Deadline: 19-Jun-23

Code for All is looking for passionate individuals and organizations who are eager to drive positive change in their communities through the power of technology. Whether you’re a tech enthusiast, a grassroots activist, or a dreamer with big ideas, anyone can submit proposals who believes in the incredible potential of technology to solve real-life challenges.

Similar to last year, this year’s Summit will be a virtual experience from September 18th to 21st including Lightning Talks, Panels, and Workshops from speakers across the global civic tech community.

The Summit serves as the premier gathering for civic tech enthusiasts from around the world, providing a unique platform to discuss, explore, and evaluate the work, lessons, and impact of civic tech on a global scale. It presents an exceptional opportunity to connect online, foster meaningful connections, and exchange knowledge with each other.

Themes

• The themes for the 2023 Summit have been thoughtfully curated based on the most pressing challenges and opportunities identified by the member organizations. In addition, they have sought valuable input from over 76 individuals representing the community.
• These themes encompass a diverse range of perspectives and address some of the most significant and current opportunities and challenges faced by the international civic tech community.
• They are seeking proposals that align with one of the following tracks:
  • AI for Social Good
    • AI has profoundly transformed society and revolutionized various fields, including civic tech. It has reshaped the way they work, communicate, and interact with technology. However, along with its widespread adoption, concerns, and potential risks have emerged. To address these issues and unlock AI’s potential, the AI for Social Good track focuses on empowering communities to tackle societal challenges, enhance government services, and foster participatory decision-making. They welcome ideas that span diverse applications, from environmental conservation and sustainable development to improving public services and driving positive change, ultimately advancing community well-being.
  • Tracking Civic Tech Impact
    • In the past decade, the civic tech sector has been actively developing technology-driven solutions to address civic challenges. However, there has been a lack of documented evidence regarding the successes and challenges faced by these initiatives. The Tracking Civic Tech Impact theme aims to bridge this gap by emphasizing the importance of monitoring and evaluation in establishing a knowledge base for future endeavors. This track invites discussions on the effectiveness of monitoring civic tech projects in fostering stakeholder engagement, enhancing service quality, adapting strategies, and optimizing resource allocation, while identifying what works, what doesn’t work, and why.
  • Tech for Mass Community Action
    • How can technology empower communities to address pressing social issues and drive collective action? By building on the transformative potential of civic tech and emerging technologies, this track aims to showcase how technology can be leveraged by communities to enhance civic engagement, protect rights, and foster grassroots movements for social change. From sharing projects that extend beyond elections to sustaining community involvement during off-cycle and non-election years, participants are invited to exchange knowledge and explore innovative solutions that empower individuals and communities to collectively address social challenges and safeguard their rights in the digital age.
  • Tech for Global Social Justice
    • In an interconnected world, technology is crucial for addressing global social justice issues by providing powerful tools for positive change. It enables us to amplify marginalized voices, analyze data for uncovering injustice, and develop innovative solutions. The Tech for Global Social Justice track explores how technology can tackle systemic inequalities, promote human rights, and empower marginalized communities worldwide. They welcome proposals on fundraising, lobbying, shedding light on inequalities, and leveraging technology for advocacy, activism, and digital inclusion to combat discrimination. This track aims to showcase the transformative impact technology can have in driving social justice and fostering a more equitable society.

Formats

They are looking for the following types of presentations:

• Panels
  • Three or more folks from different organizations share their expertise and experience around a shared topic. They recommend having at least 3 panelists confirmed when you submit your session proposal. Time limit: 60 mins.
• Lightning Talks
  • Quick, pre-recorded presentations where a speaker shares insights from a project or case study. Time limit: 5-7 mins.
• Workshops
  • Live, interactive sessions where participants learn and develop new skills, ideas, or tools together. Time limit: 60 mins.

For more information, visit Code for All.