http://www.pic.tv/front-seat-chronicles

 One Economy Corporation announced the release of a new online video series that addresses some difficult social challenges and connects viewers to resources to help navigate similar situations in real life.  Front Seat Chronicles tackles issues related to unemployment, divorce, veterans returning from war, domestic violence, and much more.

“Front Seat Chronicles is part of a collection of online programming the we create and aggregate that addresses issues specific to populations in greatest need in this country,” said David Saunier, President of One Economy. “Content such as this, not only helps fill a content void that exists in mainstream programming for these audiences, but also helps engage them to focus on topics in their own lives that, when addressed, can have significant positive impacts on key social outcomes.”

The series is featured on One Economy’s Public Internet Channel (PIC.TV) and consists of 20, three to five minute episodes, each focused on a challenging conversation between two people.  A new episode will be released every Tuesday on PIC.TV, accompanied by a discussion guide, an interactive blog and other compelling resources.

“We want to give people a way of knowing that they’re not alone in facing these very real and difficult issues.  More importantly, we hope that our audience will use these videos as a catalyst for discussion and motivation to make a positive change in their lives,” said One Economy’s Executive Producer of the series, Mohammed Bilal.

The discussion guides supplied with each episode point viewers to specific pages on One Economy’s Beehive (www.thebeehive.org) as well as other relevant resources across the web. The Beehive is an easy-to-use website that connects people with local resources, relevant information and public services that will help them improve their lives and make more informed decisions.

Front Seat Chronicles was created in association with Feinman Productions.  The series was inspired by a short story concept written by Mohammed Bilal, and was developed by Bilal, Allen Sowelle, and Josh Feinman. Several different writers and directors contributed episodes to this web series, making it a truly unique team effort. The first three episodes “I Didn’t Get It”, “Story of my Life”, and “I’ll Talk About You” deal with unemployment, divorce, and cancer and how to cope with each of these issues.

About One Economy
One Economy is a global non-profit organization that has been at the forefront of using innovative approaches to deliver the power of technology and information to low-income people. More than 22 million people have used One Economy’s online tools and resources to build better lives. To date, One Economy has launched on-the-ground programs in 42 U.S. states, Africa, Europe, Latin America and the Middle East. Learn more at www.one-economy.com.

About the Public Internet Chanel (PIC.TV)
The Public Internet Channel (http://pic.tv) is a public-purpose network of writers, bloggers, producers and directors and provides free videos and tools to help viewers live a better life.  The network has a history of tackling tough social issues impacting our country, including the struggles of single moms, childhood obesity and gang violence.

The Public Internet Channel is a product of One Economy Corporation, a global non-profit that works to make sure all people, regardless of income and location, can maximize the power of technology and information.  To learn more visit www.one-economy.com.

MyFreeTaxes Program, Offering Eligible Taxpayers Free Tax Preparation in 2012

 The following statements reference the Walmart Foundation’s donation of $4.35 million to United Way Worldwide, One Economy and the National Disability Institute’s Real Economic Impact Tour to provide free tax filing services to eligible Americans nationwide, along with Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), SNAP and WIC eligibility education.

 The MyFreeTaxes program, which launched this morning, is expected to help return an estimated $1.75 billion in total tax refunds, credits and tax preparation fee savings to eligible taxpayers this year.

—

“In this challenging economic climate, we know there are a lot of families who struggle to have their taxes prepared, which can sometimes costs hundreds of dollars. Many of these same families are missing out on substantial tax credits because they don’t know they’re eligible for them.

“We’re proud of our collaborative program to offer eligible tax filers free tax preparation as well as critical information about claiming their Earned Income Tax Credit. Millions of Americans will be eligible for the savings we offer through this program, which we hope will help ease the day-to-day financial pressures many of them are facing.”

— Michelle Gilliard, Senior Director, Walmart Foundation

“Our partnership with the MyFreeTaxes program is a win for taxpayers. By providing free tax preparation and filing assistance to eligible individuals and families nationwide we’re bringing people into the tax system and educating them about their rights and options. At the same time, we’re making a difference for taxpayers by helping them access vital tax credits and an array of financial education and asset building opportunities.”

— Peggy Bogadi, Commissioner, Wage & Investment Division,

Internal Revenue Service (IRS)

MyFreeTaxes Background and Filing Details:

For most taxpayers earning less than $57,000 per year, the Walmart Foundation’s $4.35 million grant in support of the MyFreeTaxes program will:

• Fund 100 United Way led, community-based tax preparation efforts at Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) sites. For specific eligibility information, and to find a local site, dial 2-1-1;

• Support MyFreeTaxes.com, operated by One Economy, which provides free online self-tax preparation and details on in-person IRS-certified, volunteer tax prep assistance in 20 cities through MyFreeTaxes mobile vans. To file online, review eligibility requirements and see the most current mobile van schedule, visit www.MyFreeTaxes.com;
• Support the National Disability Institute’s Real Economic Impact Tour which is aimed at providing free tax preparation and filing assistance, along with other asset building strategies, to eligible low-income persons with disabilities. Visit www.realeconomicimpact.org to learn more.

In addition to the tax preparation services offered by the MyFreeTaxes program partners, taxpayers will also have access to eligibility information about the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) as well as SNAP and WIC benefits. Consumers can also calculate their EITC benefits via mobile device by visiting: http://bit.ly/mytaxbackapp.

Key Data Points:

• Since 2009, the MyFreeTaxes program has helped more than 3 million taxpayers file free tax returns, resulting in more than $4 billion in federal income tax refunds, $1 billion in Earned Income Tax Credits and $620.5 million in tax preparer fee savings. It has also helped more than 420,000 taxpayers with disabilities file their returns.

• Of the 135 million U.S. taxpayers in 2011, 80 million reported adjusted gross incomes of $50,000 or under. Many of those taxpayers were eligible for a number of tax credits that often go unclaimed. The MyFreeTaxes program is expected to help return more than $1.75 billion in total tax refunds, credits and tax preparation fee savings to eligible families nationwide.

###

About Philanthropy at Walmart
Walmart and the Walmart Foundation are proud to support initiatives that are helping people live better around the globe. In May 2010, Walmart and its Foundation made a historic pledge of $2 billion through 2015 to fight hunger in the U.S. The Walmart Foundation also supports education, workforce development, environmental sustainability, and health and wellness initiatives. To learn more, visit www.walmartfoundation.org

About United Way
UnitedWay is a worldwide network in 41 countries and territories, including more than 1,200 local organizations in the U.S. It advances the common good, creating opportunities for a better life for all by focusing on the three key building blocks of education, income and health. United Way recruits people and organizations who bring the passion, expertise and resources needed to get things done. LIVE UNITED® is a call to action for everyone to become a part of the change. For more information about United Way, please visit:www.LIVEUNITED.org.

About One Economy
OneEconomyCorporation is a global nonprofit organization that uses innovative approaches to deliver the power of technology and information to low-income people. More than 20 million people have used One Economy’s online tools and resources, including public-purpose media at www.pic.tv, to build better lives. Learn more at www.one-economy.com.

About National Disability Institute’s Real Economic Impact Tour
NationalDisability Institute (NDI) is national non-profit organization dedicated to building a better economic future for people with disabilities. The first national organization committed exclusively to championing economic empowerment, financial education, asset development and financial stability for all persons with disabilities, National Disability Institute effects change through public education, policy development, training, technical assistance and innovative initiatives such as the RealEconomicImpact (REI) Tour, which brings tax and financial education for people with disabilities to more than 100 cities nationwide. To learn more, visit www.realeconomicimpact.org.

January 17, 2012 — Today, One Economy Corporation launched Urban Organic, a health and lifestyle show featuring best-selling author, vegan soul chef and eco-preneur, Bryant Terry. In partnership with One Bay Creative, the show explores the crossroads of food and freedom, detailing ways that everyday Americans can live healthier lives by growing, harvesting and eating local food.

“At One Economy, we understand how important it is to provide relevant online content and programming that will help people in low-income communities make more informed decisions and improve the quality of their life.  Urban Organic fulfills that exact mission,” said David Saunier, President of One Economy. “This original new series will equip individuals with the knowledge they need to improve the nutrition of their family and their community.”

The Urban Organic series will be featured on One Economy’s Public Internet Channel. There will be three, five to seven minutes episodes that will debut every other week for six weeks. The series will focus on how to grow food in an urban setting where grocery stores and local farming is scarce.

“The Urban Organic web series is really about giving low-income families the information they need to become more self-sufficient and to make healthy eating choices,” said Mohammed Bilal, Executive Producer at One Economy. “We’re bringing the urban farming movement to low-income communities in a way that will inspire them to take action.”

The series will feature cutting-edge chefs, urban farmers and social innovators who are bringing urban agriculture to the low-income neighborhoods that need them most.

About One Economy and the Public Internet Channel
The Public Internet Channel (http://pic.tv) is a public-purpose network of writers, bloggers, producers and directors and provides free videos and tools to help viewers live a better life.  The network has a history of tackling tough social issues impacting our country, including the struggles of single moms, childhood obesity and gang violence.

The Public Internet Channel is a product of One Economy Corporation, a global non-profit that works to make sure all people, regardless of income and location, can maximize the power of technology and information.  To learn more visit www.one-economy.com.

About Bryant Terry
Bryant Terry is a chef, food justice activist, author of three books, and host of Urban Organic, a multi-episode web series. His interest in cooking, farming, and community health can be traced back to his childhood in Memphis, Tennessee, where his grandparents inspired him to grow, prepare, and appreciate good food. Bryant completed the chef’s training program at the Natural Gourmet Institute for Health and Culinary Arts in New York City. He holds an M.A. in American History from New York University and a B.A. with honors in English from Xavier University of Louisiana. From 2008 to 2010, Bryant was a fellow of the Food and Society Policy Fellows Program. Bryant was recently made guest appearances on the Martha Stewart Show and Emeril Green. He lives and creates in Oakland, California, with his wife and daughter.
About Team OBC
One Bay Creative is an Oakland Bay Area based company born from our desire to create meaningful work though compelling storytelling for both our original content and for our clients. Khamisi Norwood developed the concept for Urban Organic along with Max Landes, Judd Flemming and Bryant Terry.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Reflecting on its 11-year history of success and industry leadership, Rey Ramsey, chairman of the One Economy Board of Directors, today announced the organization will take strategic steps to position it for the future. This includes a renewed emphasis on three strategic areas: its international work through One Global Economy, the groundbreaking Connect to Compete initiative and cutting-edge multi-media and technology applications.

To lead this work, the Board has named David Saunier to serve as President of One Economy. Saunier has been with One Economy since its founding, most recently as Senior Vice President of Media.

“As a co-founder of One Economy, no one is in a better position than David to lead One Economy into a future that builds upon our past success and stays true to our original mission,” said Ramsey. “Over the past decade, more of our issues have gained more national prominence, but the challenges to broadband adoption have evolved. We believe it is time for One Economy to pivot on its past success and once again step up and develop innovative solutions that continue to use technology to inform and educate people around the world, especially in low-income and disadvantaged communities.”

One Economy will continue to emphasize innovation with a core focus on multi-media and technology applications designed to reach low-income people with vital content in three key areas: education, health and employment.

In addition, One Global Economy will function as an affiliated nonprofit. One Global Economy will continue to be led by Moustafa Mourad and will allow One Economy to continue to reach new countries and to expand on the work it has already established in Africa, Europe, Latin America and the Middle East.

One Economy’s newest initiative, Connect to Compete (C2C), will continue to remain a key focus area for the nonprofit, working in close collaboration with the FCC and public and private-sector partners. Kelley Dunne, who has served as President and CEO of One Economy this past year, will now work exclusively to develop plans for C2C, maximizing his background in broadband infrastructure.

As part of C2C’s efforts, One Economy’s Access Services division will become a distinct entity, aligned with and supported by One Economy, and focused on providing affordable internet solutions to low income housing and communities.

This action-oriented model has a proven record of success, most clearly demonstrated in One Economy’s flagship Digital Connectors program. In partnership with Comcast, One Economy developed a 21st century technology training program for young people from low-income backgrounds, who then share what they learn within their own communities. By year’s end more than 6,000 youth will have given more than 200,000 hours of community service and will have trained 160,000 people. The highly successful Digital Connectors program will remain in operation under this new model.

“From our roots in a basement in Washington, D.C., to all that we have accomplished today, I am humbled the Board has entrusted me with the leadership of One Economy,” said Saunier. “I am honored to continue to serve this incredible organization I have been a part of for the past eleven years.”

About One Economy

One Economy is a global nonprofit organization that uses innovative approaches to deliver the power of technology and information to low-income people.  More than 20 million people have used One Economy’s online tools and resources, including The Beehive (www.thebeehive.org) and the Public Internet Channel (www.pic.tv), to build better lives.  One Economy has launched on-the-ground programs in 42 U.S. states, Africa, Asia, Europe, Latin America and the Middle East. The Digital Connectors program is one of One Economy’s education initiatives that deliver 21^st century technology training to young people from low-income backgrounds, who then share what they learn within their own communities.  By year’s end more than 6,000 youth will have given more than 200,000 hours of community service and will have trained 160,000 people. Learn more at www.one-economy.com.

Contact: Jennifer Schell
Phone: 703-741-7054
jschelljschell #AT# golinharris.com@golinharris.com

ONE ECONOMY HIGHLIGHTS EDUCATION AND TECHNOLOGY AT GALA HONORING DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION SECRETARY AND AT&T CHAIRMAN AND CEO 

Gala Includes Expo of Innovative Education Technology

Washington, D.C. – Global nonprofit One Economy featured the role of technology in improving education at its annual Gala held at the Newseum last night with an awards program honoring visionary leaders and outstanding student achievement in technology and education. Top awards were given to AT&T Chairman and CEO Randall Stephenson and U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan. Following the awards program, some of the top technology companies and education organizations provided guests with the first public views of the latest technology designed to improve educational outcomes at the interactive Edu-Tech Expo.

“Education is the essential ingredient for joining the economic mainstream and One Economy is deepening its commitment to utilizing technology as an instrument to improve education outcomes,” said Rey Ramsey, Co-Founder and Chairman of the Board, One Economy Corporation. “We’re delighted to honor visionary leaders in government, business and youth leadership.”

Mr. Ramsey presented the first-ever One Economy Corporate Digital Leadership Award to AT&T Chairman and CEO Randall Stephenson for AT&T’s pioneering effort in broadband adoption, launching the first and largest residential broadband adoption program and the company’s tireless commitment to improving education. In November 2006, AT&T and One Economy forged a partnership to provide affordable access, content, and training. AT&T understood the support and resources that people, families and students need to be successful. Over the past five years, AT&T and the AT&T Foundation have pledged more than $37 million in contributions and grants to One Economy, including funding for the AT&T AccessAll program that connected 50,000 low-income households to critical economic resources.

“AT&T and One Economy have a common vision, that broadband is a powerful economic tool, which should be available to all Americans and AT&T is proud to help,” said Randall Stephenson, Chairman and CEO, AT&T. “I especially want to commend One Economy for using broadband to enhance the education we provide our children. The best way for America to out-compete and out-innovate the rest of the world is to expand digital opportunity.”

U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan accepted the Metcalfe Digital Opportunity Award for his leadership in implementing technology programs, practices and policies that are addressing challenges facing many schools, students, educators and families, and ensuring that students from low-income households can compete on an even playing field. The award is named for Jane Metcalfe, founder of WIRED magazine and a founding One Economy Board Member. The award recognizes leadership in the democratization of technology and the Internet.

“Improving education is key to lifting our children and families out of poverty and producing a future workforce that will strengthen our economy,” said Duncan. “Education is the civil rights issue of our time, and technology is an essential tool to provide equity and excellence in the nation’s schools.”

One Economy also recognized the achievement of a high school senior from Trenton, New Jersey, Dennisse Calle with the Lisa Y. Sullivan Award. After enrolling in Digital Connectors, One Economy’s youth technology and leadership program sponsored by Comcast, Calle is using technology to help her community and plans to study medicine. Comcast is the largest supporter of the Digital Connectors program. The award is named in memory of founding One Economy Board Member, Lisa Y. Sullivan who was a tireless advocate for youth.

“Denisse is an example of the need for technology in shaping our future and is the motivation for government, corporate and community leaders to fully invest in improving education,” said Ben Hecht, Vice Chairman of the Board, One Economy, who presented the award. “I am confident that what we have accomplished in our careers will pale in comparison to this next generation. Her achievements are truly inspiring and give us all great confidence in the future leadership of this country.”

EDU-TECH EXPO

Following the awards program, AT&T, Common Sense Media, Discovery Education, Google, Kajeet for Education, Footsteps to Brilliance, Great Schools, Microsoft, NASA, Sprout and TV Textbook showcased some of the latest technology designed to improve education as part of the Edu-Tech Expo. Attendees were able to try the latest interactive tools.

Expo highlights  included: Study Buddy, sponsored by AT&T, a peer to peer online math tutoring program, where guests chatted live and received simulated tutoring from actual teachers; Microsoft showcased yet to be released math and reading games developed for the Kinect for Xbox 360 with Sesame Street and National Geographic, Common Sense Media showed parent programming on subjects such as cyberbullying; Google unveiled Chromebooks and Google Apps for Education, a suite of communication and collaboration tools; Footsteps to Brilliance demonstrated its breakthrough early learning platform that utilizes mobile gaming  technology; Great Schools featured the latest in mobile tools that help parents support their child’s education; NASA showcased distance learning tools and articles from its space program; Sprout highlighted interactive online programming for pre-school children; and TV Textbook spotlighted its interactive digital learning resources.

Discovery Education, a division of Discovery Communications, featured a K-8 Science Techbook, a new interactive digital textbook for elementary and middle schools. Discovery Education and SCIENCE, a Discovery network, will be partnering with One Economy to provide an engaging collection of multimedia resources highlighting STEM topics including dynamic video clips and lessons to support teaching and learning of science, technology, engineering and math.

AT&T was the title sponsor of the 2011 Gala. Additional sponsors included:

Gold level sponsors: Time Warner Cable, Knight Foundation

Silver level sponsors: Comcast, Discovery Education, Google, Lightsquared and Microsoft.

Bronze Level Sponsors: Allstate, Cricket Communications, Morgan Stanley, NCTA, US Telecom, Walmart.

Additional sponsors include: August II Productions, Charter, Golin Harris, Hogan Lovells, Kevin Jones, Kenny McWilliams, Local Initiatives Support Corporation, Mehlman Vogel Castagnetti Inc., Owens Corning, and T Mobile.

About One Economy

                  One Economy is a global nonprofit organization that uses innovative approaches to deliver the power of technology and information to low-income people.  More than 20 million people have used One Economy’s online tools and resources, including The Beehive (www.thebeehive.org) and the Public Internet Channel (www.pic.tv), to build better lives.  One Economy has launched on-the-ground programs in 42 U.S. states, Africa, Asia, Europe, Latin America and the Middle East. The Digital Connectors program is one of One Economy’s education initiatives that deliver 21^st century technology training to young people from low-income backgrounds, who then share what they learn within their own communities.  By year’s end more than 6,000 youth will have given more than 200,000 hours of community service and will have trained 160,000 people. Learn more at www.one-economy.com.

1,500 Households Receive Free Internet, Technology Training and Online Tools

October 14, 2011 Chicago, IL — Alderman Joann Thompson (Ward 16) joined One Economy, AT&T, Mercy Housing Lakefront residents, community and corporate leaders for the launch of a federally funded broadband opportunity initiative in Chicago. We Are Now Connected, a campaign led by global nonprofit One Economy, will bring free high-speed Internet access, digital literacy training, technical support, online programs and resources to 1,600 underserved households in Chicago.

“One Economy was founded with the vision to ensure that every person, regardless of income, could tap into the power of technology to improve their lives,” said Kelley Dunne, President and CEO, One Economy Corporation. “With the commitment of the U.S. government and the full engagement of our country’s political, corporate and community leaders, we can break down the barriers to broadband adoption and maximize broadband opportunities.”

In total, 1,600 Mercy Housing Lakefront households will benefit from this federally funded initiative. Some residents in 13 Mercy Housing Lakefront properties across Chicago will also receive refurbished computers through One Economy’s partnership with PC Rebuilders and Recyclers (PCRR).

The event today included remarks from residents and community leaders, including Alderman JoAnn Thompson, Ward 16. Participants also had the opportunity to tour the new Community Technology Center at Mercy Housing Lakefront’s Englewood Apartments.

The We Are Now Connected broadband initiative is being funded through a $28.5 million grant from the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Broadband Technology Opportunity Program. The grant will allow One Economy to bring affordable access, digital literacy training and online content to the District of Columbia and 31 states over the next 18 months.

“We Are Now Connected is not just about Internet access, but about helping residents learn how to use broadband to find a job, access healthcare information, manage finances, and improve their quality of life,” said Felix Matlock, Vice President of Mercy Housing Lakefront at the Englewood Apartments. “This initiative will not only help the individual residents, but it will help stimulate and strengthen the Englewood community and the entire city.”

As part of its Recovery and Reinvestment Act, the U.S. Government recognized the vital role of
broadband in economic development and appropriated 7.2 billion towards broadband
expansion. Based on successful broadband adoption programs launched nationwide by One
Economy over the past ten years, the government awarded the global nonprofit with one of the
largest grants for broadband adoption. One Economy received the grant in partnership with the
Broadband Opportunity Coalition, a group of the country’s leading civil rights organizations, and
is supplementing the grant with $23 million in private sector matching support. AT&T provided
the largest corporate match.

“AT&T is delighted to partner with One Economy and Mercy Housing Lakefront to open a new
world of opportunity to families and individuals across Chicago,” Kim McCullough, Director of
External Affairs at AT&T said. “We are committed to working together to provide access to the
technology and the digital literacy training individuals need to succeed.

About One Economy
One Economy is a global non-profit organization that has been at the forefront of using
innovative approaches to deliver the power of technology and information to low-income people.
More than 17 million people have used One Economy’s online tools and resources to build
better lives. To date, One Economy has launched on-the-ground programs in 42 U.S. states,
Africa, Europe, Latin America and the Middle East.

Learn more at www.one-economy.com.

Partners Include Leading Corporations, Nonprofits and Foundations

October 12, 2011 Washington DC — The Federal Communications Commission along with One Economy announced Connect to Compete, a national private and nonprofit sector partnership created to increase broadband adoption and digital literacy training in disadvantaged communities throughout the United States. The initiative is designed to help residents improve outcomes in education, health, and employment through broadband opportunities and technology solutions.

FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski praised One Economy as being “a leading and respected nonprofit focusing on digital inclusion” before announcing that the Connect to Compete initiative will be housed within One Economy. Connect to Compete will bring together a cross-industry collaborative of for-profit and nonprofit organizations, and an advisory board made up of leaders from those organizations and of other experts will help to guide its efforts.

The Connect to Compete partnership seeks to overcome the top obstacles to broadband adoption, including digital literacy, relevance and cost. The program delivers on the vision of the FCC National Broadband Plan to narrow the digital divide.

“We have never had a time where technology, policy and unprecedented need and opportunity have aligned to enable something that could be truly extraordinary,” said Kelley Dunne President and CEO of One Economy. “We are very honored to take a leadership role in continuing to make this dream a reality for all Americans and to create a network of digital inclusion and opportunity by focusing in on the neighborhoods that we are carving in versus carving out and creating digital opportunity where the digital divide used to reside.”

Connect to Compete partners include some of most influential corporations, nonprofits, think-tanks, philanthropic foundations along with key federal, state, and local government entities. These partners include Microsoft, Monster, Discovery Education, Sesame Street, The Knight Foundation, and other leading nonprofit and private sector partners. Connect to Compete will continue to expand its partnerships and encourage leaders to support this groundbreaking campaign and welcomes new participants.

To find out more about Connect to Compete and see the full partner list, please visit Connect2Compete.org

ABOUT ONE ECONOMY:

One Economy is a global non-profit that uses innovative approaches to deliver the power of technology and information to low-income people. More than 19 million people have used One Economy’s online tools and resources on its Public Internet Channel (www.pic.tv) and The Beehive (www.beehive.org ) to build better lives. To date, One Economy has launched on the ground programs in 42 U. S. states, Africa, Europe, Latin America and the Middle East.

September 30, 2011 Washington DC – Karla Ballard, One Economy’s Chief of Strategy Development for Media and National Partnerships, has been appointed to the FCC’s Federal Advisory Committee on Diversity for Communications in the Digital Age. The Committee’s mission is to advise the FCC about policies and practices that will contribute to the diversity of industries regulated by the Commission. In addition to providing recommendations for adding diversity to the telecommunications industry, the Committee will focus on exploring ways to ensure universal access and adoption of broadband. “The role of the FCC’s Diversity Committee is so crucial in this time where access to technology is inextricably linked to economic opportunity” said Ballard. “I am honored to be included on the Committee and look forward to continuing the important work of promoting inclusion in media and broadband adoption.” Ballard is also the Managing Director of Broadband Opportunity Coalition, a partnership of this country’s leading civil rights organizations that recognize the importance of bringing digital opportunities to minority communities. This historic alliance has joined together with One Economy to overcome barriers to adoption of technology in communities of color.

The Diversity Committee is comprised of leaders and experts from non-profits, corporations, as well as from other sectors of government. Former FCC Chairman Michael Powell formed the Diversity Committee in 2003 to advise on ways to encourage more inclusion of women and minorities in the telecommunications and related industries.
For more information on Karla Ballard, visit: http://www.one-economy.com/node/1058/

ONE ECONOMY is a global non-profit organization that uses innovative approaches to deliver the power of technology and information to low-income people. More than 19 million people have used One Economy’s online tools and resources including public-purpose media at www.pic.tv to build better lives. Learn more at www.one-economy.com. To date, One Economy has launched on-the-ground programs in 42 U.S. states, Africa, Asia, Europe, Latin America and the Middle East

September 18, 2011 Cape Town, South Africa – During a panel at Highway Africa, Moustafa Mourad, President of One Economy’s global division, One Global Economy, introduced a new initiative called the Community Knowledge Center’s Local Journalists program. The program, made possible by the support of Cisco , is designed to engage aspiring writers from the community surrounding Community Knowledge Centers (CKCs) to create locally relevant content through training and support. The articles written by local journalists will be published on one of several MyCKC websites, which are online websites for the Cisco- supported CKCs throughout South Africa, increasing the local relevance, sustainability and reach of the information available at each center. Similar centers are located in Kenya, Ethiopia, and Mexico.

Local journalists will receive training on subjects ranging from editing skills and ethical concerns to the business aspects of journalism, as well as technical support free of charge. For their participation in the training program, participants will receive Community Knowledge Center Journalists certificates, which they can feature on their resumes.

Highway Africa is the largest gathering of African journalists in the world. The annual conference covers issues related to journalism and new media. Mourad spoke on a panel discussing trends in digital technology and innovation. Also discussed during the conference was the wider scope of One Economy’s work in South Africa, throughout the continent, and around the globe. The Local Journalists program is the latest in One Global Economy’s Cisco-funded work with Community Knowledge Centers in sub-Saharan Africa. Together with partners Appleseeds Academy and Inveneo, One Global Economy provides online content and technical and online training support to help local centers enable residents access to information and opportunities.

The Local Journalists program aims to bridge the digital divide so that more people can take part in writing and sharing their stories, and in so doing, shaping the futures of their communities. In addition, other One Economy global initiatives provide information ecosystems through online and mobile platforms, as well as digital literacy training, support and capacity-building for physical computer centers, and targeted entrepreneurship training and content to enable people in developing countries to more effectively manage their own businesses

ONE ECONOMY is a global non-profit organization that uses innovative approaches to deliver the power of technology and information to low-income people. More than 19 million people have used One Economy’s online tools and resources including public-purpose media at www.pic.tv to build better lives. Learn more at www.one-economy.com. To date, One Economy has launched on-the-ground programs in 42 U.S. states, Africa, Asia, Europe, Latin America and the Middle East.

September 8, 2011 GREENSBORO, NC — One Economy Corporation, AT&T, Affordable Housing Management, Inc., and CAHEC announced today the launch of a groundbreaking broadband initiative to bring three-years of free internet services, digital training, technical support and other broadband benefits to every resident at Windhill and Windhill Court apartment community, a 124 unit affordable housing complex in Greensboro. The program helps residents access life enhancing online resources to improve their finances, education and health.

“When One Economy was founded ten years ago, it was our vision to ensure that every person in the United States and globally, regardless of income, could tap into the power of technology to improve their lives”, said Sonja Murray, Senior Vice President, One Economy Corporation. “Thanks to our invaluable partnership with AT&T and the commitment of local government, community, and education leaders, we are one step closer to making that vision a reality”.

One Economy and AT&T launched North Carolina’s first broadband initiative of this kind in Raleigh, North Carolina in 2009. Today’s launch is the third in the state and is part of a nationwide effort to bring broadband access, training and services to underserved communities.

Additionally, One Economy, working hand-in-hand with local communities, currently provides broadband access, digital literacy and local online programming and resources in Bertie County, Durham, Greene County, Raleigh and Winston Salem.

“The availability of broadband technology can impact lives and families by expanding educational opportunities, stimulating new jobs and encouraging civic engagement”, said Venessa Harrison, External Affairs Director, AT&T North Carolina. “AT&T is excited to work with One Economy and other partners in helping bring the promise of broadband to the families here at Windhill. We live in a world full of possibilities and broadband can help make the possible become reality”.

In addressing local needs and challenges in bringing affordable access, training and broadband services to Greensboro’s Windhill community, One Economy engaged an unprecedented group of public school officials, government agencies, and corporations in a participatory process. With AT&T and other local leaders, in addition to three years of free Internet services and digital literacy training, residents will have access to local digital programming, resources and tools via a community website, http://greensboronc.thebeehive.org/.

Imagine living your day to day lives with no Internet access? Unfortunately many residents cannot afford Internet and the life changing benefits it brings, said David Levy of Affordable Housing Management, Inc. Broadband and technology are essential to a good education, improved health and financial security. This broadband initiative will have a profound impact on our residents.

About AT&T
AT&T Inc. (NYSE:T) is a premier communications holding company. Its subsidiaries and affiliates – AT&T
operating companies – are the providers of AT&T services in the United States and around the world.
With a powerful array of network resources that includes the nation’s fastest 3G network, AT&T is a
leading provider of wireless, Wi-Fi, high speed Internet and voice services. A leader in mobile broadband,
AT&T also offers the best wireless coverage worldwide, offering the most wireless phones that work in the
most countries. It also offers advanced TV services under the AT&T U-verseSM and AT&T │DIRECTVSM
brands. The company’s suite of IP-based business communications services is one of the most advanced
in the world. In domestic markets, AT&T Advertising Solutions and AT&T Interactive are known for their
leadership in local search and advertising. In 2010, AT&T again ranked among the 50 Most Admired
Companies by FORTUNE® magazine.

Additional information about AT&T Inc. and the products and services provided by AT&T subsidiaries and
affiliates is available at http://www.att.com. This AT&T news release and other announcements are
available at http://www.att.com/newsroom and as part of an RSS feed at www.att.com/rss. Or follow our
news on Twitter at @ATTNews. Find us on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/ATT to discover more about
our consumer and wireless services or at www.Facebook.com/ATTSmallBiz to discover more about our
small business services.

About One Economy
One Economy is a global non-profit organization that has been at the forefront of using innovative
approaches to deliver the power of technology and information to low-income people. More than 17
million people have used One Economy’s online tools and resources to build better lives. To date, One
Economy has launched on-the-ground programs in 42 U.S. states, Africa, Europe, Latin America and the
Middle East. Learn more at www.one-economy.com.

About CAHEC
Headquartered in Raleigh, CAHEC is a nonprofit tax credit syndicator that helps develop and foster
healthy neighborhoods by raising equity capital and investing in affordable rental housing and community
revitalization projects throughout the Southeast and mid-Atlantic region. CAHEC also provides capital
through a series of Community Investments that empower residents, promote the development of
ownership housing, and foster sustainability within the community. CAHEC provided project financing for
the Windhill and Windhill Court apartment community and granted funding to this broadband initiative.

About Affordable Housing Management
Affordable Housing Management, Inc. (AHM), located in Greensboro, is a nonprofit organization
established in 1970. AHM focuses on developing and managing apartment complexes affordable to lowmoderate
income households. Properties are financed through various federal, state, city programs and
private entities. AHM’s development and management experience includes purchase and major
rehabilitation, new construction, fee management and properties acquired through donation. AHM assists
its residents with forming and maintaining resident associations and provides various health, financial,
career and home buying workshops. Additionally, AHM offers its residents Education/Career
scholarships to assist residents who choose to further their career training or education. AHM through the Windhill and Windhill Court properties provided matching funds to this initiative.