In a world where civic spaces are shrinking and democratic values are under threat, the Digital Action Lab (DAL) emerges as a beacon of hope, empowering civil society actors in the Global South to harness the power of technology for inclusive democracy. This initiative, spearheaded by CIVICUS, seeks to provide a platform for pro-democracy organizations to enhance their organizing, advocacy, and campaign capacities through digital interventions. Let’s delve into the mission, workings, and opportunities that DAL offers, and why your organization should seize this unique chance.

Mission and Vision: Unleashing Tech for Democracy

Digital Action Lab’s mission is crystal clear: to cultivate real-world pilot projects that strengthen the organizing, advocacy, and campaign capacities of civil society groups in the Global South. Through enhanced collaboration with local allies, DAL aims to develop the knowledge, approaches, and tools needed to support more pro-democracy organizations. The initiative focuses on countries facing restricted civic space, emphasizing the importance of inclusive democracy.

How It Works: Nurturing Change Agents

The core of DAL lies in its structured approach. Civil society organizations, selected through an open nomination and application process, form cohorts to work closely with the CIVICUS team, technical experts, and each other over a nine-month period. This collaboration culminates in a fully funded project delivered in the local setting, with grants ranging from $10,000 to $30,000 USD.
Participants receive coaching, non-financial support, and engagement opportunities, fostering a dynamic learning environment.

Why You Should Apply: Unlocking Your Digital Potential

The call to join DAL is not just an invitation; it’s a gateway to transformative experiences. Here’s why your organization should seize this opportunity:

1. Create and Control Your DAL Experience: Define joint priorities and project focus through in-person workshops, shaping your unique DAL journey.
2. Tailored Skill Enhancement: DAL commits to boosting your skills with customized workshops, addressing the unique needs and challenges of your organization, empowering you to leverage digital opportunities confidently.
3. Take Existing Work to the Next Level: Rather than starting from scratch, DAL focuses on enhancing your current strategies for maximum impact and sustainability.
4. Explore and Test Digital Solutions: Receive funding and support to discover digital tools, overcoming challenges or turbo-charging existing practices in organizing, advocacy, and campaigns.
5. Financial Support for Participation and Implementation: Access grants to cover costs and implement your DAL pilot project, ranging from $10,000 to $30,000 USD.
6. Structured Format for Meaningful Engagement: Engage through online platforms, virtual workshops, local activities, and in-person workshops, maximizing opportunities for learning and community building.
7. Documentation and Knowledge Sharing: Contribute to knowledge products, sharing your experiences, successes, and lessons learned with the wider community.
8. Showcase Progress and Networking Opportunities: Participate in a DAL achievement summit, connecting with like-minded peers, sharing successes, and fostering collaborations.

Help Them Reach the Right People: Nominate!

The success of DAL relies on identifying and supporting underrepresented or marginalized actors. If you know of a group doing impactful work but struggling to scale or gain visibility, nominate them through the provided form. DAL encourages nominations from women, youth, and informal civil society groups, ensuring inclusivity.

Eligibility Criteria: Opening Doors to Inclusive Democracy

For organizations considering applying or being nominated, understanding the eligibility criteria is crucial:

1. Global South Focus: DAL is open to civil society organizations from the Global South actively involved in advancing inclusive democracy and civic space.
2. Representation Matters: Emphasis on historically excluded groups—rural communities, indigenous peoples, women, youth, and the LGBT+ community—making up at least 50% of each cohort.
3. Digital Experience: Organizations must leverage digital technology, with DAL addressing digital skills gaps and challenges.
4. Commitment and Capacity: Dedicated staffing capacity for the nine-month duration of the cohort, planning, and tracking fund utilization.
5. Language Proficiency: Good written and verbal communication in English for the first cohort, with future cohorts open to other languages.

Digital Action Lab stands at the intersection of technology and democracy, offering a lifeline to those fighting for inclusive governance. By applying or nominating deserving organizations, you become a crucial part of this movement. Join hands with DAL to unleash the power of tech for democracy, ensuring that no voice goes unheard in the pursuit of a truly inclusive world.
Apply now and be a catalyst for positive change!