Data on Purpose: Democracy, Civil Society & Digital Technology – Feb 17-18

Posted by Stanford Social Innovation Review (SSIR) on January 19, 2021

Join Stanford Social Innovation Review (SSIR) on February 17-18, 2021, for our next online convening, “Data on Purpose: Democracy, Civil Society & Digital Technology,” as data scientists, nonprofit leaders, policy makers, and other experts come together to identify digital technologies that can help solve critical social issues, reduce inequities, and empower informed, democratic participation.

Digital technology and data shape both organizational operations and individual interactions, not only in our personal lives, but more and more in civil society, where it is increasingly used by nonprofit organizations and social movements to coordinate action, empower constituencies, elevate issues, and mobilize support.

But the same mechanisms can just as easily operate to undermine democracy and civil society—for example when social media and targeted messaging is used to disinform and foment polarization. Digital engagement has its own technical, ethical, and security limitations, and its widespread use has tested our social and political structures.

What are the trends and technologies heightening concerns over the use of data and digital tools? How are different actors – movement builders, platforms, elected officials – working to improve upon or leverage these tools and processes to be better applied for the benefit of all? What steps are being taken to address crucial issues of equity and justice that are part of our social fabric? How can we build alternative approaches that recognize that people are more than analytics and metrics in service to the latest automated solution?

Find out more and register.