Catalyst Network

Access to digital technology is a right, not a privilege From education to employment, from advocacy to healthcare, digital access is a critical aspect of our lives today. It has the power to determine who gets ahead and who is left behind. However, millions of people remain excluded from the possibilities of the digital realm due to challenges such as unaffordable devices and internet connections, discriminatory policies, lack of accessibility for disabled and elderly users, or the censorship and surveillance of marginalised communities. The Tech Justice Roadtrip is the start of our work with communities to disrupt and reimagine this inequitable digital landscape. We believe no one should be locked out of opportunity because of where they live, what they earn, or who they are. That said, the Roadtrip partners are passionately advocating for a future where tech is a right, not a privilege. A future where: - Efficient public broadband is a basic infrastructure, not a luxury. - Digital products and tools are designed with an accessibility-first approach. - Policies protect privacy, security, and free expression—especially for migrant communities whose personal data is at risk. - More targeted initiatives exist that empower groups who have been historically excluded from services to become digitally confident. How do you imagine a future where digital access is a right, not a privilege? Join the conversation below. #TechJustice #DigitalInclusion #LiberatoryTech

In the latest edition of Inside Catalyst, the team reflects on a busy start to March. Megan Gray introduces us to pair writing and shares how it has brought her joy as she and Joe Roberson prepare content for the new-look Catalyst website. Meanwhile, Hannah Ndapandula Turner-Uaandja and Kate Swade have been exploring ideas for growing the network as things decelerate in the coming year, thinking specifically about the diverse ways that people can get involved with Catalyst. The team also shares their thoughts on the habitual challenges that come with the end of the financial year, including the strategies that enable them to remain on top of their commitments. Dive into all things Catalyst over on our Medium page. https://lnkd.in/eMgb9pAT Image description: Two swans in the water. Text reads: 'Inside Catalyst. The team discusses the joys of pair writing and how they are exploring ideas to expand the network.' #InsideCatalyst #Reflections #PairWriting

In an increasingly digital world, access to essential services should not be a privilege but a given. Yet, according to the Digital Inclusion in the UK Charity Sector 2024 report, more than half of charities (56%) struggle to reach service users due to digital barriers. More than four in five expressed concern about digital exclusion. Many also highlighted a lack of skills, internally and among service users, as hindering the introduction of effective digital solutions. In response to this, Charity Digital has created an A-Z glossary of digital terms and definitions. They believe understanding digital terms and getting to grips with different technologies and their workings are key factors in digital inclusion. The guide aims to support charities in promoting digital literacy and empowering people to use tech more effectively. From accessibility to Zoom, click on the link to discover all you need to know about digital inclusion. https://lnkd.in/eM6Jw7bd #DigitalInclusion #TechForGood #DigitalLiteracy

As we venture inside the Tech Justice Roadtrip, project members reflect on AI inequities, nonprofit tech empowerment, and what it means to work towards a decolonised tech future. From environmental damage to the silencing of minoritised voices, Kayleigh Walsh highlights how AI is failing marginalised communities. For Kayliegh, addressing bias is not enough; we must also tackle labour exploitation and AI’s environmental footprint. Considering nonprofits’ struggles with tech, the team explores possible solutions: more funding, deeper collaboration, and better decision-making about when (and if) tech is truly needed. Learn more of the team’s key learnings and experiences from the last few weeks in Dawn K.’s blog. https://lnkd.in/e2fmu-bi #TechJustice #TechForGood #Nonprofits

How Scope is Taking an Accessible Approach to Digital Transformation In the latest episode of the "Starts at the Top" podcast, Zoe Amar FCIM and Paul Thomas have an inspirational conversation with Kwesi Afful, Executive Director of Digital and Marketing at Scope. As they explore his innovative approach to digital transformation and leadership, Kwesi emphasises the importance of designing technology that is accessible to all -  ensuring inclusivity for both staff and beneficiaries alike. He also discusses the power of partnerships, sharing insights from Scope's collaboration with Deloitte to develop an accessible generative AI tool, and highlighting the significance of aligning with organisational values. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in accessible digital transformation and progressive leadership strategies. Listen here: https://lnkd.in/emRNU3eE #DigitalTransformation #Leadership #Accessibility

The 2025 Charity Digital Skills Report Survey is Now Live: Have Your Say! Zoe Amar, Nissa Ramsay and support partners are once again gathering data to advocate for digital resources, particularly from groups led by marginalised communities. This is your chance to influence funding and support for charities to move forward with digital. You could also be one of five eligible participants to win £300 in unrestricted funding. Use the survey to: - Reflect on your organisation’s digital journey - Identify key challenges holding you back - Spark new ideas to grow your digital skills - Make your voice heard by funders and sector leaders   Take the survey at the link below and play your part in driving real change. https://lnkd.in/gfBBuNsK #CharityDigitalSkills #DigitalTransformation #TechForGood

The most effective solutions originate from those people closest to the problem. However, marginalised communities are too often left out of tech leadership, funding, and decision-making processes. Through the funded projects in the Tech Justice Roadtrip, we are working with organisations who are reimagining the future of tech and ensuring that it is designed, governed, and used in ways that are more equitable, accountable, and just. What would this look like? Marginalised communities are involved in leading and shaping innovation. Funding and resources are easily accessed by communities designing tech for their own needs. The lived experiences of those historically excluded from the design of tech solutions are valued and seen as essential expertise. Visit the Catalyst news page to learn more about how the Tech Justice Roadtrip is amplifying community-led solutions. https://lnkd.in/e66EEx5G #TechJustice #NothingAboutUsWithoutUs #CentringCommunityNeeds

Be a Catalyst for Inclusion! Are you passionate about driving meaningful change in the workplace? Join our communications partner, Passion4Social CIC, on the 2nd of April for "Voices of Inclusion: Experiences, Insights, and Action for the Workplace”. This ninety-minute webinar is for leaders, HR professionals, and DEI advocates looking to make a real impact. On the day participants will hear: Expert insights from Joy Lewis, a DEI leader with 15 years of experience working with 1,100+ organisations Practical solutions to overcome DEI challenges—what works and what doesn’t Lived experiences that challenge perspectives & inspire action Strategies to turn awareness into measurable impact Secure your free spot at the link below.  https://lnkd.in/eBYAVtFj Image description: A person sitting at an outdoor bench in a casual park setting, with trees and greenery in the background. Text reads: 'Join Passion4Social for their new Accessibility For All Webinar. Voices of Inclusion: Experiences, Insights and Action for the Workplace. Wednesday 2nd of April. 12pm - 1pm.' Passion4Social (logo). #CatalystForChange #VoicesOfInclusion #AccessibilityForAll

Feminist AI 101: Our Podcast Recommendation of the Week What is Feminist AI exactly, and how can it be designed and implemented to promote equity and justice? This episode of Feminist AI 101 features an insightful conversation with Dr Eleanor Drage and Kerry McInerney, PhD, postdoctoral researchers at the University of Cambridge’s Centre for Gender Studies and the Leverhulme Centre for the Future of Intelligence. Through their work on gender and technology, Eleanor and Kerry are developing practical tools to help the AI sector build more equitable, intersectional, and just systems. This conversation is a must-listen for anyone passionate about the intersection of AI, ethics, and social justice. Listen here: https://lnkd.in/eQFqPUb #FeministAI #LiberatoryTech #AIForGood

Why We Need Feminist AI - Facial recognition technologies that misgender trans and non-binary people - Hiring algorithms that give preference to certain groups or genders - AI-driven medical tools that fail to diagnose illnesses in women accurately, and can even cause great harm It is clear to see Artificial Intelligence is far from neutral. It mimics and perpetuates the biases of the world we live in. Feminist AI (FAI) challenges this bias at every level, whether through design, data, policy, or discourse. It re-imagines what is considered "intelligence" and builds systems that are inclusive, equitable, and culturally aware. Our Tech Justice Roadtrip partner Chayn is one organisation leading the movement, proving that AI can be designed for justice, not profit alone. As part of the project, they are working to create an FAI letter-writing tool for survivors of gender-based violence, helping them reproduce the legal language often found in takedown requests submitted to police. Discover how CHAYN is progressing with their transformational tool, and dive deeper into the importance of Feminist AI in Dawn K.’s excellent new resource. https://lnkd.in/eRw5-zWT #FeministAI #TechForGood #EthicalAI