We need to make the culture of being a technologist for the public interest accessible and empathetic
Public interest technology (PIT) is a scholarly and professional field advocating the development of technology for the public good. The driving force behind promoting PIT is a reaction to the fast pace at which technology shapes many aspects of our lives. As we rely on more technology to provide our news, present our identities, create communities, deliver our services, and sustain infrastructure, there is an increasing responsibility to be intentional about how we use our technological advances for good.
Technologist with Social Impact is a book about the culture we need to create around public interest technology for those with the expertise to be important agents of change for communities. There are many people who fit the bill of technologists interests in social good but who don't have the network or experience to meaningfully engage with public interest areas.
Why write this book for public interest technologists?
This book will be a guide on the transformation into a public interest technologist who forms an identity around skillfully and emphatically solving civic issues with technology. We believe there's space to open up the conversation to those thinking about making a difference, already on the path, or thinking how they can turn their technology solution into a cultural fit that people embrace.
To make this piece more meaningful, readers will be taken through the three stages of our DNA framework with insights and experiences from special guests who have taken the time to stop and chat about the public interest technologist journey and responsibilities.
