Solving Problems With Free (Or Affordable) Tech Solutions For Progressive Campaigns with Deepak Puri of Democracy Labs
Jan 16, 2024
auto_awesome
Deepak Puri, an engineer and Silicon Valley exec, discusses using free and affordable tech solutions for progressive campaigns. He shares his favorite tools, including Lumen five for rapid response videos and Esri for mapping demographics. They also explore creating accessible content, AI learning models, and bridging the gap between organizers and tech experts.
DemLabs provides free and affordable digital tools to help grassroots campaigns optimize their outreach efforts.
The use of AI technology by DemLabs enables progressive campaigns to enhance communication strategies and reach a wider audience.
Deep dives
Daily Blog to Share Free Digital Tools
Deepak Puri started a daily blog to share free digital tools with down-ballot campaigns and small organizations that have limited budgets. The blog features case studies and practical solutions to common problems faced by activists and organizers. Deepak curates a list of tools that are accessible and easy to use, helping campaigns make a bigger impact with limited resources.
Examples of Free Digital Tools
One of the favorite tools shared in the blog is Lumen 5, a platform that allows users to create short rapid response videos for free using free images and sound clips. Another noteworthy tool is Esri, a mapping company that helps campaigns identify their most likely voters and target specific demographics. These free tools offer powerful solutions for grassroots organizers and progressive campaigns looking to optimize their outreach efforts.
Role of AI in Progressive Campaigns
Dem Labs is deeply involved in utilizing AI technology in the political realm. They harness AI to convert text into audio summaries, making complex reports and speeches more accessible to a wider audience. AI is also used to generate speeches modeled after influential figures like President Obama, providing campaigns with compelling messaging. By leveraging AI, progressive campaigns can enhance their communication strategies and reach more people on multiple platforms.
Tech Challenges for Progressive Movements
Progressive movements face challenges in keeping up with rapidly evolving technology. While conservative counterparts have the advantage of experienced tech experts and financial resources, progressive campaigns often struggle with limited budgets and a lack of technical expertise. However, Dem Labs aims to bridge this gap by translating tech solutions into accessible language and sharing free tools that empower grassroots campaigns to compete with larger, well-funded opponents.
Deepak Puri is an engineer and Silicon Valley exec with over 15 years experience at Oracle, Netscape and VMware.
He co-founded Democracy Labs after the 2106 Presidential election with the mission to apply innovative technology and storytelling to progressive, social justice and voting rights causes.
DemLabs is a nonprofit that exists to share details on free and affordable solutions that activists can use.
Deepak believes that by applying existing business apps to progressive causes, campaigns can make a bigger impact with less money.
Deepak publishes a daily blog which now has over 2,000 case studies - you can find that at www.thedemlabs.org
We checked in with Deepak to learn more about his work, his daily case studies, ways campaigns can scale using the tools he’s highlighting and a whole lot more.