Be the Change: 5 Tech Tools to Give Back and Pitch In
From supporting social justice to helping those in need, these resources will help you give back to your community
Spend a few minutes scrolling through a newsfeed this week, and it’s easy to feel jaded: From companies pushing Black Friday deals to communities struggling to cope with their second pandemic Thanksgiving, this season highlights that many of us are in need of help, even if it's not widely talked about. What can one person actually do about them? A lot, it turns out—especially if you arm yourself with a few key resources to maximize your impact and connect with like-minded people. Next Tuesday, November 30th, is Giving Tuesday. In that spirit, let this guide be your first step to giving back. Below, we’ve rounded up five excellent tech tools (including several Webby-honored picks) that’ll help you learn about the issues, find groups to support, and even create your own campaigns, too. A better world is possible. Now it’s time to work toward it.
There are hundreds of organizations working for racial justice in unique ways all across the country, and Give Blck, a 2021 Webby Winner, is your guide to them. The site is a comprehensive directory for groups that are pushing for positive change for Black lives, and it aims to promote greater racial equity in giving. From education to the environment and beyond, it’s an ideal starting point for finding social justice-focused organizations that are addressing causes you care about—around the U.S. and in your own community, too.
Be My Eyes, a 2021 Webby People’s Voice Winner, is a perfect example of using digital tech to solve a problem. This free app connects blind and low-vision people with sighted volunteers who “lend their eyes” via a live video call. Sign up, and you can field requests to assist with day-to-day tasks like reading an expiration date or navigating a new environment—in the process, you’ll help blind and low-vision users lead more independent lives.
Want to address a problem in your community but aren’t sure where to start? Check out the Youth Activist Toolkit. Developed by Advocates for Youth with input from activists and young writers, it’s a detailed guide to help you plan strategies, organize others, and take action on the issues you care about.
A 2021 Webby Nominee, Ex-Out is a student-created resource for learning how to effectively use social media to combat hate and violence online. Download the app to gain access to ready-to-use creative assets and templates as well as a digital handbook that will teach you how to craft your message and make your voice heard.
Advancing racial equity doesn’t only happen through activist movements and legislation: Informed everyday decisions, including where you eat, are also vital. For that, check out Spicy Green Book, an online directory for Black-owned food businesses across the U.S. and Canada. When you choose to patronize these restaurants, your dollars will support Black entrepreneurs and form a small (but important) step toward a more equitable society—eating great food is just an added bonus.
