Last month, WAKE launched our groundbreaking program, Tech2Empower USA South: Activism for Reproductive Justice, an initiative designed to harness the power of technology to help augment the essential and brave work of reproductive justice organizations. The program served as a platform for collaboration, volunteerism, and the formation of cross-sector partnerships aimed at taking tangible steps forward in the national fight for bodily autonomy and reproductive rights.
Strategically centered in the South, Tech2Empower USA South was created as a response to the disproportionate burden shouldered by many southern communities amidst state-wide abortion bans enacted since the fall of Roe v. Wade in June of 2022. The program established a sprawling network of southern reproductive justice leaders and volunteer Advisors from across the tech industry with a passion for the mission, helping to engage allies and advocates from all regions of the country in this fight. These innovative partnerships were formed as a means for elevating the influence and impact of nonprofits fighting tirelessly for reproductive justice.
The journey began with an immersive two-day Impact Challenge event in New Orleans, Louisiana, an event that sparked synergistic relationships between nonprofits and skilled tech Advisors. Each partnership embarked on a tech-based project aimed at expanding the capacity and impact of their organizations. Six remarkable organizations became the beating heart of our program, working tirelessly with their Advisors to formulate tangible, sustainable projects that would help expand and support their work.
“This was a great as well as important opportunity to meet other nonprofit leaders and volunteers and see how we can and should collaborate in the future. It is a great way to share and examine resources and systems we all have in place.” - Amie Grant, Access Reproductive Care Southeast
In addition to the focused project work, Tech2Empower USA South offered a profound learning experience for both nonprofit leaders and Advisors. A program highlight was the 'Southern Voices: Decoding Reproductive Rights and Challenges' panel discussion, where Tech2Empower participants engaged in a meaningful dialogue about the current landscape of reproductive rights in the South, and how we can all be advocates regardless of geography. Privacy expert and Tech2Empower Advisor, Amanda Conway Brehm, also led a crucial informational session on privacy best practices within the reproductive health space, further underscoring the importance of securing sensitive health information.
The program was immensely successful, with Advisors gaining a deeper understanding of the reproductive justice cause and the ways they can continue to support it. Nonprofit leaders shared with our team that they found themselves re-energized and inspired by the collective commitment to reproductive justice established during the program.
“Tech2Empower USA South has been a deeply inspiring and humbling experience, and proves to me the importance of in-person collaboration. Meeting and working with the human beings who are on the ground doing the work makes the issue of reproductive justice feel all the more urgent, which it is - and will continue to be until we can effect collective change.” - Sabina Piersol, Freelance content writer
Tech2Empower USA South has proven that the synergy of technology and advocacy is indeed a powerful force for social good. WAKE remains dedicated to providing leaders in the reproductive justice movement with the technical support needed to advance their mission and vision. The success of Tech2Empower USA South reaffirms our belief in the potential of tech-empowered activism.
