Improving diversity in technology

15th December 2014

A lot has been written and said about diversity within the technology sector, one thing that everyone is fairly sure of is that there is a problem. Two weeks ago I asked on twitter:

Does anyone know of any charities working on things that will help with improving diversity in tech?

The thing I was really interested in is: if I wanted to give money to someone who is trying to improve diversity, who could I give it to? Twitter responded to my question with a whole collection of suggestions. I have listed them all below with the elevator pitch from their websites.

It is coming up to Christmas, which is “the season of giving”, so if you feel like you want to help someone who is trying to improve tech diversity, perhaps you could pick out an organisation and donate. The following all accept donations and I am sure they would be grateful for anything you can spare. In no particular order:

Black Girls Code - USA

To increase the number of women of color in the digital space by empowering girls of color ages 7 to 17 to become innovators in STEM fields, leaders in their communities, and builders of their own futures through exposure to computer science and technology.

Rails Bridge - worldwide

We teach people to code because we believe that the people making technology should accurately reflect the diversity of those using it.

We want to push for all kinds of diversity in tech: gender, race, sexual orientation, ability, and class. Women were the first population we focused on, but aren’t the last.

Women Who Code - worldwide

Women Who Code is a global non-profit dedicated to inspiring women to excel in technology careers. We provide an avenue into tech, empower women with skills needed for professional advancement, and provide environments where networking and mentorship are valued.

Codebar - UK

Join our free weekly workshops in London, Brighton and Cambridge to get to grips with the basics of programming and web development.

Our workshops are available to women, LGBTQ and people who are underrepresented in the tech industry. If you belong to one of these groups, you are more than welcome to attend.

DIY Girls - USA

Girls wearing safety goggles, holding a soldering iron, programming a video game, or building with a 3D printer are images too rarely seen but DIY Girls is changing this!

Our afterschool programs, summer camps and workshops give girls access to creating with technology and build their confidence.

Girls Make Games - USA

Girls Make Games is a series of international summer camps, workshops and game jams designed to encourage girls to explore the world of video games.

Code Liberation Foundation - USA

Offers free development workshops in order to facilitate the creation of video game titles by women.

Latino STEM Alliance - USA

The Latino STEM Alliance partners with schools, private industry, community groups and academia to bring STEM experiences to underserved youth that otherwise would not have such an opportunity

Girl Develop It - USA

Girl Develop It is a nonprofit organization that exists to provide affordable and accessible programs to women who want to learn web and software development through mentorship and hands-on instruction.

Other groups

Along with those organisations there were also some others who don’t have any obvious way of donating, but who are all trying to help. Listing them here for completeness.

ClojureBridge - USA and Australia

ClojureBridge aims to increase diversity within the Clojure community by offering free, beginner-friendly Clojure programming workshops for women.

Code AND Cupcakes - USA

A beginning coding workshop for mothers and daughters.

Do you want to learn how to make your own web sites and apps? Do you want your daughter to learn, too? Most importantly: do you like cupcakes? Then come join us for a workshop led by a professional web designer/developer and her own daughter, complete with tasty snacks and a fun, supportive learning atmosphere.

STEMNET - UK

Working with thousands of schools, colleges and STEM employers, to enable young people of all backgrounds and abilities to meet inspiring role models, understand real world applications of STEM subjects and experience hands-on STEM activities that motivate, inspire and bring learning and career opportunities to life.

InterTech Diversity Forum - UK

The InterTech Diversity Forum is a professional network which encourages LGBT+ diversity and inclusion in the UK technology sector for the benefit of the individual, the organisations they represent and the industry overall.

Fund Better Tech - USA

Tweets about community-funded tech projects focused on social justice and diversity. Support them!

Alter Conf - worldwide

AlterConf Sessions are hyper-local events educating the greater tech and gaming communities about the different aspects of diversity and how marginalization becomes an impediment. In spotlighting initiatives and powerful voices, we hope to strengthen the community’s resolve to create safer, healthier spaces.

Coding Grace - Ireland

Coding Grace are a group of developers based in Ireland who love to code and do other geeky and not necessarily crafty activities. We provide female-friendly workshops and events in an environment for developers and aspiring developers mentored by majority female instructors.

Thank you to @brunns, @KushalP, @ashedryden, @philandstuff, @ninjabiscuit, @phdw, @kvetchup and @alexmuller for the suggestions which created this list. If you are aware of any other groups who you think should be listed please let me know