Your voice re: IT is important: share it on TechSoup

TechSoup is a nonprofit based in San Francisco, California, with affiliates all over the world. TechSoup has a lot of different programs, and one of them is an online community for discussions about all aspects of computer and Internet tech, from hardware and security topics to digital ethics, online reputation, keeping ICT4D projects focused on the beneficiaries, and more. I've been involved in the community since its launch 20 years ago - I don't at all consider myself a \"techie\", but I use computers and the Internet SO MUCH in my work and I want to get out there and make sure user perspectives are discussed and addressed! When the TechSoup community first began, there was a really excellent gender balance in terms of most active contributors, and it had women from different parts of the world posting. But now... it's very North American male-dominated. 

So many of you have great things to share on the TechSoup community - your favorite app to use in your work, how your program is engaging with people online because of COVID-19 fears, how you address online attacks, how women stay safe online, challenges you face in doing anything regarding computers and the Internet, and on and on. And what's nice about sharing on TechSoup is that: 

• it raises both the profile of your program and YOUR profile (there are a lot of tech funders who read the forum).


• it's a great way to get answers to tech-related questions and concerns.


• it can help you network with people that are good to know, including potential partners.

You can view the list of different TechSoup forum subjects, you can view the list of most recent posts, you can see all of my posts so you can see how I use the forum, and you can do searches on topics you are interested in, like accessibility or ethics or Africa. A good first post is to introduce yourself, your program/affiliations and how you use computers (including smart phones) or the Internet in your work. And I would love it if you would post in the digital engagement branch specifically and talk about the challenges women in your country face in having access to both the Internet and careers related to tech.  

Would love to see you there!