IGF 2023 WS #461 Mobilization and Coalition Building

Description:

For the past three years, GDPi and ICNL have brought together a cohort of civil society advocates to deepen their understanding of digital technologies and policies that threaten civic space, free expression, and privacy. Tech Camp has enabled participants to engage with technologists and policy experts on issues like internet fragmentation, digital surveillance, disinformation, and data protection. Through in-depth conversations with experts and amongst each other, cohorts examine the impact of technology on civic life and contemplate emerging policy responses. During this session, Tech Camp organizers will share information about the Camp, including lessons and insights over the past three years. Members of former cohorts will participate in the dialogue to explain their experiences as well as how the Camp mobilized them to undertake research and advocacy projects aimed at influencing digital policies in their countries. Beyond raising awareness about the Camp itself, the session will be an opportunity to discuss how to build upon the Camp to increase impact. Given that the Camp is only a week-long intensive course, how can the impressive network of advocates in each cohort contribute to broader regional and international advocacy efforts in the months or years following their participation in Tech Camp? The dialogue is an opportunity for speakers to reflect on past achievements and conceptualize opportunities to increase both the reach and impact of Tech Camp. At the time of this dialogue, Tech Camp would have trained 86 participants from 51 countries and awarded 13 grants for independent projects.