The first of a series of informational orientation sessions for individuals who lack basic computer and technology skills will be held Monday from 2-3 p.m. at the Blue Cross Blue Shield Silver Life Center. The Center is located in the new Gateway Building at 401 W. Martin Luther King Blvd. Similar orientation sessions will be held at the same time each Monday in March.

Nine community partners collaborated on the “Get Online” effort to address the growing digital disconnect in Chattanooga. The need was recognized during last year’s Chattanooga’s first Building Partnerships: Creating a Livable Chattanooga for all Ages workshop. 125 community leaders gathered to discuss livability issues facing the Chattanooga region, ranging from healthy living, life long learning, building for the future and finding a place for everyone.

The common theme out of each discussion centered on a need to improve awareness of community programs, largely blamed on either access or lack of skills necessary to connect to resources which are increasingly available online.

Get Online has resulted in new partnership, computer training and educational opportunities and increased capacity at both public and private community centers across the area.

A series of “Jump Start the Conversation” grants from the MetLife Foundation and the Partners for Livable Communities in Washington, D.C. helped fund the program.

Get Online Partners include: Choose Chattanooga, Southeast Tennessee Area Agency on Aging and Disability, TN Career Center, Chattanooga State, the City of Chattanooga Education, Arts and Culture, Alton Park Development Corporation, Association for Visual Arts, UTC’s Health and Performance Institute, Signal Centers, Blue Cross Blue Shield Silver Life Center, Senior Neighbors and the Public Library.

Registration is required for the orientation sessions. Individuals interested should call
1-800-292-5146.

For more information about the Get Online initiative and Partners for Livable Chattanooga contact Nancy Cogar, Communications and Outreach at Choose Chattanooga: Cell – 423-827-8293 Email : choosechattanooga2@gmail.com.