The Future of Tech, From the Ground Up
Technology shapes our lives every day, but who shapes technology? SHIELD is building a global alliance to ensure the voices of individuals and communities most impacted by tech are heard, valued, and empowered.
Explore how we’re creating a new paradigm for an online world rooted in shared leadership and real-world experience.
The Challenge We’re Tackling Together
The digital world is advancing fast, but its benefits and protections aren’t shared equally. Gaps in accountability and representation fuel online harms, while affected communities are excluded from shaping solutions. Responses remain fragmented and lack the influence to drive lasting change, leaving communities feeling powerless.
SHIELD exists to change that. We build pathways for collaboration rooted in lived experience, enabling communities to reclaim influence over how technology shapes their lives.
Why This Work Matters
Global Escalation of Online Harms
of people worldwide reported exposure to at least one online risk
increase in cybercrime losses by US adults over 60 from 2020-2023
rise in AI-generated child sexual abuse reports year-over-year in 2024
children under the age of 18 affected by online child sexual exploitation and abuse
Source: Childlight Into the Light 2024 report
Grassroots Leaders Are Undervalued
Only
Development Assistance Committee Funding to organizations in the Global South
Just
of direct grants went to country-based organizations in 2016-2019
What We’re Doing About It
We turn big ideas into action through three interconnected programs that unite communities, amplify voices, and scale solutions. They foster the shared leadership, collective action, and grassroots innovation that reduce fragmentation and strengthen the influence of community initiatives to reduce online harms.
Global Alliance Network
We connect a decentralized, cross-sector, cross-generational, and cross-border network that empowers communities to share knowledge and co-create solutions.
Project Catalyst Initiative
We serve as a bridge for collaboration. With our support, initiatives connect with the resources, funding, and partners they need to scale impact, not just ideas.
Voices of SHIELD Program
We amplify the lived experiences of leaders from the margins, ensuring their insights shape global discourse and drive accountability.
What We're Building Together
By reducing fragmentation and amplifying influence, we’re laying the foundation for a new paradigm in technology governance where collaboration replaces isolation and local wisdom shapes global action.
We stand alongside leaders from underrepresented regions and communities, ensuring those most affected by online harms are not just included but empowered as co-creators. Together, we’re building a digital future rooted in accountability, equity, and shared leadership.
Join Us
Events: Where Our Principles Take Action
SHIELD events are spaces for connection, learning, and leadership. They bring our principles to life, online and in person, by centering community-led dialogue and action
Online Safety, Community Building, Our Commitment
Impact of Our Events: Key Statistics
Engaged individuals across 25 countries
Our events reach individuals across a wide range of ages, experience levels, and global communities
Views of recordings
The impact of our events goes far beyond the live sessions.
Event attendees
Our events attract a diverse range of engaged individuals from around the world
Our Core Events
Global Online Safety Conference
Our flagship event for global collaboration
Focused Mini-Conferences
Deep dives into emerging issues and community-driven solutions
Local In-person Community Events
Co-hosted with local partners to meet community needs
Workshops, Webinars & Meetings
Ongoing opportunities to learn and lead together
What Our Members Say
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