The first Digital Clubhouse began in an empty room in a half vacant office building in Santa Clara County in the spring of 1996, as part of a San Francisco Bay Area collaborative to define the future of the rapidly emerging digital age. We had no computers, no software, no high-speed Internet connection, no furniture, and no money. Only an idea... The idea was that there should be a place where people of all ages and backgrounds could come together to explore new ways of using information technology to improve the quality of their lives and that of their community. A place where people could learn at their own pace, and where each individual would have a "share of voice," empowered by the digital tools of the 21st century.
A place where companies could hear "customer murmuring" about what people themselves really wanted from the promise of technology.
A place where everyone was encouraged to become a "producer of producers," by teaching what they were learning to others, and committing volunteer hours to serve their community.
A place of inclusion, where technology "haves"--especially the young Net Generation--were encouraged to reach out and help the 'have nots."
A place of sharing and caring, dedicated to assuring that advances in technology contribute to a healthier, more inclusive, tolerant and compassionate society for us all as we fast forward into the Digital Age. From the Valley to the Alley For more than a decade, Digital Clubhouses operated in Silicon Valley and New York City (across the street from the New York Stock Exchange in lower Manhattan). Thousands of people between the ages of 6 and 98 participated in DCN programs and projects that won an international reputation for innovative new ways of using technology to benefit education, health and society. Our pioneering intergenerational digital storytelling programs and projects introduced innovative new ways to combine oral history with state of art digital media techniques. DCN after school programs, such as "Webucation for New Netizens" and "Kids on the Web" received national recognition as models for mobilizing teens to teach preteens about the ethical and productive uses of technology while promoting healthy life choices. (In 2000, the DCN was acknowledged by the US Department of Justice as one of the leading examples in the nation that was teaching youth "cyberethics" as a routine part of our curriculum.) Our award winning teen leadership program -- Digitally Abled Producers Project -- has gained widespread media attention as a unique Service Learning experience for preparing young people from virtually every kind of socioeconomic background for success in the 21st century life space by mobilizing them to serve their communities. Our annual Expanding CyberSpace conferences and our Young Brave Hearts program for have helped raise public awareness about the issue of the "disabilities divide" that effects so many people who have physical or mental barriers to accessing the full benefits of an increasingly digital society. For these achievements, the DCN has won several prestigious awards, including three medals from the Smithsonian Institution for "visionary use of information technology to effect positive educational, political and economic change in society." Our work is part of the Permanent Research Collection of the National Museum of American History and in the Library of Congress, as well as more than 30 museums and libraries around the world. Our national initiative, Stories of Service, helped lead an international campaign to preserve and honor the memory of America's greatest generation", by mobilizing members of the "latest generation" to document their lives to commemorate the end of World War II and the rebuilding of the post war global community, so that they can be preserved forever. CNN 2000 Digital Clubhouse Network Stories of Service project
Read our Digital Clubhouse 1999 Smithsonian case study describes our early years and how we developed our award winning intergenerational digital storytelling techniques. Examples of some of our digital stories produced by seniors, youth, people with disabilities and survivors of life challenging experiences will be available soon through the Programs and Projects page.  The Digital Clubhouse Network is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that was formed as the result of a 1996 NASA research project, whose mission is to develop innovative ways of using the power of the digital technologies that are transforming our world to build a better 21st century community. We seek to carry out our Mission by operating unique community-based incubators called "Digital Clubhouses", located in Silicon Valley and New York City, where people of all ages can come together to create new and exciting applications of digital technology that enrich education and lifelong learning, promotes public health, preserve history, and encourage a deeper appreciation of cultural diversity. Our intergenerational programs and projects, such as digital storytelling workshops that document living history and explores new approaches to healing, and after school activities that teach the ethical and productive uses of technology, break down barriers between people due to age, gender, socioeconomic background or other factors. By sharing best practices and ideas between our two Digital Clubhouses, we benefit from a cross coastal "Valley to the Alley" dialogue that enhances our mutual understanding of how our work can be replicated to other environments throughout America and the rest of the world. The Digital Clubhouse model is based on the idea that "community means membership. To be a Member of a Digital Clubhouse and participate in its free programs and projects, an individual must "pay dues" by volunteering their time to serve others, including seniors, at risk youth, minorities, people with a disability and individuals or groups who do not have access or understanding of how digital technology can help them live more fulfilling lives. The average number of Participating Members of a Digital Clubhouse is about 250 people, half of whom are under the age of 18. Youth and adults typically volunteer 30 hours per month. Our youngest Member is 6, and the eldest is 98. Youth are the core constituency and the driver that supports and sustains the life of our Digital Clubhouses. For the first time in history, it is the young who are mastering the tools of technology before their elders. The Net Generation are drawn naturally to technology like they are to the refrigerator, and are quick to adapt the latest developments with ease. But far too many lack the experience to enable them to make informed choices about how to use their power in productive and ethical ways. At a Digital Clubhouse, youth at an early age are exposed to a culture based on "learning by teaching, and caring by sharing." Working with a diverse universe of people, giving voice to important issues, and helping to deal with societal problems at an early stage in their development, they are prepared for success in the rapidly evolving lifespace of the 21st century, while helping to contribute to a more inclusive, tolerant and compassionate society. By applying technology to serve others and address real life issues, youth develop not only competencies for school and work but creativity, self esteem and teamwork, while gaining invaluable lessons about courage, character and the importance of civic responsibility. The Digital Clubhouse Network is empowered to achieve its Mission by the funding and in-kind support of corporations, foundations, nonprofit and individuals, who share our vision of "using the power of digital technology to build a better 21st century community."  The Digital Clubhouse model is built on four cornerstone intergenerational project based experiences that give voice to people in our community and help resolve real-world issues in education, health, and managing the diversity of American and global society. By participating in our programs and projects, people of all backgrounds and ages learn to work together to achieve common goals, to be more accepting of each other's differences, and to be tolerant of one another's views. We've come to realize that although "all our rivers run through different places, we are all part of the greater sea of humanity." All DCN programs and projects are "free" to the public. However, all those who participate are expected to "pay back" their Digital Clubhouse by helping the next group of participants have a comparable or better experience. In this way, they reinforce their new knowledge as they help us develop the next generation of members, creating a culture of "learning by teaching, and caring by sharing." We hold special public events throughout the year to share the work of our members and to invite new participants to take part in our activities.
Our four cornerstone programs are: The Digitally Abled Producers Project project is a youth leadership program for boys and girls between the ages of 12 and 19, approximately one-half to one-third of whom have a disability or come from at-risk backgrounds.  While the focus is on mastering essential technology, D@PPers also learn a wide range of important life skills, such as interpersonal communications, public speaking, writing, team building, basic project management and event planning, and time management skills. D@PP is the "operating system" and "trunk of the tree", supporting virtually all other programs and projects that are carried out at a Digital Clubhouse. Many youth continue in the program for throughout their middle and high school careers, and on into college, as members of the D@PP Alumni Association. In order to qualify to be a member of D@PP, youth must commit to a year of service to their community, volunteering an average of 20 hours each month, helping others in their community, including mentoring at least two new D@PPers every year. They help teach the D@PP program to new participants, work on intergenerational digital storytelling projects in their community, and teach preteens about the ethical and productive uses of technology in our after school program. Some are assigned to special projects, depending on their individual skills and interests, and the needs of their Digital Clubhouse and the community it serves. Those who meet their service commitment over a 12-month period, receive the President's Gold Service Award (for 250 hours of volunteer service in a calendar year), and are eligible for additional opportunities to develop their skills and build their pre-professional networks, including paid and unpaid internships as Teaching Associates in the Digital Clubhouse Network. All D@PPers are evaluated at the end of each three-month D@PP program cycle and are asked to write personal essays describing what the D@PP experience meant to them at the end of each year of service. These personal essays help prepare D@PPers for college, including the SAT college entrance examination which now includes a writing sample. Students teach their peers the basics of intergenerational digital storytelling, and gain experience working in community outreach projects, such as Cousins of the Clubhouse. In its 10th year, the D@PP project makes possible our other community programs by bringing youth to our community table.  People of all ages and backgrounds have a story to tell. That is the fundamental principle behind our use of intergenerational digital storytelling to build community. We merge the age-old art of storytelling, with new multimedia technologies, bringing people together in a collaborative environment where they can exchange dreams, memories thoughts and family histories, while learning how to use the tools of success in the rapidly evolving digital age. In this way we can appeal to the interests of a 92-year old grandmother, as well as the tech savvy preteen who would otherwise spend most of his or her time buried in a video game or instant messaging their sibling in the next room. Over the past nine years, we been an acknowledged leader in developing exciting new ways of applying the power of technology to engage people of all ages and backgrounds in recording, preserving and sharing the history of their community. Our programs bring together people of all ages and backgrounds to learn how to use computers to produce "mini-movies" with the look and feel of Ken Burns documentaries that can be shared with schools, libraries, museums and a global audience over the Internet. Working with adult mentors and storytellers from a wide range of experiences, youth gain a deeper appreciation of history and important social issues as they become curators of their community heritage. Workshops have focused on Black history, the changing role of women, Latino heritage, innovation, and family histories. Storytelling has been called the "Gold Standard of Healing", and we have conducted a series of workshop-based programs and projects over the years to determine how our intergenerational digital storytelling techniques help ease suffering and promote healing among people who are coping with life challenges such as stroke, breast cancer, loss of a loved one and other traumatic experiences. The Stories of Service project is our flagship intergenerational digital storytelling program devoted to preserving the stories of our nations war veterans and others who served our country in it's time of greatest need. Led by our New York Digital Clubhouse, it is becoming the template for launching national versions of our other history-based applications in the future. For sample stories and more information, See a sample story: Ordinary Heroes by Peter Radonich Digital Healing projects have resulted in many of our most moving digital stories, reminding us that courage is not only to be found on the battlefield, but in everyday life. See a sample story: Reflections, by Karen Kwast (see video) The Latino Legacy project is designed to document the legacy of Latino Americans. It has been pioneered by students based in California and has been a large part of our community outreach efforts. See a sample: Cesar Chavez Story (see video) With today's technology, the Good Grief project gives us the power to live beyond our own lives, as well as coping with loss and bereavement. Here are two of our finest examples of stories from participants. See a sample story: A Soldier's Story by Gaye Pare (see video) See another sample story: I Can Fly by Neida Pare (see video) See a sample story: Tommy's Story by Lavada Peterson (see video) The Young Brave Hearts are youth who have had to cope with a major life challenge, and have done so with strength and determination, helping to educate and inspire us while reminding us that when it comes to character, size doesn't matter! See a sample story: For the Love of the Game, by Kevin Lichtenberg (see video) A pair of news broadcasts tell how Kevin was able to overcome his disability and participate in his life's love. See them here. (see video)  The Youth Health Advocates (YHA) project is an exciting new program that is mobilizing young people from elementary school age through college to help combat the rising epidemic of childhood obesity, diabetes and related illnesses that threaten the future of our children, our families and our community. Advocates are being taught 21st century success skills, while learning how they can be the first line of defense to fight preventable illnesses. They commit to being positive role models and to help teach their peers, parents and the public about the importance of making healthy life choices. They learn about proper nutrition and physical exercise, how to develop personal fitness plans, how to make public presentations, and how to engage decision makers and the media in the process of raising public awareness and stimulate positive action regarding important health issues. For more information, please see the Youth Health Advocates Website. See a sample story: International Tobacco, by project participant Jen Chou (see video)  The Cousins of the Clubhouse is a community outreach program designed to bring more Digital Clubhouse projects into community centers, especially for the benefit of lower income families in the community. Working out of senior centers, schools, churches, or other community gathering places (even a donut shop!), youth run sample digital storytelling, D@PP, and kow programs working with members of the surrounding community. This allows our model to have a greater impact in the community as a whole. See an informational piece about the project produced by Microsoft: (see video)  The Digital Clubhouse Network has attracted considerable news coverage since its earliest days as a NASA focus group in 1996, and has been featured on major TV and cable stations, as well as in the print media. Here are some examples of the stories that the press has carried over the past several years that highlight one or more of our intergenerational programs and projects. For more background information on the evolution of the Digital Clubhouse Network and how it is using the power of digital technology to build a better 21st century community, please visit Our Story and read our 1999 Smithsonian Case Study. For the playback of these news stories, Adobe Flash Player 9 is required and can be downloaded here. A List of Broadcast Clips The latest Silicon Valley update on the STORIES of SERVICE program, now a national initiative in partnership with the HIstory Channel, the WWII 60th Anniversary Commemoration Committee of the US Department of Defense and other groups, to mobilize Americans to join us in using 21st century digital technology to preserve forever the memories of those who lived through the defining moments of the 20th century. WWII and Korean War veteran Dwight Near and National D@PP Youth Director Greg Perkins are interviewed at the Park Side Auditorium during our 5th Annual "Tribute to Service" program to honor our nation's veterans and the youth who are helping them leave a lasting legacy by producing their digital stories. Kevin Lichtenberg's prevails over his disability to fulfil his lifelong dreams, and how the Clubhouse has helped him tell his story. Kevin is one of the great success stories of the Digital Clubhouse Network. "The elders bring their stories, the youth bring the technology -- the rest is history", says DCN founder and president Warren C. Hegg, in this update of the STORIES of SERVICE program -- our flagship intergenerational digital storytelling program -- which was broadcast around the world on Veterans Day 2000. The world's largest software company produced a special video describing our "Cousins of the Clubhouse" program to promote the replication of the Digital Clubhouse model, that was featured on the company's web site. The "latest generation" helps the "greatest generation" document their experiences during the defining moment of the 20th century: World War II (This project which began before release of Tom Brokaw's book and Steven Spielberg's "Saving Private Ryan", became the basis for STORIES of SERVICE). Digital Clubhouse Doors Wide Open For Neophytes / Advocate for have-nots introduces them to high techBill Workman Published SUNNYVALE -- Warren Hegg is fond of talking about replacing "dot.com with dot.compassion." It's the Menlo Park business consultant's pithy way of describing the work of the Digital Clubhouse Network, which he serves as president, guru and head cheerleader. His ideas have taken root so far in Sunnyvale's Town Center mall and in New York City's Financial District, but Hegg hopes they will eventually spread to every state in the nation. The nonprofit organization has trained several thousand people -- including senior citizens, schoolchildren, people with disabilities and the terminally ill -- how to cross the chasm that separates the haves and the have-nots of the Information Age. Among other things, Hegg, 53, and his volunteers teach people how to make their own digitalized movies. Using multimedia equipment and software donated by high- tech companies, participants learn at workshops how to block out their movies on storyboards, how to import source material off the Internet and how to write scripts and narrate them for the 150-megabyte, five- minute productions in the still-image style of documentary filmmaker Ken Burns. "What we really do is teach them how to be good storytellers," said Hegg. "They use snapshots, love letters, tape recordings, a lock of hair, a film clip from an old family 8mm movie, anything that tells something about who they are." A number of the digitalized film shorts -- including one of World War II veterans, men and women, recalling their experiences, and another made by breast cancer patients -- have been accepted for the Smithsonian Institution's history collections, Hegg said. "Some of this stuff has terrific emotional impact, and that's what people are searching for -- the real emotional impacts in their lives," he told California Historical Society officials during their recent tour of the facility in Sunnyvale, which has 35 desktop computers. The prospect of becoming a moviemaker may be what draws many people to the sprawling clubhouse, tucked among boutique shops, jewelry stores, and fast-food counters in the Town Center. But Hegg, former longtime head of international planning for SRI International in Menlo Park, had other ideas for spreading the gospel of his digital network when he first installed it four years ago in a cramped warehouse room in Santa Clara. As members become skilled on the computers, they are obliged to volunteer to teach others, who then go on to teach others, and so on. "The deal is that each member pays their dues in volunteered time," said Hegg, a colorful, impassioned speaker who on occasion feels compelled to apologize for one of his stem-winders. "I know for some people it's like drinking from a fire hydrant," he said. Other innovative programs include one that allows elementary school children without access to computers to learn the basics of getting on the Internet, and another that teaches disabled people and at- risk youth how to create Web pages and develop business skills. A unique feature of the volunteer teaching approach, said Hegg, is that it empowers what he calls the "early adapters," typically boys about 15 or 16, to "live beyond the box" by linking up with others, the elderly, the disabled and others whose paths they may never have crossed before. The teenagers are "usually very quick to adapt to the technology, but they haven't got a lot of life skills," he said. "By helping others cross the digital divide, they pick up those skills." Hegg, an Idaho native who has a master's degree in Asian economics from the University of Hawaii and once worked as a radio journalist in Tokyo, said he commanded $3,000- a-day consulting fees before he decided to make the Digital Clubhouse his life's mission. He now draws $70,000 a year from the network, Hegg said. His salary and that of a few other top managers at the largely volunteer Sunnyvale and New York City clubhouses are a recent measure approved by the board of directors to enable the network to compete in the nonprofit marketplace, he said. In the the early days, Hegg said, he ran the first clubhouse on a shoestring -- missing his home mortgage payments several times to meet the network's bills -- until he was able to persuade several Silicon Valley clients and industry leaders to step in and help. One of his earliest boosters, Adobe CEO John Warnock, was recently presented by Hegg with the network's first annual founder's award. "We love to see the things Warren is doing and we're hoping it catches on even more and continues to grow,"said Dyanne Compton, Adobe's community relations manager. "Warren is truly an evangelist, a visionary who can take you years into the future, and he was able to sell us on that vision," she said. ''In another life, I'm sure he would have been a preacher." Cisco, Mitsubishi, Proxim and Apple have also contributed to Hegg's digital network, which has attracted national attention. The organization has won several information technology industry awards and is drawing political and business leaders to Sunnyvale to learn firsthand about it. The latest to drop by was U.S. Attorney General Janet Reno, who chatted with students about what they were learning last Thursday after giving a speech at a Stanford University conference on Internet crime. Her visit was timed to coincide with the announcement of the Cousins of the Clubhouse 2000 Project, an effort Hegg has undertaken to establish 40 to 50 more digital clubhouses in churches, community centers, housing projects and schools around the country. "In my dream of dreams," he said, "you'd have one of these clubhouses in every town in the nation, where every senior, every at-risk youngster, every kid in a wheelchair, every woman struggling to master a 21st century job would have access -- and the network would be as ubiquitous as the Web itself."
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