Ensuring Equity
The Computer Clubhouse is part of a larger social community of local neighborhoods. Inequities within society inevitably seep into the Clubhouse environment, regardless of how careful the environment design. The Clubhouse model’s responsiveness to community needs allow for quick remedies to perceived barriers to equity. For example, about five years ago at the Flagship Clubhouse it was noted that many girl members were not taking full advantage of the space. Girls would typically take a subordinate role to boys in the competition for design tools and other resources. Feeding this dynamic were the old stereotypes girls were battling of not being techno-savvy. This led to frustration on their part and significantly lower retention levels for girls than for boys. The Clubhouse addressed this issue by instituting Girl’s Day, which is a Clubhouse day set aside for girls only, allowing them unfettered access to Clubhouse resources and female mentors
Ensuring Equity