You'll start by choosing which theme your session will fall under - so first, read a bit about each theme:
> Open vs. Closed Tech in Government
Do government platforms allow access with no constraints or restrictions? Can we change, improve or replicate the source of our government tech tools? Within this theme we seek to explore the benefits of open versus closed technology in government, as well as paint a picture of the current state of governments around the world (e.g. are governments using open source software in their digital transformation or are they hiring closed-source tools?).
>Democracy & Elections
For several years now, we’ve witnessed how technology is shaping not only the digitalization of in-person elections, but also the narrative and information flow around candidates, encouraging citizens to take action and be part of the election process. Within this theme, we seek to explore and showcase civic tech work that promotes democracy, encourages citizen participation in decision-making processes, and safeguards democratic elections (e.g. election monitoring projects).
>Disinformation & Fake News
How does false information that is deliberately (and often covertly) spread influence public opinion? Are social media platforms doing the necessary work to tackle the distribution of fake news? What’s the role of civic tech in the fight against disinformation? Within this theme, we seek to explore the damaging impact that disinformation is having in the world and showcase civic tech projects that are working to combat it.
>Power Dynamics in Tech
Who holds the power when designing, creating and implementing technology? Who’s narratives are put front and center, and who is thrown to the margins? What are we doing to challenge the status quo around tech? Within this theme, we seek to explore issues around power dynamics of the tech industry and how these issues affect the civic tech sphere (as civic tech is largely shaped by the field of tech). This might involve discussion around discrepancies in regard to who has access to power and who controls the instruments of power, predictions about the types of innovations that may emerge to counter abuses or imbalances in power, and other topics around shifting power in civic tech.