A smart, essential look at how technology is shaping the world of impact, from the Future of Good editorial team.
The digital-first reality is here to stay post-pandemic. Social impact organizations are still struggling in the transition to an online world. A recent survey by CanadaHelps found that one in three charities believe they’ll soon find it harder to continue their work if they don’t improve their digital capabilities. A majority rated their digital skill level as either “fair” or “poor.”
In a post-pandemic reality, non-profits will need to digitize — in one way or another — most of their processes, services, and activities. But for many, the capacity to embark on digital transformation just doesn’t exist. Gibson says a cross-sector, systems-level approach is necessary.
Building Indigenous value systems into the bedrock of an app allows an Indigenous developer or online community to practice digital sovereignty — meaningful control over their digital space that allows them to safely share their culture, language, and practices.
The COVID-19 pandemic has hit the Canadian charitable sector hard. Without the possibility of social gatherings and with event donations down, it’s difficult for non-profits to advance their missions. Charities are being forced to rapidly adopt ‘giving’ technologies to help bridge their fundraising and outreach gaps.
Despite comprising about 3.5 percent of Canada’s population, Black employees are only 2.6 percent of the tech sector’s workforce. Systemic racism in education, industry hiring, and access to capital are all part of the problem, but an incubator focused on holistically supporting Black professionals could make improvements.
Organizations that fail to respond to feedback from the communities they serve will fail to adapt. In the midst of COVID-19, many organizations are using technology to reach their communities and gather feedback, in order to respond and keep pace with the support they need.
