About the Summit
The Community Alignment Summit brings together thought leaders, community organizers, technology developers, policymakers, and concerned citizens to explore how we can ensure emerging technologies align with human values and community needs. In an era of rapid technological advancement, maintaining alignment between our inventions and our shared values has never been more critical.
Now in its fifth year, the summit has grown from a small gathering of 150 participants to an international event that attracts over 2,000 attendees from more than 40 countries. What began as a focused discussion on AI alignment has evolved into a comprehensive dialogue covering the intersection of technology, ethics, governance, and community well-being.
Our mission is to foster cross-sector collaboration that leads to actionable solutions ensuring communities and technology develop together harmoniously.
Why This Summit Matters
As technologies like artificial intelligence, biotechnology, and digital platform infrastructures become increasingly impactful on daily life, ensuring these systems work for societynot just for profit or efficiencyis a collective responsibility. This summit provides the space to:
- Highlight successful community-driven tech governance models
- Identify gaps between technological development and public values
- Create frameworks for participatory technology design
- Build coalitions that influence policy directions
- Develop practical resources for communities worldwide
Our Approach
This year's summit emphasizes three key approaches to achieving community-tech alignment:
- Inclusive Dialogue: Every session includes multiple perspectives, with particular attention to voices often marginalized in tech discussions.
- Actionable Outcomes: Sessions culminate in concrete commitments, resources, and projects participants can implement upon returning to their communities.
- Global Perspectives: We recognize alignment challenges vary across cultural contexts and seek solutions that respect this diversity.
Key Themes & Topics
Ethics by Design
How can ethical considerations be embedded throughout the development process rather than added as an afterthought? This track explores emerging methodologies for creating technologies that inherently reflect community values, from participatory design processes to embedded ethical frameworks in AI development.
Community Tech Governance
Exploring models where communities have meaningful influence over technologies affecting them. Topics include digital cooperatives, community data trusts, democratic oversight committees, and new institutional arrangements for technology governance.
Bridging Divides
Addressing the gaps between technology creators and impacted communities. This track examines successful translation models, interdisciplinary communication strategies, and approaches for making technical discussions accessible to diverse audiences.
Practical Implementation
From case studies of successful alignment initiatives to hands-on workshops with practical tools, this track focuses on how to implement alignment principles in real-world contexts across different industries and community settings.
Policy Directions
Current and emerging policy frameworks that support community alignment, including regulatory approaches, public procurement guidelines, and international standards that prioritize human values alongside innovation.
Expected Outcomes
The Community Alignment Summit is designed to produce tangible results, including:
Community Alignment Toolkit
A comprehensive set of resources including templates, frameworks, and methodologies that communities can adopt regardless of their technical expertise or resources.
Global Network
Strengthened connections between alignment practitioners worldwide, enabling knowledge sharing and collaboration long after the summit concludes.
Policy Recommendations
Evidence-based recommendations for policymakers at all levels, informed by community experiences and technical expertise.
Pilot Projects
Launch of at least five new community-tech alignment initiatives developed during collaborative workshops at the summit.
Research Collaborations
Formation of new partnerships between academic institutions, community organizations, and technology companies to study alignment challenges and solutions.
Registration Information
Registration for the Community Alignment Summit includes full access to all sessions, workshops, networking events, and materials.
Registration Categories
- Standard: $495 (available until October 15)
- Late: $595 (October 16 - November 14)
- Student: $125 (limited availability, requires valid student ID)
- Community Organization: $195 (for registered non-profit organizations)
Included with Registration
- All summit sessions and materials
- Welcome reception and closing ceremony
- Digital access to session recordings
- Summit proceedings and toolkit
- Year-long access to the community alignment network platform
Limited financial assistance is available for attendees from underrepresented communities or regions with limited resources. Applications are due by September 30, 2023.
