Europe and to Latin America. And so in each one of those, it, uh, hour long segments on different topics that are, um. And so the way that it's lined up from 9:00 to 2:00 AM, we call it the empowerment block. And the empowerment block is mostly targeting US audience. It's the US organization. And the target for those are people in the workforce, seniors and veterans. And then we'll move what we call our children's block. And the children's block is from, um, 3:00 PM Eastern Time when kids start getting out of school.
(17:46)
And that goes until 10:00 PM. But that's because we'll be moving West across the world. So it's always going to be daytime where the training is emanating for. And then we'll go into the international overnight segment. Again, although it'll be overnight in the US, in the countries like Australia, India, Tunisia, it'll be daytime. And so the training will always be in the daytime. That's why we say we're following the sun. And then on the 25th at 9:00 AM Eastern, we will come back to the US and wrap up at 10 o'clock. And then confetti, we will celebrate. <laugh> Jessica Denson (18:27):

Yeah. We will make a, a world record. Yes. Um, now, uh, what are some of the things people are learning, Molly? What, what are some, some skills? This isn't just, this is something that's gonna create long-term or, uh, content, correct? Yeah. No, I think Molly Weiner (18:43):

That's really important, Jessica. Each of these one hour segments are kind of practical hands-on training on digital skills that people can, you know, immediately follow along and listen to and then start practicing and using in their real lives. And so we're, we've got a bunch of different topics we're really excited about. There's going to be several trainings on, like, the different aspects of AI, on how to use it, you know, in basic ways, like how to use your chatbots, how to prompt with it, but also how to stay safe, right? And use it effectively and to know when and when to not use AI or to trust it, right? All of those kinds of pieces that go with it. We're gonna have, in the children's block, like some basic coding and other kind of basic computer programming exercises for kids. Um, we've got, uh, an hour on accessing historical documents and using, you know, the internet to do research and, and things like that.
(19:40)
Keeping yourself safe from scams and online, um, other kind of online dangers. So we've got kind of a wide breadth of, of trainings that, that folks can kind of opt into the topics that will be most interesting to them. And they're all coming from their organizations and their country's own perspective. So we're excited to, you know, keep learning how, what kind of AI training might look like in South America versus Africa and the US, right? And see these different, um, perspectives and responses to some of the digital skills training. Jessica Denson (20:11):

And is it geared to beginners, advanced users, or will it be a mix, you think? Molly Weiner (20:17):

Yeah, I think, um, everything will be kind of for, um, we'll, we're gonna keep it pretty basic, right? So it'll be, uh, anyone can follow along and really understand what the training is about. So we wanna make sure that this training is accessible to everybody that's participating in it. Um, so everyone should be able to follow along. There'll be presenters, they'll have some materials, and it should be accessible to all folks. Jessica Denson (20:42):

I think it's super cool. It's, it's fun to watch you guys. I've been watching from behind you guys put together the list because I'm handling the production side and it's pretty incredible the people that you guys have on tap. I'm really excited. Heather, from your point of view, it's, can, can somebody tune in for the whole time? I mean, other than us being up for 27, 30 hours <laugh>. Uh, uh, should they tune in for one or two hours? How should people decide what sessions to attend? Heather Gate (21:07):

People can sign up, can log in for as long as they want or as short as they want. These are hour long segments that we will begin promoting individually. And so you can choose a topic that interests you. You can come in and come and go in different segments. And we encourage that. Come and watch one and come back later. Um, so it is open. It's open. Everyone's welcome. Um, you just have to invest the time. And, uh, like I said, as soon as we have the schedule, um, we will release it in public and people can identify segments that interest them the most. Jessica Denson (21:43):

Yeah, that's coming this month. So later this month's pretty exciting. Um, you mentioned coming in and out. Let's talk about some of the community participation that we're hoping for. I know some of the, some of the rules we'll get into the definite rules in a minute that Guinness has on us. But let's talk about community participation. What are some ways that people can, um, be a part of this and actually say they were part of a world record attempt? Well, title. We're gonna win the title. I'm sorry. <laugh> Heather Gate (22:12):

Yeah. <laugh> So there's a couple of ways. If you're at home, you can just go to our webpage, which we'll mention later and log in and just watch. It's that simple. You don't have to register. You just have to, to s - uh, to go to the link and click and then you can watch. The other thing that we recommend for organizations that provide access to public access computers and other programs, if you would like to host a watch party, we welcome that. Particularly in communities where you know that, um, people may not have access to high speed internet at home. If you, we welcome any partners that are willing to host a watch party and have people come in and watch. And maybe, you know, this is a good opportunity to, um, motivate some conversations around internet safety and AI. And so we are very much welcoming, um, community organizations to make sure that they enable people in their communities.
(23:12)
Because at the end of the day, these are the people that we are doing this for. And we want to make sure that they have an opportunity to participate. But other than that, if you're at home, you can watch on your phone or you can log in on your computer and, and just follow along throughout the day. Jessica Denson (23:29):

Yeah, it's pretty cool because you could be part of a world record. I mean, it's like legit. Guinness Book of World Records has very succinct rule, very specific rules on this. And truly, if you take part, you can say we're part of this, which is pretty cool. Um, Molly, before I go on to the, the, I wanna go over the rules that Guinness has laid out for us. But before I do, Molly, can you tell me from your point of view, what kinds of organizations are really involved in this? I know you, you mentioned some of them, but, um, at the community level, are they all just, are they all nonprofits or are they all over the place? Are they, um, you know, like, what kind of caliber are we, are we talking about? Molly Weiner (24:09):

Yeah. We are working with, uh, lots of different organizations. And I think, um, kind of the basis for this work is that Connected Nation has done digital skills training for many years in communities and works with a lot of groups like community centers, senior centers, schools, libraries. So you can kind of think of any place, any trusted place in a community where people would physically gather is a good place, is a good candidate to host a watch party. So we've got a senior center that's gonna be tuning in for our hour of training that's specifically geared towards seniors and identifying internet scams, right? We've got, um, uh, one of our Teens Teach Tech teams that is gonna be hosting a party and having folks that they would normally train come and watch, um, watch one of the trainings. So really kind of any, if you're a community organization, if you're a place where people like to gather, then that's a great spot to host this because we, because we know that's where people really do their best kind of learning are in those trusted spaces.
(25:10)
And like Heather said, then it can drive, uh, additional conversations, um, and more discussion about these digital skills. Jessica Denson (25:18):

Yeah. And we've provided a bunch of resources for those groups to promote that they're doing that. Um, if you go to connectedation.org, you could easily, there's usually a pop-up. You can easily get to the, uh, pages that you need, the 25 hours, One Connected World. Um, so I will also include a direct link in the description of this podcast. Now let's talk about the Guinness rules, Heather, what we must do. <laugh> We're gonna have, um, somebody from Guinness on site. I know that, right? But talk about - Yes. Some of the interesting things. They're, they're interesting. They're a challenge. Uh, because it's gotta be tough. It can't be easy. Otherwise, what's the point of a world record, right? <laugh> Heather Gate (25:56):

Yes, yes, yes. Jessica Denson (25:57):

So why don't you share some of the things that we have to make sure that we do? Heather Gate (26:01):

Okay. Because this is a, um, we're going for the longest live stream, we have to remain connected for 25 hours. Now, if we have a technical issue or anything, we have 60 seconds to resolve that issue. The other thing is we have to have 50 people watching at all times. If the number happens to fall before, below 50, we have five minutes to bring that number up. So those are the t- two key things because we're going for the longest digital skills record. And the other, the last thing is that if we have any pre-recorded video-based content, we can only have that be less than 10%. Which, again, because it's the longest live stream, everything needs to be live - <laugh>. With the exception of about 10% of our training content. So those are the things that we're working with. Definitely attendable, but it's a lot, lot of word, a lot, lot of work and a lot of planning to, to Jessica Denson (27:06):

Meet. Also, behind the scenes, there will be witnesses that have to p- prove that we've done what we said we've done. Um, there will be the Guinness person on site. Um, we have to provide all this material after the fact even, correct, Heather? <laugh> It's like, it, it's a lot. Yes. Uh, it's, this is not an easy lift. And so we really need support from people who are interested in learning these different skills from different communities to help us make this happen. There's a lot happening behind the scenes. Um, like I said, this has been almost a year of planning already and we haven't even gotten to September 24th and 25th. Um, uh, partnerships are really what make it possible, which is why I bring that up. Um, uh, for those organizations that maybe aren't involved yet, and we talked about the watch parties, what are there some other ways that they can get involved?
(27:52)
You know, our 25 hours is pretty much filled. So I don't know how much room is still left <laugh> for any teaching, but there are other ways for them to get involved, right, Molly? Molly Weiner (28:02):

Yeah, there are. Again, like you said, hosting a, a watch party in your community is a great way to get involved and to be a part of, of this effort. But we are also working with a lot of our partners that both do kind of this work directly, but also just do other community-based work. And they're helping to promote the event. And that's another great way to support the, the event and the cause and the, the work of expanding access to digital skills training is to make sure that people know about it. And I think that's like one of our big focuses right now is making sure that the word gets out. So any organizations that wanna share, share about this, like you said on the website, there are a lot of materials that make that really easy, but, you know, putting it in your, in your newsletter, sharing it on social media if you see a post or adding your own posts, those kinds of things that just help us kind of expand the world of people that, that learn about this and that can get more information and that can tune in is, is also gonna be really helpful. Jessica Denson (29:01):

Yeah. And I do wanna put out there, Molly and Heather are being, uh, being coy a little bit, but we also will take donations for this because it does cost. It comes with a lot of effort. A lot of our staff is gonna be working on that day, I mean like almost nonstop for 30 hours and weeks, the weeks and months leading up to it. So if you can donate to the cause so we can continue it, there's options up for that as well. Um, beyond, let's talk beyond the record. You know, yeah, we, we make the record longest internet literacy live event of all time. And we've got our 25 hours, our confetti cans go off, and people that take, took part or took a class get to say they were part of this world record. What's beyond that? What, what does success really look like, um, down the road?
(29:44)
I'd love for each of you to, to answer that. And, and Heather, why don't you start us off and then Molly could pick up. Heather Gate (29:50):

Yeah. So while we're doing this 25-hour event, our goal is not for it to be transactional. It's not a one and done. The, We are working very intentionally to create good content, 25 hours of good content. And so after the event, this content will be broken down and recorded and then broken down into these hour long segments that we will continue to share and promote over the next year. And while we are doing, sharing that content, we will continue to have conversations around each individual, uh, topic covered and each individual organization that we worked with. So this is the beginning of something really big for us that we do not intend to be one and done. Do we intend to do another 25 hour or 26 hour? No, but we definitely, as we were having conversations with many different partners that we have, the, one of the questions was, so what do we do next year?
(30:54)
And I said, I'm glad that everyone is thinking long term. I think that next year around the 24th or the 25th, we would probably have some sort of event, maybe a, a summit <laugh> that's one or two hours, but something that continues to keep the conversation going on because we've stumbled on something very important. Like Molly said at the very beginning, we didn't even know how, how willing and excited people would be to be part of this. And so we caught something that we did not en - maybe not envision at the beginning, that we feel like maybe that it's the beginning of something of a, uh, worldwide, um, call to action around digital empowerment that does not end with that one event. So maybe next year, around September, we have another celebration, an acknowledgement and maybe a follow up on those organizations on what they gained from the experience and what they're doing.
(31:57)
Because Jessica Denson (31:57):

Again - I love that. Heather Gate (31:58):

This is great for Connected Nation, but it's also great for the organizations that we're working with as well. Jessica Denson (32:04):

Mm-hmm. And great for the people who get to take these, who can - And great for them. Heather Gate (32:08):

Exactly. Exactly. And yeah. Jessica Denson (32:11):

And for you, Molly, how would you answer that? What do, what does success look like from this and where do you see it down the road? Molly Weiner (32:17):

Yeah, I think everything Heather said is spot on. And, you know, when we've been meeting with old and new partners, like we've talked a lot about all the logistics and everything of their, their training hour. And then we've also been like, oh, and then we could also plug into this program that Connected, Connected Nation has, or Connected Nation could support your work during, um, you know, what, computer science week or all these different like ways that we can continue to, to partner and expand the work, which I think is really exciting. But I'd say the other thing that, but beyond the Guinness record, right? And even when we didn't get it, just thinking about the number of people, like, that are gonna watch the content and, and learn something from it. And I think that's kind of, you know, Connected Nation has a direct digital skills training focus and mission and goals and we, you know, train tens of thousands of people every year and this is a piece of that.
(33:10)
And so thinking about all those individual people that are gonna learn something, try something new, use technology in a new way, um, because of this event and the access that they'll have to it both live and afterward, I think is also, uh, really exciting. Jessica Denson (33:27):

I'm excited as well. The more, every time I see something new on the, uh, schedule that you guys are working on, um, I'm like, "Oh, I can't wait to see that one. I can't wait to see that one. I wonder what I'll learn from that one." So, um, it's something for everybody to learn. I really think, I really think that it's pretty incredible the content that you guys, that you all have put together, you and your teams. Um, before I let you go, what is the one thing you'd like listeners to really remember when it comes to this event? What, is there one thing you'd want them to do or is there one thing that you'd want them to take away from it? Um, uh, M- Molly, I'll let you start this one. And Heather, I'll let you, you get the final word. Molly Weiner (34:07):

Yeah. I think what I hope a message that resonates across kind of each of the individual training segments and kind of the event as the whole, and as I think about all of the partners we work with is that technology can be leveraged to really kind of unite and bring people together, right? That we can learn skills in, in new ways and from new places and that, that the, that this tech, that technology can act, um, not as a divider, but as a uniter or a connector. And so I'm hoping that comes across too, that people feel really included in this. They feel like that they're empowered by the things that they're learning and, um, that they feel like they can use it in positive ways going forward. Jessica Denson (34:54):

And for you, Heather? Heather Gate (34:56):

I think, uh, before I answer your question, I just wanted to, I do wanna, um, end this podcast without acknowledging, um, our sponsors and our collaborators, uh, specifically AT&T's a, a lead collaborator. Um, they, uh, a long partner on our digital skills training, uh, program. So when we approached them about it, they said yes. <laugh> So I'm very appreciative Jessica Denson (35:21):

Of that. They are pretty awesome. Yeah. Heather Gate (35:24):

I'm very appreciative of that. And then also, I'm also appreciative of our awareness partners that have jumped in, uh, including Shelby and, um, OATS by AR - from ARP and many different other organizations that, uh, once we have the full list, you'll be able to see on our website. So I really appreciate it. Uh, in terms of what I want people to learn, I, it's, it's a multi-layered thing. I want our audience to really learn from the segments, right? It's very, very basic. It's very, uh, straightforward. I hope they have an enjoyable experience. We do not want this to be dead by PowerPoint boring content. <laugh> We want it to be exciting. I want them to feel energized and curious and want to go and learn more because in an hour, you're not gonna learn everything, but at least you get something out of it and you're cur- curious enough to dig deeper.
(36:23)
Secondly, I want the organizations to feel encouraged. We've spent the last five, six years working on digital empowerment planning here in the United States, across different states. So we have a lot of information. We know a lot of things. And so I don't want that energy to go away. The energy that brought many organizations together to work on what they can do to get people the skills and the tools they need to move meaningfully. I want to retain that energy. I want to retain that curiosity. I want to retain the need for, uh, corporations to put funding into programs, not just to Connected Nations, but to other nonprofits across the nation that are working really hard to make sure that people have the skills they need to get into the workforce and, and build better communities. And that's not only just for the US, but internationally.
(37:21)
And so, um, yeah. So want people to learn. I want organizations to feel empowered and activated. Jessica Denson (37:28):

I would personally love to see Connected Nation become Connected World. <laugh> I know that this is 25 hours One Connected World. I think it's, it's, um, looking into the future. <laugh> Heather Gate (37:43):

I think that's Jessica Denson (37:44):

Great. Yeah. So is there anything that I missed that either one of you wanna add before I let you go for the day? Heather Gate (37:50):

Well, I also wanna thank you. You are the producer of this event. And that's a big undertaking. So <laugh> - Jessica Denson (37:58):

Yeah, every day I'm like, "I'm so stressed." <laugh> Heather Gate (38:02):

So you, you, you are not only the host with The Mostess, but you are, uh, <laugh> you are a, a force behind this. So I don't wanna leave this podcast without acknowledging you. I don't know if there's like a media thing about Third Wall, but you are <laugh> kind of the force that's gonna, that's gonna help this production go through. So I'm thankful to you. I'm thankful to our leadership, Tom Fari, um, and everyone for letting us be crazy. <laugh> Jessica Denson (38:32):

I think it's awesome. And, you know, in, in broadca - my background for those who don't know is I was a, a broadcast journalist. And, um, <laugh> we call what you and Molly, Molly and Heather are both gonna be moderators for part of this broadcast. And we call you guys talent, by the way. You're the talent. I will be in the control room. <laugh> So you are the talent. Uh, and as you can tell, as I'm sure the audience can tell, they both have great personalities, so tune in. You never know what one of them might say at 2:00 AM. <laugh> So anyway, I appreciate that. That was very nice of you. Um, and I appreciate you both. Uh, thanks again. You know, I will include links, um, for everybody who's listening to this podcast on how to get involved. You should get your kids involved, your friends involved, your family involved, your local community organizations.
(39:19)
How fun and cool will it be to say that you're part of a world record? Um, and that's what we're gonna be doing. We're going to get that title. Um, but we need everybody's support, everybody to get excited, to spread the word, get more people involved, help your local community learn new skills. So we're super excited. Again, Heather and Molly, thank you so much for your time today. Heather Gate (39:41):

Thank you so much. Thank you. We appreciate your time. Jessica Denson (39:49):

Uh, we've been talking with Heather Gate, Executive Vice President of Digital Transformation, and Molly Winer, Director of Local and Regional Planning, both from Connected Nation. The organization is about to attempt to set a Guinness World Records title for the longest internet literacy live stream. I will include links to everything in the description of this podcast, but if you don't find it there, go to connectednation.org and you will find all the details there. I'm Jessica Denson. Thanks for listening to Connected Nation. If you like our show and wanna know more about us, head to connectednation.org or look for the latest episodes on your favorite podcast platform.