Tech Matters: Using tech for positive social change

A Guest Beneblog by Teresa Throckmorton, Benetech's CFO Walking into the Santa Clara Convention Center last night looked very much like so many other black tie events – but that’s where the similarity ended. I just attended the 2010 Tech Awards Gala Event . Awards were presented in five areas: Environment, Economic Development, Education, Equality and Health. Inside there were 20 stations set up with this year’s laureates. Talking with each of these passionate and amazing individuals was fascinating. It was hard to stop talking to one – so I could move on to the next. The impacts these people and their organizations make are being felt world-wide. Using technology as a base for knowing change is possible, change is happening. What did I learn last night? I learned that in some parts of India everyone has a cell phone but few have indoor plumbing or access to clean water – change is happening. I learned it’s now possible to give immunizations and antibiotics with a needle-fr...

I wanted to put in a plug for the Tech Museum Awards. We've been a Laureate twice (for Bookshare.org and Martus) in the past, and it's a great honor and a great event. If you know someone whose work embodies technology serving humanity, nominate them by tomorrow! [And, no, we're not looking for people to nominate a Benetech project this year: spread the wealth]. Here's the blurb from the nice people at the Tech Museum: Nomination Deadline: March 24, 2008 Nominations are being accepted for the 2008 Tech Museum Awards, an international Awards Program that honors innovators from around the world who are applying technology to benefit humanity. 25 Laureates will be honored at a Gala event on November 12, 2008 and five Laureates will share a cash prize of $250,000. Self-nominations are accepted and encouraged. Individuals, nonprofit organizations, and for-profit companies are all eligible. Reward those making a difference and nominate today at http://www.techawards.o...