2026 Global Gathering Programming - Revision history

Erin: /* Programming Proposals for the 2026 GG Are Open!! */

2026-03-19T10:55:29Z

Programming Proposals for the 2026 GG Are Open!!

← Older revision		Revision as of 10:55, 19 March 2026
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	==== '''<big>Programming Proposals for the 2026 GG Are Open!!</big>''' ====		==== '''<big>Programming Proposals for the 2026 GG Are Open!!</big>''' ====
	Only individuals who have applied and been approved to join the GG can submit proposals. If you have not applied for the GG, you can do so here: https://gathering.digitalrights.community/		Only individuals who have applied and been approved to join the GG can submit proposals. If you have not applied for the GG, you can do so here: https://gathering.digitalrights.community/

			Approved applicants will be able to submit proposals on the dashboard of the GG ticketing platform.

	== '''What We Are Looking for...''' ==		== '''What We Are Looking for...''' ==

Erin: /* Skill-Share Workshops */

2026-03-19T07:28:41Z

Skill-Share Workshops

← Older revision		Revision as of 07:28, 19 March 2026
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	'''Pro-Tip:''' Prior to the event, we will provide a virtual community space on our Mattermost for networking. This is a great place to find co-faciliators for your proposal OR invite folks to your Circle, if it is accepted.		'''Pro-Tip:''' Prior to the event, we will provide a virtual community space on our Mattermost for networking. This is a great place to find co-faciliators for your proposal OR invite folks to your Circle, if it is accepted.

	=== Skill-Share Workshops ===		=== Skill-Share Workshops: Strengthening Capacity ===
	Skill-share Workshops improve capacity by leveling up participants’ skills or deepening their knowledge. Workshops can last from 45 minutes to 90 minutes and can be directed to novices or seasoned experts. Workshops should be focused on skill-building in a particular area and should not centered around one specific tool or project. This year we will be scheduling workshops both in the mornings, before the start of the event, and during the event itself.		Skill-share Workshops improve capacity by leveling up participants’ skills or deepening their knowledge. Workshops can last from 45 minutes to 90 minutes and can be directed to novices or seasoned experts. Workshops should be focused on skill-building in a particular area and should not centered around one specific tool or project. This year we will be scheduling workshops both in the mornings, before the start of the event, and during the event itself.

	'''Note:''' The Global Gathering venue is low-tech and workshops must be delivered without the use of projectors or screens, however large notepads will be provided.		'''Note:''' The Global Gathering venue is low-tech and workshops must be delivered without the use of projectors or screens, however large notepads will be provided.

	=== Meetups ===		=== Meetups: Building Trust ===
	'''Meetups''' bring together folks who have a shared interest, demographic, or work area to network and build trust in a more relaxed environment. While Circles are about discussing issues, Meetups are about connecting humans and learning about each other.		'''Meetups''' bring together folks who have a shared interest, demographic, or work area to network and build trust in a more relaxed environment. While Circles are about discussing issues, Meetups are about connecting humans and learning about each other.

Erin: /* The Formats */

2026-03-19T07:21:07Z

The Formats

← Older revision		Revision as of 07:21, 19 March 2026
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	* Regulatory, technical, and civic responses to emerging risks		* Regulatory, technical, and civic responses to emerging risks
	* Global impact and implications of regional tech policy and regulation		* Global impact and implications of regional tech policy and regulation
	== '''~~The~~ Formats''' ==		== '''Programming Formats''' ==

	=== Booths: Flexible Spaces for Sharing, Creating and Connecting ===		=== Booths: Flexible Spaces for Sharing, Creating and Connecting ===

Erin: /* Booths: Flexible Spaces for Sharing, Creating and Connecting */

2026-03-19T07:09:20Z

Booths: Flexible Spaces for Sharing, Creating and Connecting

← Older revision		Revision as of 07:09, 19 March 2026
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	Booth shifts last two hours. We highly recommend you decorate your booth in a fun and creative way and bring your computer or devices if you want to showcase virtual materials. Electrical outlets are available in each booth. More information about booth sizing and amenities is available [[Global Gathering Booths\|'''here''']]. You can see a sample of booth pictures [[Global Gathering#pics\|here:]]		Booth shifts last two hours. We highly recommend you decorate your booth in a fun and creative way and bring your computer or devices if you want to showcase virtual materials. Electrical outlets are available in each booth. More information about booth sizing and amenities is available [[Global Gathering Booths\|'''here''']]. You can see a sample of booth pictures [[Global Gathering#pics\|here:]]

	'''There are many ways you can use Booths, including:'''		'''There are many ways you can use Booths, including:'''
	* '''Showcase your project or organization''' and connect with attendees through conversation, materials, and Q&A.		* '''Showcase your project or organization''' and connect with attendees through conversation, materials, and Q&A.

Erin at 07:09, 19 March 2026

2026-03-19T07:09:02Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 07:09, 19 March 2026
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	</div>		</div>

	==== '''<big>Open ~~Call for Programming Starts March 19~~!</big>''' ====		==== '''<big>Programming Proposals for the 2026 GG Are Open!!</big>''' ====
	~~The link~~ to the ~~open call~~ for ~~programming will be shared with all approved~~ GG ~~attendees on March 19~~. ~~For this reason, make sure to submit your GG application as soon as possible!~~		Only individuals who have applied and been approved to join the GG can submit proposals. If you have not applied for the GG, you can do so here: https://gathering.digitalrights.community/

	== '''What We Are Looking for...''' ==		== '''What We Are Looking for...''' ==
	~~At the GG we are looking for~~ programming ~~that reflects real needs on the ground and helps tackle urgent tech/digital challenges impacting civil society, defenders~~, and ~~journalists~~ on ~~the local, regional, and global levels~~. We ~~especially love programming that is used~~ to ~~advance goals~~, ~~improve skills, deepen knowledge around~~ a ~~specific area, or address known or emerging challenges~~. ~~To facilitate these conversations, we use~~ ''~~Circles~~'', ''~~Meetups'', ''Skill~~-~~Share Workshops'', and ''Villages''.~~		The Global Gathering’s programming is unique, using specific formats and focusing on certain themes every year. We highly encourage you to read the page below, which will help you submit a stronger proposal. '''New to 2026:''' We will be featuring a limited number of skill-share workshops!

	~~We also love when projects~~ and individuals share their work with others. ~~To help organizations highlight their projects, we use ''Booths'', and in rare occasions, ''Circles''.~~		At the GG we look for programming that reflects real needs on the ground and helps:

			* Advance shared goals
			* Improves skills
			* Creates collective knowledge
			* Supports the mapping out and mobilization of networks around current and emerging challenges
			* Projects and individuals share their work with others.

	== '''2026 Themes''' ==		== '''2026 Themes''' ==
	<big>~~'''~~In addition to the themes listed below, ~~the areas~~ we will be ~~highlighting through collaborative~~ programming ~~include:~~ spyware ~~response~~, secure communications, and ~~organizational security~~, as well as ~~autonomous infrastructure~~ and ~~circumvention technology~~.~~'''~~</big>		<big>In addition to the themes listed below, this year we will be creating special topical hubs via multi-day programming, or “Villages”, focused on organizational security, spyware, circumvention technology, and secure communications and documentation, as well as LGBTQAI+ and regional hubs.</big>

	=== '''Ecosystem Security, Sustainability, and Health''' ===		=== '''Ecosystem Security, Sustainability, and Health''' ===
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	* Global impact and implications of regional tech policy and regulation		* Global impact and implications of regional tech policy and regulation
	== '''The Formats''' ==		== '''The Formats''' ==
	Given the state of the world and the numerous challenges facing the digital rights space, we have begun working on programming earlier this year in order to coordinate more pre-event and morning activities and strengthen the GG's impact.

	'''~~Please note that the~~ Global Gathering ~~is held in~~ an ~~unconventional~~ space ~~which is outdoors~~ and ~~low~~-~~tech~~ and ~~programming takes these realities into account~~. ~~Programming formats this year~~ will ~~include~~:'''		=== Booths: Flexible Spaces for Sharing, Creating and Connecting ===
			Booths are hosted in the permanent kiosks found in the GG’s unique venue, reminiscent of a renaissance fair. They serve as the cornerstone of the event, offering flexible spaces for participants to share, create and connect, while dynamically engaging directly with participants to forge trust-based relationships and discover powerful collaborations.

			Booth shifts last two hours. We highly recommend you decorate your booth in a fun and creative way and bring your computer or devices if you want to showcase virtual materials. Electrical outlets are available in each booth. More information about booth sizing and amenities is available [[Global Gathering Booths\|'''here''']]. You can see a sample of booth pictures [[Global Gathering#pics\|here:]]
			'''There are many ways you can use Booths, including:'''
			* '''Showcase your project or organization''' and connect with attendees through conversation, materials, and Q&A.
			* '''Run a tool demo''', allowing participants to try out your project firsthand.
			* '''Host a game or activity''', especially one with an educational or awareness-raising goal.
			* '''Host a community space inside your booth,''' creating a hub for individuals from a particular network to collaborate, share, and network.
			* '''Offer a service,''' such as digital security support or UX consultations.
			* '''Curate an exhibit''' that creatively showcases your work at the intersection of digital and human rights.
			* '''Share research or published work''' with participants and answer their questions.
			* '''Host a mini-workshop''' that allows attendees to engage with your team and learn something new.

			=== Circles: Collaborative Discussions Rooted in Action ===
			Circles are 45-minute collaborative discussions facilitated by you. Rooted in action, they can take the form of strategic discussions, action-planning around common challenges, or knowledge exchange around a specific area. They should reflect collective interest, not just individual ideas.

			We prioritize Circles that address urgent needs, reflect GG themes, will be of interest to the largest percentage of participants, and have multiple collaborators and/or stakeholders involved.

			'''Note:''' Circles are not the right space for one-way presentations or demos; they should be collaborative discussions that engage participants. If you would like to demo or showcase a project, organization, or research, consider hosting a booth.

			'''Pro-Tip:''' Prior to the event, we will provide a virtual community space on our Mattermost for networking. This is a great place to find co-faciliators for your proposal OR invite folks to your Circle, if it is accepted.

			=== Skill-Share Workshops ===
			Skill-share Workshops improve capacity by leveling up participants’ skills or deepening their knowledge. Workshops can last from 45 minutes to 90 minutes and can be directed to novices or seasoned experts. Workshops should be focused on skill-building in a particular area and should not centered around one specific tool or project. This year we will be scheduling workshops both in the mornings, before the start of the event, and during the event itself.

	'''~~Circles~~''', or ~~collaborative discussions that draw out collective wisdom~~, ~~facilitate brainstorming, or help problem-solve around challenges~~.		'''Note:''' The Global Gathering venue is low-tech and workshops must be delivered without the use of projectors or screens, however large notepads will be provided.

	'''~~Booths~~'''~~, which allow projects to use one of the venue’s permanent structures to showcase their work, demo~~ a ~~tool~~, ~~run a skill-share~~, or ~~have one-~~to~~-one conversations with participants~~. ~~[https://www.digitalrights.community/blog/how-gg-booths-help-you-achieve-your-goals Read~~ about ~~why our booth design is unique~~.]		=== Meetups ===
			'''Meetups''' bring together folks who have a shared interest, demographic, or work area to network and build trust in a more relaxed environment. While Circles are about discussing issues, Meetups are about connecting humans and learning about each other.

	~~'''Meetups'''~~ are ~~designed to gather participants who share a commonality~~ or ~~interest in a more informal setting. While Team CommUNITY~~ will ~~be coordinating~~ a ~~select~~ number of ~~topical~~ and ~~regional networking~~ meetups~~, participants~~ will be provided ~~with tools~~ to ~~self-organize their own~~ meetups.		We are currently only accepting proposals for meetups that are focused on specific digital rights themes or profiles that will attract a large number of participants OR off-site meetups that are more complex to plan and require TCU support. You will have ample opportunity while physically in Portugal to propose smaller, off-site meetups. Directions will be provided in the month prior to the event. We have very limited space for meetups in the venue, and may recommend a nearby location.

	'''~~Skill-Share Workshops~~:''' ~~Additionally, in response to your feedback, more skill-share workshops will be included in the 2026 event programming.~~		'''Examples:'''

	'''~~Villages~~''', ~~which combine Circles and Booths into their programming and are community~~-~~led hubs focused~~ on ~~specific themes~~, ~~regions or areas of practices. In the past~~, ~~organizations and networks have hosted villages centered on their core work~~, ~~shared challenges~~, or regional ~~priorities~~.		* '''Work-Themed Meetups:''' Spyware Researchers, System Administrators Getting Off Big Tech, Security Specialists in Journalism
			* '''Large-Scale Events or Activities Open to All Participants:''' 5K walk or run on boardwalk, picnic at a nearby beach, after-hours fundraiser at a nearby restaurant, game night at a local cafe, surfing get together, regional dinner.

Sandy: /* The Formats */

2026-03-18T14:40:51Z

The Formats

← Older revision		Revision as of 14:40, 18 March 2026
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	* Global impact and implications of regional tech policy and regulation		* Global impact and implications of regional tech policy and regulation
	== '''The Formats''' ==		== '''The Formats''' ==
	Given the state of the world and the numerous challenges facing the digital rights space, we have begun working on programming earlier this year in order to coordinate more pre-event and morning activities and strengthen the GG's impact. Programming formats this year will include:		Given the state of the world and the numerous challenges facing the digital rights space, we have begun working on programming earlier this year in order to coordinate more pre-event and morning activities and strengthen the GG's impact.

			'''Please note that the Global Gathering is held in an unconventional space which is outdoors and low-tech and programming takes these realities into account. Programming formats this year will include:'''

	'''Circles''', or collaborative discussions that draw out collective wisdom, facilitate brainstorming, or help problem-solve around challenges.		'''Circles''', or collaborative discussions that draw out collective wisdom, facilitate brainstorming, or help problem-solve around challenges.

Erin at 09:55, 18 March 2026

2026-03-18T09:55:09Z

@@ Line 21: / Line 21: @@
 We also love when projects and individuals share their work with others. To help organizations highlight their projects, we use ''Booths'', and in rare occasions, ''Circles''.
 == '''2026 Themes''' ==
@@ Line 41: / Line 28: @@
 * Best practices for navigating new organizational realities
 * Organizational security in low-resource environments
 * Digital security training for at-risk groups and journalists
 * Challenges and updates in security education and training
 * Whistleblowing protection
 * Identifying and onboarding new funders to the field
@@ Line 72: / Line 59: @@
 * Regulatory, technical, and civic responses to emerging risks
 * Global impact and implications of regional tech policy and regulation

Erin: /* The Format */

2026-03-18T09:53:44Z

The Format

← Older revision		Revision as of 09:53, 18 March 2026
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	We also love when projects and individuals share their work with others. To help organizations highlight their projects, we use ''Booths'', and in rare occasions, ''Circles''.		We also love when projects and individuals share their work with others. To help organizations highlight their projects, we use ''Booths'', and in rare occasions, ''Circles''.

	== '''The ~~Format~~''' ==		== '''The Formats''' ==
	Given the state of the world and the numerous challenges facing the digital rights space, we have begun working on programming earlier this year in order to coordinate more pre-event and morning activities and strengthen the GG's impact. Programming formats this year will include:		Given the state of the world and the numerous challenges facing the digital rights space, we have begun working on programming earlier this year in order to coordinate more pre-event and morning activities and strengthen the GG's impact. Programming formats this year will include:

Sandy: /* 2026 Themes */

2026-03-16T17:22:48Z

2026 Themes

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:22, 16 March 2026
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	== '''2026 Themes''' ==		== '''2026 Themes''' ==
	In addition to the themes listed below, the areas we will be highlighting through collaborative programming include: spyware response, secure communications, and organizational security, as well as autonomous infrastructure and circumvention technology.		<big>'''In addition to the themes listed below, the areas we will be highlighting through collaborative programming include: spyware response, secure communications, and organizational security, as well as autonomous infrastructure and circumvention technology.'''</big>

	=== '''Ecosystem Security, Sustainability, and Health''' ===		=== '''Ecosystem Security, Sustainability, and Health''' ===

Andrea: /* The Format */

2026-03-04T18:12:32Z

The Format

← Older revision		Revision as of 18:12, 4 March 2026
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	== '''The Format''' ==		== '''The Format''' ==
	Given the state of the world and the numerous challenges ~~and disruptions~~ facing the digital rights space, ~~this year~~ we have begun working on programming earlier in ~~the year. This is because we would like~~ to coordinate more pre-event and morning activities at the GG ~~to strengthen the~~ impact ~~of the event~~. Programming formats this year will include:		Given the state of the world and the numerous challenges facing the digital rights space, we have begun working on programming earlier this year in order to coordinate more pre-event and morning activities and strengthen the GG's impact. Programming formats this year will include:

	'''Circles''', or collaborative discussions that draw out collective wisdom, facilitate brainstorming, or help problem-solve around challenges.		'''Circles''', or collaborative discussions that draw out collective wisdom, facilitate brainstorming, or help problem-solve around challenges.

	'''Booths''', which allow projects to use one of the venue’s permanent structures to showcase their work, demo a tool, run a skill-share, or have one-to-one conversations with participants. [https://www.digitalrights.community/blog/how-gg-booths-help-you-achieve-your-goals Read about why our booth design ~~are~~ unique.]		'''Booths''', which allow projects to use one of the venue’s permanent structures to showcase their work, demo a tool, run a skill-share, or have one-to-one conversations with participants. [https://www.digitalrights.community/blog/how-gg-booths-help-you-achieve-your-goals Read about why our booth design is unique.]

	'''Meetups''' are designed to gather participants who share a commonality or interest in a more informal setting. While Team CommUNITY will be coordinating a select number of topical and regional networking meetups, participants will be provided with tools to self-organize their own meetups.		'''Meetups''' are designed to gather participants who share a commonality or interest in a more informal setting. While Team CommUNITY will be coordinating a select number of topical and regional networking meetups, participants will be provided with tools to self-organize their own meetups.
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	== '''2026 Themes''' ==		== '''2026 Themes''' ==
	In addition to the themes listed below, ~~to date~~ the areas we will be highlighting through collaborative programming include: spyware response, secure communications, and organizational security, ~~in addition to theme areas of~~ autonomous infrastructure, circumvention technology.		In addition to the themes listed below, the areas we will be highlighting through collaborative programming include: spyware response, secure communications, and organizational security, as well as autonomous infrastructure and circumvention technology.

	=== '''Ecosystem Security, Sustainability, and Health''' ===		=== '''Ecosystem Security, Sustainability, and Health''' ===
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	=== '''Alternative Infrastructure and Digital Sovereignty''' ===		=== '''Alternative Infrastructure and Digital Sovereignty''' ===
	* Building decentralized and community-owned technologies.		* Building decentralized and community-owned technologies.
	* Common challenges and practical approaches to self-hosting, adopting open source tools, and divesting from extractive technologies.		* Common challenges and practical approaches to self-hosting, adopting open source tools, and divesting from extractive technologies

	=== '''Emerging and Urgent Tech Issues: Disinformation, AI, Platform Accountability, Internet Blackouts, Etc.''' ===		=== '''Emerging and Urgent Tech Issues: Disinformation, AI, Platform Accountability, Internet Blackouts, Etc.''' ===
	* Updates on current trends in disinformation, platform accountability, and other emerging tech-related issues impacting rights defenders and journalists, prioritizing frontline experiences.		* Updates on current trends in disinformation, platform accountability, and other emerging tech-related issues impacting rights defenders and journalists, prioritizing frontline experiences
	* Developments in platform accountability work, current needs, and brainstorming cross-regional actions.		* Developments in platform accountability work, current needs, and brainstorming cross-regional actions
	* Best practices to navigate internet shutdowns.		* Best practices to navigate internet shutdowns
	* Best practices in information integrity, archiving, and combatting disinformation campaigns.		* Best practices in information integrity, archiving, and combatting disinformation campaigns
	* AI and automated decision-making as it relates to surveillance, censorship, equity, and access.		* AI and automated decision-making as it relates to surveillance, censorship, equity, and access
	* Embedding human rights principles into automated processes.		* Embedding human rights principles into automated processes

	=== '''Civil Society Reflections on Tech Regulation''' ===		=== '''Civil Society Reflections on Tech Regulation''' ===
	* Updates to laws, governance frameworks, and regulatory approaches shaping digital rights, data protection and privacy, freedom of expression, Internet governance, etc.		* Updates to laws, governance frameworks, and regulatory approaches shaping digital rights, data protection and privacy, freedom of expression, Internet governance, etc.
	* Use of legal and regulatory mechanisms to attack civil society, e.g. SLAPPs.		* Use of legal and regulatory mechanisms to attack civil society, e.g. SLAPPs
	* Regulatory, technical, and civic responses to emerging risks		* Regulatory, technical, and civic responses to emerging risks
	* Global impact and implications of regional tech policy and regulation.		* Global impact and implications of regional tech policy and regulation