As momentum grows to build alternatives to big tech and cloud-based digital services,
We’re seeing growth in initiatives for community-run, cooperative and local infrastructure and tech services. Initiatives such as Coop Cloud and other
We’ll need new approaches to build, operate and sustain these forms of infrastructure and services:
creating continuity and stability while relying on volunteers (rapid turnover and intermittent levels of involvement) rather than ongoing professionals and responsibilities tied to a salary
coordination for commonsing and shared governance
negotiating shared ownership and shared responsibilities
financial models for continuity and payment structures that reflect community values, contributions and what people / groups can afford, ensuring equitable access to essential services
This talk discusses possible approaches to organising, developing and sharing:
individual skills and roles for network infrastructure, hardware, administration
cooperative responsibility and governance
models of alliances between organisations (formal and informal)
spaces, places, resources and financial security
for equitable access, not just well-off neighbourhoods
We’ll discuss our own efforts at Merri-bek Tech through the node steward and community partnerships; challenges, how we might overcome them - and the broader benefits for communities.
Audience participation??? - would be so interesting to get people's input on models, and how we might partner with other orgs to build these capabilities.