How to Bring ICT4D to Your Development Organization?

September 23rd Tech Salon DC - RSVP Now

Bringing innovative uses of new technologies into an international development organization can be a struggle. Not only is it a process of managing change, but those with the responsibility for designing, supporting and implementing programs that use new ICTs or other innovative approaches require a combination of skills that are not commonly taught at universities or in on-line courses or INGO training courses.

A number of innovation theories exist, yet these do not always play out as hoped within the confines of global organizations with their myriad of cultures, varying levels of expertise, difficulties in sharing and communicating successes and failures, resistance to change, and conservative environments where risk-taking is not rewarded.

Please RSVP now to join Jessica Heinzelman, Manager ICT Strategic Initiatives at DAI; and Carol Bothwell, Vice President and Chief Information Officer at CRS; for a discussion on challenges and successful approaches and tactics for bringing innovative ICT4D approaches more fully into development organizations.

Weâ€™ll cover areas like:

What are some of the common challenges that organizations face when trying to integrate ICTs into their programs and operations. How can we overcome some of the challenges?
How can we better scale and integrate ICT4D within development organizations? What are the benefits of "mainstreaming" vs "sidestreaming" ICT4D?
How do we know what is effective? What metrics can help us better determine this?
What are some concrete strategies for working on ICT4D across an organization (leadership, programs, fundraising, communications) that reinforce best practices?
What are successful ways to support and highlight local capacity in ICT4D and engage country offices?
What approaches work to engage and train staff to strengthen capacities for innovation and integration of new ICTs in programming?

Weâ€™ll also share examples of existing guides, tools, and resources that can help NGOs integrate ICTs into their programming and operations.

ICT4D in Your Organization
September Technology Salon DC
8:30 - 10:30 a.m.
Tuesday, September 23rd
Washington, DC
RSVP is required for attendance

Please RSVP now to join in the discussion. Weâ€™ll have hot coffee and catered breakfast treats for a morning rush, but seating is limited. Once we reach our 35-person capacity there will be a waiting list!.
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About the Technology Salon

The Technology Salonâ„¢ is an intimate, informal, and in person, discussion between information and communication technology experts and international development professionals, with a focus on both:

technology's impact on donor-sponsored technical assistance delivery, and
private enterprise driven economic development, facilitated by technology.

Our meetings are lively conversations, not boring presentations. Attendance is capped at 30 people - and frank participation with ideas, opinions, and predictions is actively encouraged.

It's also a great opportunity to meet others motivated to employ technology to solve vexing development problems. Join us today!