DemTech: Our Blog

CiviCamp: a Learning Experience for All

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CiviCamp

In today’s interconnected world, effective organization and network engagement are crucial for the success of any organization. Managing relationships, contacts, events, and other stakeholders requires a robust and comprehensive…

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Hello, World!

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DemTools Blog Placeholder Logo

Hello, World! My name is Tristan and I’m thrilled to be a part of the DemTech team as the latest project assistant.

My journey working at the intersection of technology, politics, and policy began several years ago. At the start of my…

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Revolutionizing Civic Engagement: The Story of Islah.city in Morocco

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Abdellatif Belmkadem speaking at a podium.
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Abdellatif Belmkadem is a Moroccan civic technology enthusiast who is passionate about transforming the relationship between citizens and their cities. He is the founder of Islah.city and the National Institute of Innovation and Advanced Technology.

In Casablanca, Islah.city has taken root as a transformative initiative, reshaping how citizens engage with their local government. It is not just a tool for reporting issues; it is a catalyst for change and…

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Democracy @ Davos

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Moira in Davos

A last-minute set of circumstances led me to be able to attend events on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum this year. I wanted to share some thoughts, but first a disclaimer: these are based on being in and around Davos for the past…

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DemTech Wrapped 2023

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Wrapped

In a very "2023" move, I asked an AI chatbot to summarize the year in technology and democracy. Here's what it said:

"2023 became a crossroads for democracy and technology. Initiatives at the Summit for Democracy and elsewhere aimed to…

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Unpacking Participatory Democracy Tools

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A computer screen sits on a table in front of a window. On the computer screen, diverse faces are visible in an online video conferencing call.
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Image credit: Dalle 2

Editor's Note: This post was co-authored with Caitlyn Ramsey.

Citizen involvement in governance extends beyond just casting votes in elections; it’s an…

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Women in Politics: Wielding the Online Space Safely

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A group of trainers and participants gather outside after the digital security training in Lilongwe, Malawi, in October 2023
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Trainers and participants in Lilongwe, Malawi, October 2023

The internet is a powerful tool for women in politics, but it can also be a dangerous place that enhances their risk - both online and offline. Women are more likely than men to experience online violence and harassment, leading to a…

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What we learned at RightsCon 2023: Centering Best Practices, Defending the Information Space, and Tackling AI

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DemTech Director Moira Whelan joins a panel discussion at RightsCon

The spotlight at RightsCon 2023 was on the potential risks that emerging technologies pose to democracy, but we also want to reflect on the other takeaways and lessons learned. Discussions were particularly…

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#YearOfDemocracy

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Global Coalition for Tech Justice
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https://yearofdemocracy.org/campaign-asks/

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Postcard from Tallinn: Digital Democracy and Open Governments

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DemTech Director Moira Whelan with Maria Ressa at OGP
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DemTech Director Moira Whelan with Maria Ressa at OGP

After a beautiful sunset walk in an idyllic Old City, it’s easy to forget just how far Tallinn, Estonia has come since their independence from the Soviet Union in 1991. As pioneers of the power of parliaments…

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