My journey with the Tech Stewardship Practice Program (TSPP) has been nothing short of transformative. When I first started, I saw technology as a tool, a means to an end. But as I delved deeper into the program, I began to see it as something more. I began to see technology as a powerful force that could drive social change and create a more inclusive and equitable world.
The TSPP introduced me to the concept of tech stewardship, a way of thinking and acting that puts people and the planet at the heart of technology. It taught me that technology is not neutral. The way we design and use technology can have a big impact on our world. It can either contribute to the problems we face, or it can be part of the solution.
One of the key lessons I learned from the TSPP is the importance of being purposeful in our use of technology. We need to think carefully about why we are using technology and what we hope to achieve. We need to design and implement technology with a clear purpose in mind, and that purpose should be to create positive change.
Another important lesson I learned is the need for responsibility. Technology is changing our world at a rapid pace, and these changes can have complex and far-reaching impacts. As tech stewards, we need to anticipate these impacts and take steps to manage them. We need to be responsible for the technology we create and use.
The TSPP also taught me the value of inclusion. Technology should be for everyone, not just a privileged few. We need to make sure that everyone has a say in how technology is designed and used, and that everyone can benefit from it.
Finally, the TSPP emphasized the importance of regeneration. Too often, technology is extractive, taking more from the world than it gives back. But it doesn't have to be this way. We can design and use technology in a way that cares for the environment, the economy, and our communities.
These lessons from the TSPP have been invaluable in my work at Centre for Social Impact Technology on a project to map the social impact tech ecosystem in Calgary. This project involved identifying and mapping out social impact tech startups, organizations, and initiatives in the city. It also involved analyzing the current state of the ecosystem, identifying gaps and opportunities for growth, and developing recommendations for enhancing the ecosystem.
Throughout this project, I applied the principles of tech stewardship I learned from the TSPP. I approached the project with a clear purpose in mind, took responsibility for the impacts of my work, sought to include diverse voices, and aimed to contribute positively to the ecosystem.
Looking back, I can see how much I've grown and learned through the TSPP and my internship at Centre for Social Impact Technology. It has changed the way I see technology and the way I work. It has made me a better tech steward, and for that, I am grateful. As I continue my journey in the field of social impact technology, I will carry these lessons with me, always striving to shape technology for the benefit of all.
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Author:
Yevgen Balytskyy:
Research Analyst
Yevgen, an accomplished public sector professional, joins the Centre for Social Impact Technology team bringing with him an array of experience that encompasses over 15 years in both the federal, non-profit sector in Ukraine and the municipal sector in Canada. His journey with the Centre for Social Impact Technology aligns perfectly with his deep passion for social innovation, open data, and poverty reduction. Working most recently with the City of Winnipeg, Yevgen’s work portfolio is punctuated by impressive feats of statistical and geospatial analysis. With a keen focus on advocating for social policy changes and enhanced community services, he has demonstrated a steadfast commitment to facilitating impactful social transformation. His role in data preparation and analysis for the Poverty Reduction Strategy illustrates his dedication to social welfare and his understanding of the crucial role that technology can play in social change. Among Yevgen’s notable achievements is the development of a novel methodology for calculating the annual payments of City of Winnipeg Community Centers. This innovation not only streamlined municipal procedures but also set a precedent for using data to inform and optimize administrative processes. Yevgen’s work with the open data project underscored his ability to leverage digital technology for social good. At the Centre for Social Impact Technology, Yevgen will contribute to our mission of fostering a technology-driven innovation ecosystem that is not only socially beneficial but also socially transformative. His dedication to responsible, open, inclusive, shared, and regenerative practices aligns seamlessly with our vision.