It has been one year since we concluded Tech2Empower USA South: Activism for Reproductive Justice, a program with a mission of amplifying the work of frontline reproductive justice organizations through collaboration, volunteerism, and technology. Over the course of this past year, the landscape of abortion access in the United States has continued to evolve significantly, reflecting a mix of setbacks as well as proactive measures in response to the Supreme Court’s 2022 decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, which overturned Roe v. Wade. Despite continuous challenges, the reproductive justice movement in the country remains strong, continuing to fight for access to life-giving reproductive healthcare services for individuals all over the country. We would like to shine a spotlight on some of the amazing organizations we had the honor of partnering with through Tech2Empower USA South by providing an update on their work and highlighting their resiliency through these uncertain times.
Tech2Empower USA South brought together six reproductive justice organizations based in southern U.S. states where communities face unique challenges due to particularly restrictive abortion laws. Alongside a cohort of volunteer Tech2empower Advisors, each organization undertook an impact project they identified as critical to enhancing their organizational capacities and the reach of their work. The program kicked off with a two-day in-person event in New Orleans, where nonprofits were paired with teams of skilled tech Advisors. Together, they embarked on projects ranging from website redesign, CRM and database management, anti-stigma social media campaigns, rebranding, and more. The collaborative efforts continued virtually over the following four weeks, with Advisors providing ongoing support and training.
Program participants included:
Since the Supreme Court’s decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization in 2022, abortion access in the United States has been severely restricted. Fourteen states have now criminalized nearly all abortions, impacting 18 million individuals of reproductive age. These restrictions disproportionately affect people of color and those with low incomes, further exacerbating existing inequities (Human Rights Watch) (Guttmacher Institute).
While the fight for reproductive justice continues to face significant obstacles, there have also been substantial efforts to protect and expand abortion access. We see these efforts reflected in the work of the inspiring organizations that participated in Tech2Empower USA South. As we reflect on the past year since the program concluded, it is hopeful to see the continued impact of the program on the participating organizations. Here are some updates from some participants regarding the impact Tech2Empower USA South has had on their work:
New Voices for Reproductive Justice
Through Tech2Empower USA South, New Voices acquired Bloomerang, a new customer service relationship platform, and the Tech2Empower team helped them create a rollout plan and user guide. Since implementing Bloomerang, New Voices has been using it extensively to capture new contacts, track donations, and understand donor behavior.
When asked about continued challenges their organization faces, Hannah L. from New Voices shared that despite improvements in email marketing metrics, New Voices continues to face the challenge of making their messaging stand out amidst the cluttered inboxes of their contacts. They have seen significant improvements in open and click rates, but consistency remains a goal. “Our contacts receive asks for donations and newsletters and invites to community events in their inbox from every nonprofit they have ever touched, so we're always thinking about ways to stand out in our messaging and our visuals,” says Hannah.
Abortion Care Tennessee (ACT)
Abortion Care Tennessee has seen tremendous benefits from their new website, which was developed with the help of their team of Tech2Empower Advisors. The website is now more visually appealing and encompasses their work more accurately, which expands their reach to a broader audience with more precise and effective messaging. “All of it has been so useful,” says Julia G. of ACT. “Our new site is beautiful, comprehensive, and much more direct and educational. We are able to reach a wider audience with a clearer message of what we do and how we do it.”
Lift Louisiana
Lift Louisiana has made great use of the newly designed website developed during Tech2Empower, which has received positive feedback from the public, partners, and donors. The user-friendly design has made it easier for followers to find necessary information and for staff to keep the content updated.
Michelle Erenberg, Executive Director for Lift Louisiana reports that an exciting development has been the organization's enhanced ability to analyze website traffic. In March, they released a report that garnered significant news coverage. Using the enhanced website analytics, they were able to track visitor behavior, gaining valuable insights into their audience. “This information was very helpful to us as we work to gain more understanding of our web audience and strive to make improvements to the content and structure of our website,” says Michelle.
Though the landscape for reproductive justice is riddled with challenges, the efforts of dedicated advocates and recent innovative initiatives provide a beacon of hope for a future where reproductive rights are fully protected and accessible to all. We are grateful to know some of the amazing organizations that are fighting for this liberation, specifically in the South. The journey over the past year since Tech2Empower USA South has shown us the power of collaboration, mutual learning, and technology in advancing this cause. The participating organizations have not only enhanced their operational capabilities but also strengthened their resolve and strategies in advocating for reproductive rights.
We are immensely proud of the strides made by each organization and remain committed to supporting their ongoing efforts. The success of Tech2Empower USA South would not have been possible without the generous support of our funders, donors, and community. Stay tuned for more updates as we continue to empower and uplift voices in this critical movement.
