Computer Professionals for Social Responsibility n n n

Computer Professionals for Social Responsibility n n n n n What is CPSR History Mission Projects Why join Who can join Membership benefits How to become a member Chapters Privacy

What is CPSR Alliance of computer scientists and others concerned about the impact of computer technology on society. n An organization that supports the use of technology to improve the quality of life. n An organization that examine social and technical issues within the computer profession, both nationally and internationally. n

History n 1981 - A group of computer researchers at Xerox PARC meet to discuss forming an organization that will "help them integrate their work life with their social concerns. " n 1982 - The discussion group holds a public meeting at Stanford to define issues and goals for a new organization called Computer Professionals for Social Responsibility.

History n n 1983 - CPSR files formal incorporation papers and becomes a nonprofit organization. President Reagan announces the Strategic Defense Initiative, it becomes CPSR's principal focus for several years. n n n The first issue of the CPSR Newsletter appears. CPSR opens its first five chapters 1985 - CPSR hires Gary Chapman as its first Executive Director.

History n n 1986 - CPSR/Boston produces Reliability and Risk, a slide show about the dangers of overreliance on computing technology in national defense. CPSR/Palo Alto forms a working group on computers in the workplace. n n 1987 - CPSR holds its first research conference on "Directions and Implications of Advanced Computing (DIAC). CPSR's first book, Computers in Battle, is published.

History n In March 1993, a new project centered around the National Information Infrastructure (NII) proposed by the Clinton/Gore administration. n A Public-Interest Vision of the National Information Infrastructure, " was published in September 1993 and has received excellent reviews from policymakers.

History n In June 1994, the Electronic Privacy Information Center (EPIC), a joint project of CPSR and the Fund for Constitutional Government. n At the end of 1994, a CPSR supporter made a large, one-time donation consisting of 5, 000 shares of FTP Software, a company cofounded in the 1980 s.

Mission n n Influence decisions regarding the development and use of computers Provide the public and policymakers with realistic assessments of the power, promise, and limitations of computer technology. n n To dispel popular myths about the infallibility of technological systems. Challenge the assumption that technology alone can solve political and social problems.

Projects n n The National Information Infrastructure Civil Liberties and Privacy Computers in the Workplace Technology Policy and Human Needs n n Reliability and Risk of Computer-Based Systems There also chapter -based projects and national working groups projects.

Why join You would be part of a nationwide network of concerned people who are committed to bringing a public interest perspective to all aspects of information technology n CPSR has a reputation for being on the forefront of issues pertaining to the impact of information technology on society, taking action to implement positive examples for todays information technology n

Who can join n Anyone who is concerned about and would like to be part of how “ Information technology affects our society. ”

Membership benefits You have the opportunity to be involved with making changes on how interaction with today’s technology, impacts our daily lives. n Members take an active role. We speak at conferences and legislative meetings; write articles, journals and books. n Newsletter n Conferences n

How to become a member Name______________ n Address_____________ n City/State/Zip___________ n Work Phone ___________ n Email______________ n Type of Work ___________ n

Chapters Austin , Berkeley, Boston , Chicago, Denver -Boulder, Georgia , Los Angeles, Madison, Maine, Michigan, Milwaukee , Minnesota n New Haven, Loyola /New Orleans, New York, Palo Alto, Philadelphia , Pittsburgh, Portland, San Diego, Santa Cruz, Seattle, Washington, D. C. n

Privacy In 1986, CPSR broadened its national program to include the Privacy and Civil Liberties Program, which established a Washington office in 1987. n The CPSR membership database is never sold, rented, lent, exchanged, or used for anything other than official CPSR activity. n CPSR may elect to send members mailings with information from other groups, but the mailings will always originate with CPSR n