Call for Applications: Residential Institute on ‘Frontiers and Frames for a New Digitality’ by IT for Change
IT for Change is excited to announce the second edition of its residential institute, “Frontiers and Frames for a New Digitality,” organized by the School of Digital Justice and supported by the Fair, Green and Global Alliance. This 5-day program, scheduled for March 2025, will take place in Southeast Asia (final dates and location to be confirmed).
This institute offers a unique opportunity for civil society activists, scholars, development professionals, and leaders from the Global South to dive deep into critical debates and strategies around digital justice. The program aims to empower participants with the knowledge, tools, and capacities needed to navigate the emerging intersections of digitalization, policy, and social justice in their advocacy work.
Key Details
- Dates: March 2025 (final dates to be confirmed)
- Location: Southeast Asia (final location to be confirmed)
- Duration: 5 days (excluding travel)
- Application Deadline: 30 November 2024, 11:59 PM IST
- Announcement of Results: 15 December 2024
What You Will Learn
As the digital landscape becomes central to global social movements, understanding its dynamics is crucial for advocacy work. This institute will cover various topics aimed at equipping participants with the tools to understand, critique, and influence the digital economy and governance. Some of the areas of focus include:
- Data Capitalism and Platformization: Explore the rise of the intelligence corporation, Big Tech monopolies, and the challenges of enforcing accountability in global data value chains.
- Feminist Perspectives on Digital Justice: Understand how digital platforms and economies affect gender justice, labor rights, and social reproduction.
- Digitalization and Future of Work: Examine the impacts of AI, algorithmic management, and worker surveillance on labor rights and organization.
- Data and AI Governance: Analyze emerging global arrangements for the regulation of data and AI, and explore the governance challenges posed by cross-border data flows and technological sovereignty.
- Digitalized Citizen Infrastructure: Learn how datafication is reshaping governance, citizen rights, and public services in the Global South.
What to Expect
Participants will have the chance to learn from experienced activists, scholars, and experts who are at the forefront of digital justice work. The institute will feature a blend of readings, lectures, case studies, and group discussions. Through these sessions, participants will:
- Develop a deep understanding of the political economy of the digital era.
- Examine the impact of platformization and data capitalism on global social justice movements.
- Gain insights into critical policy debates around digital governance.
- Collaborate with peers from across the Global South to build new models of collective resistance and advocacy.
- Join a community of like-minded change-makers working to promote digital justice.
Who Can Apply?
This program is open to individuals who meet the following criteria:
- Location: Applicants must reside or work in the Global South.
- English Proficiency: The institute will be conducted in English.
The institute is ideal for
- Civil society activists, scholars, program managers, or development practitioners working on issues related to digital rights, labor, gender justice, climate justice, or international development.
- Individuals eager to explore the intersections of technology, policy, and the law, and to understand the socio-political impact of the digital economy.
- Those in leadership positions who are capable of driving strategic changes in their organizations or communities.
Costs
IT for Change will cover lodging and meals for all participants, with accommodation provided on a twin-sharing basis. While organizations nominating team members are encouraged to cover travel costs, a limited number of travel fellowships are available for those unable to fund their travel. Be sure to indicate in your application form if you require travel support.
Venue & Accommodation
The institute will take place in Southeast Asia, and participants are expected to arrive one day in advance and stay for the entire duration of the course. Ensure that your travel documents, including passport and visa, are in order.
Application Process
- Interested individuals must apply through the online form by 30 November 2024, 11:59 PM IST.
- Only selected candidates will be notified by 15 December 2024.
