Nerd Nite Seattle [73]: Tech Support
You’ve heard about the #MeToo movement and increasing concerns about the impact of large technology companies on our communities, but what can you do about it? Join us this month to learn about how tech workers are organizing in Seattle and beyond with Austin Valeske, a member of Seattle Tech Solidarity and Tech Workers Coalition.
:::TALK:::
The neveragain.tech pledge was posted online in December of 2016, and within two days it had been signed by more than 1300 technology workers. To date, over 2800 technology workers have pledged to never again allow the technology we create to be used to target or harm anyone.
But how do we follow through on that pledge? How do we use our collective power for good? The creators of the pledge saw that, in the past, technology companies have been complicit in atrocities, so what do we need to do to stop that from happening again? In this talk, I’ll discuss the history of worker organizing, what that looks like today in the tech industry, and why it’s necessary if we’re going to stop sexual harassment in our workplaces, keep our companies ethical, and help reduce the negative impacts our companies have in our communities.
:::BIO:::
Austin is a software engineer at Socrata, where he’s exploring his passion for helping governments use data to provide better services more effectively. He works to organize tech workers because software is a tool we can use to help build a society that’s better for everyone instead of one that leaves people behind, but only if realize our collective power. He’s also passionate about helping men learn what healthy masculinity looks like, and on the side he climbs, ballroom dances, and reads way too much about land use policy.
:::INFO:::
High Dive
Tuesday, February 20
Doors @ 6:30 / talks @ 7:30
$5-$10 / 21+ / No one turned away for lack of funds
BYO food or order Red Star Taco Bar through the bar
All proceeds benefit the Nerd Nite Seattle Fund. Apply here: http://bit.ly/appNNSF
Nerd Nite Seattle is committed to being a safer and accessible space for people of color, women, LGBTQ people, and people with disabilities.
Accessibility: There are no stairs to the venue’s entryways or bathrooms. Tables are at standing level, but there is open seating at the front of the stage. Please refrain from wearing scented products in consideration of attendees with allergies and sensitivities. Please message us if you have further questions, suggestions or concerns.
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