Join

This network is yours.

If you work in technology from the global south and your work protects human rights defenders, you belong here.

Who it's for

You live and work in the global south — Africa, Asia, Latin America, Middle East & North Africa.
Technology is your craft: security, infrastructure, OSINT, development, forensics, training, or adjacent skills.
You support — or want to support — human rights defenders, journalists, or civil society organizations.
You can be vouched for by someone in this community (or we'll help you find your way to that).

What members give and get

Give: your experience, roughly two hours a month, and honest peer review of each other's work.
Get: the full resource library, Skill Circles, mentorship, fellowship eligibility, and 147 people to call at 2 a.m.
Never: fees, funders in your inbox, or your data anywhere you didn't put it.

Application

Apply to join — takes ~10 minutes

Two members review every application within three weeks. Everything you write here is stored on our own infrastructure and deleted after your application is decided.

Name — the name you go by; legal name not required

Email — used only for this application

Location — country or city, as precise as you're comfortable

Main focus area

Your work — who you support and how, in a few sentences. Links optional.

Referral — a member who can vouch for you, if you have one

I understand members are expected to give back roughly two hours a month to the network.

Demonstration form — this demo site does not transmit or store anything.

Questions

FAQ

Is there a membership fee?

No — and there never will be. The network runs on small unrestricted grants and members' time. If someone asks you for money to join, it isn't us.

I don't know any current members. Can I still apply?

Yes. Leave the referral field empty and tell us about your work — regional circles can arrange a short conversation instead of a vouch. It takes a little longer, and that's the only difference.

Do I have to be listed in the public directory?

No. The directory is opt-in, field by field, and your listed name may be a working name. Many members are completely unlisted.

I'm early in my career. Is this for me?

Skill matters more than seniority. If you're doing the work — or demonstrably preparing to — apply. Mentor Bridge exists precisely for members entering new specializations.

Which languages does the network use?

English is the default for shared spaces; regional circles work in Arabic, French, Spanish, Portuguese, and more. Resources are translated by volunteers — 14 languages and counting.