The purpose of the Data for Social Impact (DSI) public roundtable discussions is to gather feedback on prospective resources, tools and trainings, facilitate dialogue about key topics, and build connection and community while identifying St. Louis social sector priorities and considerations.
Roundtable discussions welcome participants with a wide range of data experience, incorporate equitable and ethical data use across topics, reflect diverse organization types and needs within the social sector, and showcase the strengths and opportunities for growth in St. Louis.
The events contain separate materials and focus on different aspects of creating impact with data, so join or watch individual events or participate in them together as a series. However, the most recent roundtables are listed first, as they include community input from the previous roundtables.
Fall 2021 Roundtables
Community Centered Data Practice: Data Protection, Data Sharing, and Who Benefits? (Nov. 2021)
This session introduced responsible and equitable data-sharing practices for social sector organizations in St. Louis. Participants connected around and considered community data governance – the process of establishing and maintaining how groups agree to collaborate and share data.
Confirmed speakers:
- Paul Sorenson, Interim Director, St. Louis Regional Data Alliance
- Riisa Rawlins-Easley, Chief of Staff, St. Louis Regional Health Commission
Using Data to Promote Equitable Outcomes (Nov. 2021)
How can social sector organizations use data in ways that confront systemic inequities, promote equitable outcomes, and minimize harm? This session examined data use in the social sector through an equity lens. Participants thought through real-world scenarios and share their own experiences in grappling with equity issues and ethical dilemmas in the process of working with data.
Speakers:
- Rayid Ghani, Distinguished Career Professor, Heinz College of Information Systems and Public Policy at Carnegie Mellon University
- Amen Ra Mashariki, Principal Scientist, AI Cities at NVIDIA
- Allie Chang Ray, Consultant, Mutare Network
Mapping Your Data Journey from Vision to Impact (Oct. 2021)
This session provided a space for participants to grapple with data maturity– an ongoing process of learning to use data intentionally, effectively, and equitably. How can social sector organizations advance data processes and outcomes in partnership with communities? What skills and resources are needed? Attendees engaged with big-picture questions about their current and future data goals, strategy, capacity, and practices.
Speakers:
- Esther Shin, President, Urban Strategies Inc
- Ginger Zielinskie, Chief Strategy Officer, data.org
Spring 2021 Roundtables
How Can a Data-Informed Social Sector Amplify Impact in St. Louis? (May 2021)
Data is a powerful tool for increasing impact with unique opportunities and needs for the social sector. How can St. Louis organizations build capacity and best utilize data to advance their missions? And what resources are available to support their efforts? With input from our roundtable series, the Social Policy Institute will offer a series of free trainings and resources focused on critical and emerging areas for building capacity around data for social impact.
Learn more about the findings from the spring 2021 roundtables in this report.
Speakers:
- Ginger Zielinskie, Chief Strategy Officer, data.org
- Chapin Flynn, Senior Vice President, Mastercard Center for Inclusive Growth
- Paul Sorenson, Director, St. Louis Regional Data Alliance.
About Data for Social Impact
Data for Social Impact (DSI) is an initiative that builds data capacity and collaboration among St. Louis social sector organizations working to increase impact for and with the communities they serve.
This initiative is a partnership between the Social Policy Institute at Washington University in St. Louis and the Mastercard Center for Inclusive Growth, in collaboration with an advisory committee, the St. Louis Regional Data Alliance, and data.org.