Call for proposals — Code for All Summit 2023

Words by Mar Marín • Jun 5 2023

We’re excited you want to be part of the 2023 Code for All Summit, taking place online from September 18-21. This year’s conference will include a combination of live and pre-recorded sessions, offering a dynamic and engaging experience for all participants. We’re pleased to announce that the Call for Proposals is now open!

We want to hear from you!

As we hit our 10th anniversary, we’re on the lookout for passionate individuals and organizations who are eager to drive positive change in their communities through the power of technology. Whether you’re a tech enthusiast, a grassroots activist, or a dreamer with big ideas, we welcome proposals from anyone who believes in the incredible potential of technology to solve real-life challenges.

At this Summit, you will find a place to share your insights, reflections, questions, and ideas.

Proposal deadline: Friday, June 23rd, 2022.

Submit your session

About the Summit

Similar to last year, this year’s Summit will be a virtual experience from September 18th to 21st including Lightning Talks, Panels, and Workshops from speakers across the global civic tech community.

The Summit serves as the premier gathering for civic tech enthusiasts from around the world, providing a unique platform to discuss, explore, and evaluate the work, lessons, and impact of civic tech on a global scale. It presents an exceptional opportunity to connect online, foster meaningful connections, and exchange knowledge with each other.

If you’re curious about what the Code for All Summit has to offer, you can read our 2022 Summit overview and watch the recordings from last year’s Summit.

Themes

The themes for the 2023 Summit have been thoughtfully curated based on the most pressing challenges and opportunities identified by our member organizations. In addition, we have sought valuable input from over 81 individuals representing our community.

These themes encompass a diverse range of perspectives and address some of the most significant and current opportunities and challenges faced by the international civic tech community.

We are seeking proposals that align with one of the following tracks:

1. AI for Social Good

AI has profoundly transformed society and revolutionized various fields, including civic tech. It has reshaped the way we work, communicate, and interact with technology. However, along with its widespread adoption, concerns, and potential risks have emerged. To address these issues and unlock AI’s potential, the AI for Social Good track focuses on empowering communities to tackle societal challenges, enhance government services, and foster participatory decision-making. We welcome ideas that span diverse applications, from environmental conservation and sustainable development to improving public services and driving positive change, ultimately advancing community well-being.

2. Tracking Civic Tech Impact

In the past decade, the civic tech sector has been actively developing technology-driven solutions to address civic challenges. However, there has been a lack of documented evidence regarding the successes and challenges faced by these initiatives. The Tracking Civic Tech Impact theme aims to bridge this gap by emphasizing the importance of monitoring and evaluation in establishing a knowledge base for future endeavors. This track invites discussions on the effectiveness of monitoring civic tech projects in fostering stakeholder engagement, enhancing service quality, adapting strategies, and optimizing resource allocation, while identifying what works, what doesn’t work, and why.

3. Tech for Mass Community Action

How can technology empower communities to address pressing social issues and drive collective action? By building on the transformative potential of civic tech and emerging technologies, this track aims to showcase how technology can be leveraged by communities to enhance civic engagement, protect rights, and foster grassroots movements for social change. From sharing projects that extend beyond elections to sustaining community involvement during off-cycle and non-election years, participants are invited to exchange knowledge and explore innovative solutions that empower individuals and communities to collectively address social challenges and safeguard their rights in the digital age.

4. Tech for Global Social Justice

In an interconnected world, technology is crucial for addressing global social justice issues by providing powerful tools for positive change. It enables us to amplify marginalized voices, analyze data for uncovering injustice, and develop innovative solutions. The Tech for Global Social Justice track explores how technology can tackle systemic inequalities, promote human rights, and empower marginalized communities worldwide. We welcome proposals on fundraising, lobbying, shedding light on inequalities, and leveraging technology for advocacy, activism, and digital inclusion to combat discrimination. This track aims to showcase the transformative impact technology can have in driving social justice and fostering a more equitable society.

Formats

We are looking for the following types of presentations:

> Panels

Three or more folks from different organizations share their expertise and experience around a shared topic. We recommend having at least 3 panelists confirmed when you submit your session proposal. Time limit: 60 mins.

> Lightning Talks

Quick, pre-recorded presentations where a speaker shares insights from a project or case study. Time limit: 5-7 mins.

> Workshops

Live, interactive sessions where participants learn and develop new skills, ideas, or tools together. Time limit: 60 mins.

Deadlines

CfP Opens: Monday, June 5th, 2023
CfP Closes: Friday, June 23rd, 2023
CfP Notifications: Monday, July 10th, 2023
Event Dates: September 18th-21st, 2023

Submit your proposal!

Submit your proposal through the online form by June 23rd! We suggest you prepare your idea in its entirety before completing the online submission form. These are the questions you will find in the online form:

What is the title of your session? (English)
What is the goal of your session? (100 words)
Description of your session (250 words)
How will you make your session engaging?
What will participants get out of your session? (100 words)
How will you make sure your session is a safe space for all participants?
Speaker information: Provide the names, small bios (2-5 lines), and contact information for yourself and any additional speakers or panelists involved in your session.
Availability for September 18th – 21st: Indicate the availability of yourself and your session speakers for the specified dates, particularly for workshops and panel discussions.

To facilitate the process, we have created a Docs Template that you can copy and utilize to refine your proposal more effectively!

If you have any questions during the submission process, please contact us at summit@codeforall.org

Let’s stay connected! Follow #CfAllSummit23 for updates in real time.

Mar Marín

Communications Lead

Mar is curious and passionate about the intersection between technology and social studies. Her professional and personal experiences have been around peace culture, education, cybersecurity, reproductive and sexual rights, and civic technology. She currently wears multiple hats as the Communications Lead at Code for All, a Women Techmaker Ambassador, and Comms & Strategic Projects Associate at her city’s local Citizen Observatory. Outside of work, she believes plants are a form of therapy, and she’s always looking to get lost within her city to find new spots and stories of the ordinary.