Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) Trusted Messenger

Eligible contractors may include, but are not limited to:

•  Trusted community organizations, culturally specific organizations, faith-based organizations, social service organizations, community nonprofit organizations, tribal governments, or community clinics.
• Organizations/Groups that provide community assistance particularly to one or more of the following zip codes: 55103, 55104, 55106, 55107, 55119, 55130.
• Contractors must have state or federal recognition as a formal organization or entity, such as a Federal Employer Identification Number or 501c3 status or W9.

• Complete this application by October 27, 2023 at 4 p.m.
• Submit the application to Ramsey County Procurement at [email protected] 

As an ACP Trusted Messenger, you will:

• Facilitate relationships, support ACP awareness and enroll historically underserved community members in the Affordable Connectivity Program.
• Organize at least one tabling event per month.
• Track community member ACP program enrollment.
• Report progress to Ramsey County Digital Equity Coordinator.

The ACP Outreach Grant Program provides funding and resources needed to increase awareness of and participation in the ACP. By working together with the eligible households most in need of affordable connectivity, Ramsey County and Trusted Messengers can:

• Increase residents’ access to the digital job pipeline, medical appointments, personal finances and much more.    
• Deepen partnerships with those who directly engage with and support individuals/families that traditional county outreach efforts have missed.

Eligible Affordable Connectivity Program Trusted Messengers will possess collaboration potential through the following key attributes:

• Shared Vision & Goals: Affordable Connectivity Program Trusted Messengers share the county’s vision of
  “A vibrant community where all are valued and thrive” and support the four goals of strengthening wellbeing, cultivating prosperity, enhancing opportunity, and modeling accountability.
• Trusted Relationships: Affordable Connectivity Program Trusted Messengers have proven relationships and ability to connect with individuals/families that traditional county outreach efforts have missed.
• Mutually Beneficial Impacts: Affordable Connectivity Trusted Messengers believe and articulate that there are mutually beneficial impacts of the Affordable Connectivity Outreach Program. Trusted Messengers can implement strategies that contribute to closing the digital divide that impacts Ramsey County residents.
• Community Reach: The Affordable Connectivity Program intends to engage with Black, Indigenous and racially and ethnically diverse communities in Ramsey County. We look for Trusted Messengers to help us reach our objectives by directly engaging with and supporting individuals/families that traditional county outreach efforts have missed.
• Capacity: Affordable Connectivity Program Trusted Messengers have the organizational capacity (staff, time, skills, tools and financial resources) to carry out the work tasks and meet the goals of the partnership.
• Communication: Affordable Connectivity Program Trusted Messengers are proactive in their communication strategies with Ramsey County residents most impacted by the digital divide.