Crafting Impactful Narratives with Technologists for the Public Good
On May 15, 2024, SF Civic Tech, in collaboration with Technologists for the Public Good, hosted an inspiring event entitled Crafting Impactful Narratives: Presenting on Public Interest Tech. This event was our first in-person event post-Covid, bringing together cross-sector professionals and enthusiasts dedicated to making a difference in the public sector. Held alongside our civic hack night, the event featured insightful presentations from leading voices in the field.
Event Highlights
We had the privilege of hearing from three veterans in civic tech who shared their expertise on presenting work in public interest technology:
Tom Dooner
Senior Software Engineer at Nava Public Benefit Corporation
Tom emphasized the importance of storytelling in public applications. Drawing from Jennifer Pahlka’s book Recoding America, he highlighted why simplifying problems, humanizing stories, and focusing on transformative journeys are crucial. His five key qualities for impactful narratives include:
- Simplifying the problem
- Telling human stories
- Outlining the “before,” “during,” and “after”
- Answering “so what”
- Ending with a vision
Marnie Webb
Chief Impact Officer at TechSoup and CEO at Caravan Studios
Marnie shared five pieces of advice for strengthening worker welfare programs through design, data, delivery, impact, and community. Marnie’s insights emphasized stakeholder engagement, clear milestones, and the importance of leading with impact to foster an inclusive community.
Nick Okafor
Founder and Executive Director of Trubel & Co
Nick introduced us to the Liberatory Framework, a visionary approach integrating STEM education with social equity. His curriculum includes geospatial data analytics, race, power, and technology, and self-directed student capstones. Nick stressed the importance of documenting work, ensuring accessibility, and presenting narratives that connect and inspire action.
Key Takeaways
The event underscored how each of us can make a significant impact on our communities. By understanding the power of effective storytelling, engaging with stakeholders, and focusing on measurable impact, we can drive meaningful change. It all starts with the desire to see a difference and the willingness to take action.
Gratitude and Acknowledgements
A heartfelt thank you to Technologists for the Public Good for their partnership and invaluable contributions in making this event a success. We are also immensely grateful to GitHub for providing the space that made this gathering possible.
Together, we can continue to innovate and create a better future for our communities. Stay tuned for more events and opportunities to engage with SF Civic Tech.