Good Tech Fest 2024
This article was written by Phillip Ng, Director of Data Science at Sowen.
Good Tech Fest 2024 in Sundance, UT
I recently attended the 2024 Good Tech Fest at the scenic Sundance Resort in Utah. This three-day event was a melting pot of ideas, where individuals from diverse backgrounds united with a common goal: to leverage data and technology for the betterment of the world. From roundtable discussions to keynote speeches and even casual conversations over dinner, the topics spanned privacy, immigration, mental health, governance, agriculture, art, and more.
The scope of these discussions was immense, often addressing challenges that might take generations to solve. Yet, it was clear that any challenge can be tackled by bringing the community together, no matter how daunting. Reflecting on this experience, I’m reminded of a powerful quote by Margaret Mead:
“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has.”
With this sentiment in mind, I’d like to share three ideas with mission-driven organizations that want to harness technology for the greater good:
1. Prioritize the Needs of the Most Vulnerable
When developing technology platforms, consider the needs of your most vulnerable users, especially concerning privacy and accessibility. What unique concerns might they have based on their culture or location? Are the costs of accessing your technology prohibitive? How well do they understand and manage data? For non-profits, investing in robust security measures is crucial to protecting both their data and that of their users. This approach ensures that technology serves as a bridge rather than a barrier.
In the conference, Mobile Pathways did a great job of illustrating this. Their mission is to build “mobile technology to help marginalized immigrants navigate immigration processes.” They shared an important challenge that not all immigrants have access to a phone, which is how they access the CBP One™ Mobile Application for application processing. They also discussed the difficulty of paying to acquire a phone and the continued expense of electricity and data to wait to get updates from the app. They continue to help find solutions for these myriads of issues.
2. Implement Robust Technical Governance
No matter the size of your organization, integrating technical governance is crucial. Including a technologist on your board can guide your strategic direction, mitigate risks, and enhance community engagement through technology. This governance ensures that your initiatives are sustainable, ethical, and aligned with your mission, setting a standard for responsible technology use that supports long-term objectives.
In the conference, Board.dev proposed a great way of tackling this issue for non-profits by “placing tech leaders on nonprofit boards, building tech governance & empowering nonprofits to achieve their missions.” This is a great way to bring additional technical excellence to provide value through data and tech to people who need it the most.
3. Share Data Responsibly and Effectively
Data is a powerful catalyst for informed decision-making and impactful change. Understanding data across various sectors like employment, health, and social issues can inform policies and drive sectoral advancements. If your organization can share data, do so responsibly with vetted partners. Aim for transparency, accessibility, and thorough documentation. It’s essential to embed strong privacy and security measures to protect your data and, importantly, safeguard the interests of your most vulnerable populations.
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The journey towards leveraging technology for the greater good is complex and ongoing. Still, armed with the wisdom of thought leaders and the collective passion of committed individuals, we stand on the brink of a transformative era. Let us move forward with the conviction that even the smallest group of thoughtful, committed citizens can, and indeed will, change the world.