About VECINA
VECINA is an online platform designed to answer vital questions such as, “Where are the community resources?” and “How can I access healthcare?” Beyond being a repository of maps and data, VECINA empowers Olneyville residents by providing comprehensive information on education, healthcare, and neighborhood safety. The platform’s development was a collaborative effort involving mathematicians, data scientists, and computer scientists from the Institute for Computational and Experimental Research in Mathematics (ICERM) and the Institute for Mathematical and Statistical Innovation (IMSI), along with community leaders and representatives from the Woonasquatucket River Watershed Council (WRWC) and its New Voices program.
Training and Community Impact
A key component of VECINA’s launch involves training local residents to become facilitators. These trained individuals will educate their neighbors on how to use the platform, expanding digital literacy within the Olneyville community. Additionally, VECINA will enhance emergency response and preparedness by providing real-time information during extreme weather events and other disasters.
Goals and Benefits
The VECINA project aims to:
- Advance Digital and Data Access: Improve access to essential resources and information.
- Empower Community Leaders: Equip local leaders with data and tools to make informed decisions and address community needs.
- Promote Digital Literacy: Increase digital literacy and ensure equitable access to information.
- Support the Academic Community: Foster fair and just design practices in technology development.
VECINA will serve as a vital tool for both the local community and the academic world, promoting justice, equity, and informed decision-making.
For more information about VECINA, please visit VECINA.ORG.