Tech2Empower USA South
June 15 - July 21, 2023
Application deadline is January 20, 2023.
Program kick-off in New Orleans from June 15-16, plus 4 weeks of virtual collaboration.
Mobilized by the dismantling of bodily autonomy in this post-Dobbs era, WAKE invites nonprofit organizations based in and/or serving communities in the South to apply to Tech2Empower USA South: Activism for Reproductive Justice. Coming to New Orleans June 2023, this program will engage allies from the tech industry and beyond to support and amplify the work of frontline reproductive justice organizations through collaboration, volunteerism, and technology. Participating nonprofits propose impact projects on which they would like support to accelerate their work in sexual health and reproductive justice. Projects can be centered around tech, communications, marketing, administrative systems, organizational planning, and more.
If your organization is selected to participate, WAKE will connect a team from your nonprofit with Advisors from top tech companies to consult on your project of choice. The hybrid program will begin in New Orleans with 2 days in-person project work on Thursday June 15 and Friday 16, followed by 4 weeks of virtual collaboration, from June 19 to July 21, 2023 (time commitment approximately 3 hours/week; includes 1 week program break due to 4th of July holiday week).
Through Tech2Empower you will:
- Undertake collaborative project work (on a topic proposed by your nonprofit) with a team of tech Advisors from leading companies;
- Connect with a national network of fellow social justice organizations; and
- Gain new allies in support of your social justice work.
Learn more about the program here.
Time Commitment:
We ask that your team (minimum 2 people) commit to attending the program kick-off in New Orleans on June 15 and June 16, as well as commit to approximately 3 hours of programming and project work each week from June 19- July 21, 2023 (with 1 week off due to 4th of July holiday).
Eligibility Requirements:
To be considered for Tech2Empower USA South, organizations must:
- Be a registered nonprofit or fiscally-sponsored organization committed to advocating for and advancing the health and wellbeing of those accessing sexual and reproductive health services including (but not limited to) contraception and abortion services;
- Social impact organizations without nonprofit status will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
- Nominate at least two team members to participate in Tech2Empower USA South. Additional team members are welcome to join your project team and meetings with Advisors as needed;
- Be based in and/or serving communities in the South and focus primarily on social justice issues, including, but not limited to:
- Reproductive Health, Rights and Justice
- Abortion Access
- Contraception Access
- Sexual Health Education
- Maternal Health/Healthcare
- Women's* Empowerment & Bodily Autonomy *including trans women and non-binary individuals
Selection Criteria:
Organizations selected based on their:
- Thoughtful application clearly expressing how they will leverage what is learned and accomplished during the program to strengthen the work of their organization;
- Clear and focused tech, finance, administrative, or communications project idea and explanation of its envisioned impact on organization's work;
- Demonstrated focus and commitment to advancing social justice, especially in underserved communities; and
- Expressed commitment to allocating relevant and valuable team resources to fully participate in Tech2Empower (both in-person and virtual components).
Please note: In final selection, we also take into consideration organization and project focus areas, location, communities served, and size of organization to bring together a diverse group of participants for Tech2Empower USA South.
Collaborative Project:
As part of the application process, we ask you to propose a project on which you would like support and which would advance the work of your nonprofit. If selected, we will match you with a team of Advisors (experts from leading tech companies) with the skills needed to support your proposed project. The project should be feasible for your nonprofit team and Advisors to accomplish in approximately 20-25 hours (2 days in New Orleans plus up to 3 hours a week for 4 weeks virtually). For tips and to see examples of past projects, click here to check out our guide to creating a strong Tech2Empower application.
Your contribution and commitment for Tech2Empower USA South:
WAKE offers Tech2Empower USA South free of charge* to all selected nonprofits. We ask that each participating organization commits a minimum of two team members who will participate in all the programming and project meetings (including the New Orleans program kick-off and approximately 3 hours weekly virtually for 4 weeks).
*Please note that WAKE welcomes applications from eligible organizations based throughout the South but is unable to cover any travel or lodging expenses incurred for out-of-town participants.
Important program dates that require your team's attendance:
- Nonprofit application open: November 16, 2022
- Final application deadline: January 20, 2023
- Nonprofit Orientation and Welcome Session: May 30, 2023
- Tech2Empower New Orleans Kick-off: June 15-16, 2023 - In-person project work for Advisor and Nonprofit teams.
- Virtual Collaboration: June 19 - July 21, 2023
- Program Closing Celebration: Thursday, July 20, 2023
Application deadline is January 20, 2023.