February 2018 - change - Mailing Lists

UW Change Seminar 2/6 in MGH 206: Maria Garrido- Access to Information and Global Sustainable Development
by Esther Jang 06 Feb '18

06 Feb '18

Please join us for the Change Seminar this week on Tuesday 2/6/2018 in *MGH 206*. *Please note the location change! The previous email was in error.* *Who: *Maria Garrido, UW Technology & Social Change Group (TASCHA) *What:** Access to Information and Global Sustainable Development: The Development and Access to Information project (DA2I)* *When:* Tuesday, Feb 6th, 12-1pm *Where:** MGH 206 (note the location change!!)* *Abstract:* Meaningful access to information is a fundamental requirement that underpins the achievement of the UN 2030 Sustainable Development Goals. However, in order to have a transformative effect in people’s lives there must be an enabling environment in place that guarantees/fosters the rights and capacity of people to use, create, and share information in ways that are meaningful to each individual. The ability of information access to contribute to sustainable development is influenced by a combination of structural factors (e.g., policies and physical infrastructure) and human/social factors (e.g., usage, population characteristics, and skills). Through examining the multiple facets of access – infrastructure, social contexts, capabilities, and policy and law – and exploring how libraries act as equal agents of information access and how access to information contributes to sustainable agriculture, better health, gender equality, and sustainable infrastructure, the report shows that access to information can transform lives. This research examines the state of access to information around the world and how it can advance the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through the tracking of 17 global indicators examining the multiple facets of access – infrastructure, social contexts, capabilities, and policy framework. The Development and Access to Information project (DA2I) is a joint project between TASCHA and the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA). *Bio:* Maria Garrido is a Principal Research Scientist at the Technology & Social Change Group of the University of Washington’s Information School. Experienced in conducting multi-country studies that span diverse geographic regions, much of her research focuses on the appropriation of information and communication technologies (ICTs) to catalyze social change, specifically in communities facing social, political, and economic challenges. Keenly interested in the role of ICTs in social movements, youth employability, and skill development, Maria has worked closely with civil society organizations, NGOs, public libraries, and development funders to conduct participatory research that results in actionable recommendations for policy and practice. Recent examples of her research include the role of Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) in advancing youth employability in Colombia, the Philippines, and South Africa; employability of migrant women and e-skills in the European Union; and youth movements, ICTs, and the struggle for democracy in Egypt’s Arab Spring. Maria is currently leading a multi-year research effort focusing on the role of access to information in advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). She holds a Ph.D. in Communications from the University of Washington and a Masters in International Relations from the University of Chicago.

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UW Change Seminar 2/6 in EEB 003: Maria Garrido- Access to Information and Global Sustainable Development
by Esther Jang 05 Feb '18

05 Feb '18

Please join us for the Change Seminar this week on Tuesday 2/6/2018 in EEB 003. *Who: *Maria Garrido, UW Technology & Social Change Group (TASCHA) *What:** Access to Information and Global Sustainable Development: The Development and Access to Information project (DA2I)* *When:* Tuesday, Feb 6th, 12-1pm *Where:* EEB 003 *Abstract:* Meaningful access to information is a fundamental requirement that underpins the achievement of the UN 2030 Sustainable Development Goals. However, in order to have a transformative effect in people’s lives there must be an enabling environment in place that guarantees/fosters the rights and capacity of people to use, create, and share information in ways that are meaningful to each individual. The ability of information access to contribute to sustainable development is influenced by a combination of structural factors (e.g., policies and physical infrastructure) and human/social factors (e.g., usage, population characteristics, and skills). Through examining the multiple facets of access – infrastructure, social contexts, capabilities, and policy and law – and exploring how libraries act as equal agents of information access and how access to information contributes to sustainable agriculture, better health, gender equality, and sustainable infrastructure, the report shows that access to information can transform lives. This research examines the state of access to information around the world and how it can advance the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through the tracking of 17 global indicators examining the multiple facets of access – infrastructure, social contexts, capabilities, and policy framework. The Development and Access to Information project (DA2I) is a joint project between TASCHA and the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA). *Bio:* Maria Garrido is a Principal Research Scientist at the Technology & Social Change Group of the University of Washington’s Information School. Experienced in conducting multi-country studies that span diverse geographic regions, much of her research focuses on the appropriation of information and communication technologies (ICTs) to catalyze social change, specifically in communities facing social, political, and economic challenges. Keenly interested in the role of ICTs in social movements, youth employability, and skill development, Maria has worked closely with civil society organizations, NGOs, public libraries, and development funders to conduct participatory research that results in actionable recommendations for policy and practice. Recent examples of her research include the role of Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) in advancing youth employability in Colombia, the Philippines, and South Africa; employability of migrant women and e-skills in the European Union; and youth movements, ICTs, and the struggle for democracy in Egypt’s Arab Spring. Maria is currently leading a multi-year research effort focusing on the role of access to information in advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). She holds a Ph.D. in Communications from the University of Washington and a Masters in International Relations from the University of Chicago.

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Recruiting participants: Navigating new financial systems
by Philip Garrison 05 Feb '18

05 Feb '18

Hi friends! We are recruiting participants for a research project that focuses on *how people who have moved or traveled to a new country navigate new financial systems* and digital financial services. Our goal is to understand the complexities of the transition process in order to better design digital financial tools. We would *love* to hear your stories! If you are interested in participating in an interview (in person or online), please fill out the following 30 second (we promise) screening survey https://goo.gl/forms/zVEIWlLzPLmBIjBI3. Please forward this to anyone you know who might be interested, and feel free to contact us with any questions. Thanks a bunch! Philip and Naveena

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JOB: Consult for DARPA
by Yosem Companys 04 Feb '18

04 Feb '18

From: Alex Wong <aswong(a)post.harvard.edu> Some consulting firms are looking for highly-qualified folks for a government client, the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (yeah, the Internet and Robotic Grand Challenge people), to assist in crafting and evaluating programs to fund cutting-edge innovation, research, and development. Certain technical expertise areas are highly desirable, but required skills will be broad-based. Photonics/Optical Physics <https://careers.boozallen.com/en-US/job/photonics-consultant-staff-physicis…> Mathematics <https://careers.boozallen.com/en-US/job/mathematics-consultant/J3P5T66PLC5Q…> Mathematics 2 <http://www.sainc.com/joining-sa/careers-with-sa> Human-Machine Studies <http://www.sainc.com/joining-sa/careers-with-sa> Please feel free to reach out - I'd be happy to talk about my experiences there. Regards, Alex Wong

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‘Kind’ technology?
by Yosem Companys 04 Feb '18

04 Feb '18

From: Harnidh Kaur <kharnidh(a)gmail.com> I don’t think most of you know this, but I work in the development space and we’re always trying to find cool ways to make tech make the world better. I’ve been trying to read up more about the same. So, here. Is ‘kind technology’ a thing? Where people are trying to change gears of existing/incumbent technology to specifically serve vulnerable populations? Any existing ideas/something you’re working on/things you think SHOULD find a kind tech iteration. Gimme! -- Regards Harnidh Kaur Lady Shri Ram College for Women '15 St. Xavier's College, Mumbai '17 Foreverawkwardandlearning.wordpress.com <http://foreverawkwardandlearning.wordpress.com/> +91-7718951383

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