Hello my name is Raelyn Roberson and I am a Digital Empowerment Strategist. What does that mean?

As a digital empowerment strategist, I work to hold power accountable for respecting our constitutional right to privacy and free speech. 

•   I organize protests against corporations who violate our rights
•   I educate the public about digital literacy and their cyber rights
•   I lobby decision-makers and amplify stories from the public

Educate

Public Narrative is at the core of my work. I learn directly from communities who lack access to devices, connectivity, and digital literacy as they demand tech accountability. The targets of these accountability campaigns have included ISPs like Comcast and Charter/Spectrum, social media platforms, hedge funds, and legislators.

Personal stories from real people are crucial for understanding the impact of tech and information access on our modern society. It is crucial for stories like these to be told and shared with decision makers.

Doxxing and Surveillance are occupational hazards that come with this work. Out of necessity, it has become a daily habit of mine to protect my data from resourced adversaries such as far right trolls, tech billionaires, hedge funds, and tech billionaires. I create resources and share my tips for other activists who may experience cyber attacks while they work.

Organize

I make and give step-by step trainings to support you and your community in protecting your online privacy, recognizing media manipulation, and enforcing your digital civil rights. As a grassroots organizer, I have planned, prepped, facilitated, and given hundreds of live trainings both virtual and in person. As a Digital Navigator I’ve provided hands-on tech support for hundreds of volunteers taking actions from contacting legislators to reporting fraudulent content online. 

I am the creator of the Digital Democracy Activist program, an international volunteer base of over 12,000 who take a range of actions online and off to promote information access and media accountability. I hope to stay in contact with the folks who inspired me with their digital civic service!

Trainings are tailored to fit a broad range of audiences -volunteers, youth audiences, and even experienced politicians. Deep Canvassing and Relational organizing are at the center of my approach to cyber strategy campaigns. Empathy and shared vales are our best defense against community radicalization.

Lobbying

I have a strong understanding of public policy through my education, work with civil litigators, and outreach to legislative and regulatory offices. My work includes, informing how Digital Equity Grants should be used, connecting community activists experiencing digital discrimination with federal regulators, and meeting with members on congress about the impacts of algorithmically boosted hate and disinformation.

Areas of Expertise cover First and Fourth Amendment issues:

• Tech & Telecom Policy
• Platform Accountability
• Title II Net Neutrality
• Voter Information Access
• Section 702 Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act
• Broadband and Digital Connectivity
• Data Privacy