Browse by Tags

Blog Post: TEDx: Harnessing disruptive change for good

Microsoft Citizenship Team

Recently at TedXRainier at the University of Washington campus in Seattle, Akhtar Badshah gave a talk on how technology and the disruption that often comes from new technology can be channeled for good. You can watch Akhtar's talk below.

on9 Jan 2012
Blog Post: Claremont Senior Computer Club Makes Savvy Seniors the Norm

Microsoft Citizenship Team

As a young electrical engineer in the 1960s, Tom Deno worked with some of the earliest computers. By the time he retired at age 64, he was a self-proclaimed “technology geek.” But he discovered that, among his peers, he was definitely in the minority. So he decided to do something about it and founded...

on12 Dec 2011
Blog Post: How technology is helping a teacher connect with visually impaired students

Microsoft Citizenship Team

Originally posted on Microsoft News Center The scene in Robin Lowell’s high school algebra class mirrors classrooms across the country. The teacher is at the front of the room, patiently explaining tricky math concepts. Students frequently raise their hands and ask questions when they’re stuck. Two differences...

on9 Dec 2011
Blog Post: Consistency and Flexibility are the Foundation of Microsoft’s Community Investments

Akhtar Badshah

Editor’s note: This is the fifth in a series of blog posts reflecting on the evolution and impact of Microsoft’s Community Technology Skills Program you can find links to the previous entries at the end of this post. If I had to summarize in a few words the most important thing Microsoft...

on24 Oct 2011
Blog Post: Partners with Deep Local Roots Can Make the Difference

Akhtar Badshah

Editor’s note: This is the fourth in a series of blog posts reflecting on the evolution and impact of Microsoft’s Community Technology Skills Program you can find links to the previous entries at the end of this post. When I think of Ren Xuping, I think about rabbits, and the importance...

on20 Oct 2011
Blog Post: Making Its Case: Performing Arts Workshop Attracts Funders in a Down Economy

Microsoft Citizenship Team

Photo: Drumming with Jason Brown at Visitacion Valley Boys & Girls Club, from the Performing Arts Workshop Flickr While tough economic times have forced many arts organizations to cut back on staff and programs — or worse, close their doors — Performing Arts Workshop in San Francisco is expanding...

on19 Oct 2011
Blog Post: Effective Community Investments Require Strong Local Partners and Leaders

Akhtar Badshah

A lot of factors determine whether a community technology skills program is successful. One of the most important is identifying strong community leaders with a deep understanding of community needs, a vision for how those needs can be met, and a willingness to take risks and innovate. Whether it’s...

on17 Oct 2011
Blog Post: Meeting Local Needs is Key to Success of Community Investment Programs

Akhtar Badshah

When Microsoft first began working on strategies to increase access to technology in underserved communities, we assumed that the most successful programs would be those run by nonprofits with a track record of success operating community technology centers and ICT skills training programs. It was...

on13 Oct 2011
Blog Post: Reflecting on Eight Years of Community Investment Worldwide

Akhtar Badshah

As Microsoft approaches the eighth anniversary of its Community Technology Skills Program (CTSP), I have been taking some time to reflect on the opportunities imagined and realized, the amazing things we’ve learned about running a global community investment program, and how all of that will guide...

on10 Oct 2011
Blog Post: Bringing local impact to life

Microsoft Citizenship Team

Jean-Philippe Courtois, President, Microsoft International Storytelling is a time-honored tradition in communities and cultures around the globe. However in today’s world, getting the best stories to break through the “noise” can sometimes be a challenge, considering all the digital...

on22 Jun 2011
Blog Post: How technology is helping German parents and children in need

Microsoft Citizenship Team

Nestwärme e.V. Deutschland was founded in 1999 to help the nearly one million families in Germany caring for children with disabilities or chronic illnesses. Over 1,400 volunteers and more than 80 employees help take care of the children, which gives parents much-needed time for themselves. Whether it...

on3 Jun 2011
Blog Post: Helping Sick Children Conquer Their Everest

Microsoft Citizenship Team

The staff at A Chacun Son Everest (“Each has their own Everest”) can’t move mountains, but they can give sick children the opportunity to climb and conquer them, and for more than 17 years, they’ve been doing just that. A Chacun Son Everest is a French nonprofit organization (NPO) started by doctor and...

on2 Jun 2011
Blog Post: TechSoup Japan Disaster Relief Program Launches to Assist Local NGOs

Microsoft Citizenship Team

Guest post by Rachel Weidinger, TechSoup, Senior Manager, Marketing and Communications - Global Network The Great East Japan Earthquake occurred 7 weeks and 4 days ago. Japanese culture, following Buddhist tradition, often marks the 49 days after a death as a formal period of mourning. As the weeks...

on12 May 2011
Blog Post: Connecting With the Past through Technology: Oberlin Heritage Center

Microsoft Citizenship Team

Guest Post by Rachel Weidinger, TechSoup Global Students explore their city’s roots reviewing historic documents. When I think of technology, I typically think of progress, moving forward and the next big thing. But the Oberlin Heritage Center in Oberlin, Ohio, recently reminded me that...

on28 Apr 2011
Blog Post: NPower transforms Charlotte’s nonprofit community through technology

Microsoft Citizenship Team

Guest Post by Lindsay Jones, NPower Charlotte Region Pictured Above: The ability to provide remote support was critical for World of God, a nonprofit client that provides sustainable aid to children in Haiti and Liberia. At NPower Charlotte Region, we believe technology can change the world of nonprofits...

on23 Feb 2011
Blog Post: In conversation with Diana Scearce, The Monitor Institute

Microsoft Citizenship Team

Guest post By Elliot Harmon , staff writer for TechSoup Elliot Harmon is a staff writer at TechSoup Global. He once traveled the US for three months on a greyhound bus. He tweets from @elliotharmon. Since the TechSoup Global Contributors’ Summit was conceived as a chance for various networks that promote...

on17 Feb 2011
Blog Post: Six Years Later; Building a Connected Civil Society

Microsoft Citizenship Team

Guest Post by TechSoup Global Co-CEO Rebecca Masisak Group photo from the 2009 TechSoup Partner Summit Tomorrow, TechSoup Global will convene its partners from around the world on Microsoft’s campus in Silicon Valley. More than 200 people who have contributed to moving TechSoup Global’s...

on14 Feb 2011
Blog Post: Celebrating Technology for Good in Washington State

Akhtar Badshah

After years of working to build the technology capacity of nonprofits, I have to admit: great examples of technology for good can be elusive. I often hear nonprofit organizations say, “W e don’t know what we don’t know. ” They want great examples from their peers for both inspiration...

on4 Feb 2011