Featured Speakers
[ess_grid alias=”closing-space”]
Date & Time
December 14, 2017
11am-12pm Pacific / 2-3pm Eastern
Civic spaces are closing around the globe. What role has digital data played in restricting civil society, and what are next steps for ensuring open civic spaces in this digital age?
Join us as we gather experts to discuss the role of digital resources in shaping access to democratic participation, civil liberties, and other features of a thriving civil society.
Lucy Bernholz, Director of the Digital Civil Society Lab, will host a livestreamed conversation with:
- Chris Worman, Senior Director of Alliances and Community Engagement for TechSoup;
- Mandeep Tiwana, Chief Programs Officer for Civicus;
- Wilneida Negrón, Technology Fellow for Gender, Racial, and Ethnic Justice at the Ford Foundation; and
- Dan “Blah” Meredith, Principal Director of Open Technology Fund.
The panel will discuss the digital threats and constraints faced by civil society actors and organizations across global contexts; identify gaps between principles and practices in democratic societies; and share insights, tools, and strategies for fostering open civic spaces.
How are governments or private entities restricting civic spaces through digital means?
In what ways are digital dependencies creating risks and liabilities for nonprofits, organizers, activists, and other agents of civil society?
What kinds of digital tools, policies, and systems can foster open civic spaces?
Panelists will address these issues and more, including questions from the virtual audience, as we discuss the risks of digital dependencies and next steps for global civil society.
Can’t make it to the discussion? All registrants will receive an invitation to access the recorded video and podcast.