From the Classroom to the Boardroom to the Halls of Congress

Since its inception in 2004, NCWIT has successfully attracted the support of corporations, foundations, and the government to help it achieve its mission of increasing women’s participation in IT.  In part it’s because these organizations recognize the importance of diversity in computer science and IT; and in part it’s because we strive to operate with an efficient and strategic business model, one that will provide funders with return on their investment.
But fundraising successes for non-profits can be a double-edged sword. Sometimes success attracts additional funding: it’s a sign that you’re doing your work well and other people recognize that.  And sometimes success can discourage funding, too. If people think that you don’t need their support, they’re less likely to give it.
We do need your support.
You may not know it, but some of the most important work we do doesn’t happen in a classroom or a boardroom: it happens in the halls of congress, in Washington, D.C. NCWIT is not a lobbying organization, but we do wield some influence in Washington, D.C. among people whose decisions affect technology education and workforce policy.
NCWIT regularly calls on policymakers to show them statistics about low participation in computer science; call their attention to the value of diversity in the IT workforce; and encourage them to support legislation that improves education and opportunities in computer science and IT for everyone, especially underrepresented groups. This work is immensely important and hard to quantify. It’s also immensely hard to fund.
You can help.
We’re looking to you – the technologist, the geek, the parent, the scientist, the innovator, the educator, the taxpayer, the voter – to help us bring your voice to D.C. Your support, no matter the amount, helps us create change on a national level by motivating policymakers to decide in favor of computer science education, diversity, and innovation.
Make a contribution at www.ncwit.org/share, then help us spread the word about our campaign and you’ll be entered to win a giveaway sponsored by Google — a techie trip for two Down Under!