Technology Activism

There is a movement among technology support professionals to be involved in activism and community outreach. Here are some examples of how computer and technology professionals are helping to make the world a better place:

  • CompuMentor.org. “Since 1987, CompuMentor has been dedicated to helping nonprofits enhance productivity and build sustainable technology systems that foster their missions.”
  • Computer Professionals for Social Responsibility. "CPSR is a global organization promoting the responsible use of computer technology. Incorporated in 1983 (following discussions and organizing that began in 1981), CPSR educates policymakers and the public on a wide range of issues."
  • DigitalDivide.org. "’Digital Divide’ refers to the gap between those able to benefit from digital technology and those who are not. Though not all digital-divide experts agree to that precise wording, they do all agree with the notion that it refers, not merely to the matter of who has direct access to technology, but who is actually helped by technology."
  • HeartsAndMinds.org Computer Donations.
  • I Love Schools.com. "I Love Schools.com is a free donor-matching service for education! School teachers build WishLists of equipment, materials and supplies; anything they need for their classroom. Donors locate teachers through our WishList search and offer their donations of new or used items or the cost of the teacher’s WishList."
  • One Laptop Per Child. A project which intends to make inexpensive portable self-powered notebooks available to children all over the world.
  • TechSoup.org. "Powered by CompuMentor, one of the nation’s oldest and largest nonprofit technology assistance agencies, TechSoup.org offers nonprofits a one-stop resource for technology needs by providing free information, resources, and support." TechSoup.org offeres inexpensive software to non-profit organizations.
  • VideoActivism.org. "…an informal association of activists and politically conscious artists using video to support social, economic and environmental justice campaigns."

By Greg Johnson

Greg Johnson is a freelance writer in Iowa City and also the founder and Director of the ResourcesForLife.com website. He also manages IowaCityWebDesignArtist.com and many other topic specific websites. Learn more at AboutGregJohnson.com