So, remember how I talked about taking our activism, passion and filthy atheist lucre elsewhere? Here’s an elsewhere: the Ada Initiative. It’s named for Ada Lovelace, “the enchantress of numbers” and the first person who wrote an algorithm meant for machines. She was essentially a computer programmer before there were even computers, people. That’s how awesome she is.
So this foundation honors her memory by supporting women in tech. They are not afraid of a certain f-word, either:
And they’re currently raising money for another excellent year of activism. They’ve got a challenge out to us: raise $5,000, and they’ll bring their Ally Skills Workshop to Skepticon.
The Ally Skills Workshop teaches men simple, everyday ways to support women in their workplaces and communities. Participants learn techniques that work at the office, at conferences, and online. The skills we teach are relevant everywhere, including skills particularly relevant to open technology and culture communities. At the end of the workshop, participants will feel more confident in speaking up to support women, be more aware of the challenges facing women in their workplaces and communities, and have closer relationships with the other participants.
You know, this seems to be aimed at men, but all genders could benefit. We’re swimming in sexism, and we don’t always know how to combat it. So yes, let’s bring this to Skepticon, train up as allies, and get to work defeating sexism in all our spaces.
We’ve got lots of days left, but not many more dollars are needed! Like PZ said, getting a lot of broad support going would be outstanding, so if you can only chip in a small amount, do it! You may not think it’s much, but it’s another voice speaking up, and we need all the voices we can get.
This is how we change the culture, people. I love this stuff. Moar, pleez!
$547 donated.
Well, crap. Someone chipped in another five bucks so it didn’t come out even!
Thank you, Trebuchet. Thanks to everyone who donated/donates. Not having to push to get this done feels marvelous.
I can’t contribute, but I hope it is a grand success!!
I prefer this picture of Ada and Babbage.
Holy crap. THANK YOU, Trebuchet!
Dana:
If you really, really want a frock as in that portrait…
You must get connected with Jen Rosbrugh of Victorian Sewing. She knows her bustles and flounces, oh my, yes!
Three cheers also for Trebuchet the Generous!
I donate because I can. Because I’m very fortunate. No one should feel bad because they can’t, or because they can only give a little.