A special announcement from the Data Values campaign

Grassroots advocates have a pivotal role to play in creating a fair data future. Apply by January 15 to become a Data Values Advocate.

We’re interrupting our scheduled publishing break for a special announcement ahead of the holidays. The Digest will resume its regular, bi-monthly publishing schedule in January. Happy New Year to all our readers and a sincere thank you to the many guest authors who have contributed thought-provoking writing to this publication in 2023.

Are you or is someone you know interested in becoming an advocate for Data Values? The Global Partnership for Sustainable Development Data announced this week it is accepting applications for a second cohort of Data Values Advocates, community or grassroots activists who are interested in promoting and implementing the Data Values agenda.

From March to December 2024, the Data Values Advocates program will provide training, micro funding, mentorship, and support to six individuals working at the grassroots and community levels who are interested in promoting and implementing the Data Values agenda. The program will support the Advocates to co-develop a project plan to implement the #DataValues Manifesto in their local contexts. They will also have opportunities to lead and shape prominent communications, advocacy activities, and events and to travel to a global conference as part of the Data Values movement.

Why the Data Values Advocates’ work matters

As societies grapple with the transformative effects of data and data-driven technology, the need to challenge underlying power structures in data systems has never been more crucial. Community-led action is the key to creating data systems that empower rather than harm—and across the globe, grassroots activists and community leaders are recognizing the potential of data to bring about positive change. From Uganda to Nepal, Mexico to New York, activists are advancing data rights, reshaping narratives, and pushing for increased representation within data systems.

In response to this urgent need, the Global Partnership launched the Data Values Advocates program in 2022. This program is a core part of the #DataValues Campaign, a global movement working to create a fairer data future and to ensure that those most affected by today's unequal data processes are at the forefront of shaping a more equitable world.

The impact of our first cohort of advocates highlights the transformative potential of community-led action. From facilitating workshops with community leaders and policymakers to conducting training sessions with women with disabilities, empowering them to advocate for their data rights, and engaging young people on AI and data privacy, the breadth of their work was astonishing. The Advocates’ work not only created a tangible impact but also served as a catalyst, supporting others—particularly those from marginalized communities—to engage and advocate for more equitable data practices. Watch this short video to learn more about the first cohort:

Beyond their projects, Advocates played a pivotal role in co-hosting sessions and speaking at prominent events, in person and virtually. These included global gatherings such as RightsCon 2023, World Data Forum, EuroDIG, Digital Rights and Inclusion Forum, Festival de Datos, and many more. By contextualizing the #DataValues Manifesto and amplifying its five principles within their communities and beyond, they became champions of the #DataValues Campaign. 

The first cohort of Advocates, now alumni of the program, will mentor the second cohort, building a sustained and ever-widening network of community champions.

About the Data Values Advocates call for applications

The Data Values Advocates application is open to grassroots and community activists eager to learn about the opportunities and harms of data. No technical experience working directly with data is required. Instead, we seek individuals with a background in community engagement, mobilization, or activism and a genuine interest in creating a fairer data future for all. We especially encourage participation from those working in or who are from communities that face marginalization or are underrepresented in global processes and policies.

Applications for the second cohort of Data Values Advocates are welcome from individuals anywhere in the world, though candidates should be comfortable communicating in English to support coordination and collaboration. The program includes a monthly stipend and accessibility support.

Please read the information pack before applying and complete a short online form. Applications close by midnight EST, January 15, 2024.

The cohort will be selected and finalized in February. An intersectional lens will be applied when selecting applicants to ensure diverse representation based on factors such as geography, disability status, age, and gender identity.

The Data Values Advocates program is coordinated by the Global Partnership and supported by Sightsavers and Omidyar Network. For any questions, reach out to me, Fatuma Faarah, at DataValues@data4sdgs.org.

Explore the Data Values web hub and sign up for updates if you are interested in being part of this global movement and learning more.