Your Guide to the RightsCon Program - 2020 - RightsCon Summit Series 2020/01/10 11:25

RightsCon Costa Rica | 9-12 June 2020 "

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Your Guide to a Successful Proposal

(https://rightscon.secure-platform.com/)

Welcome to our submission guide for the RightsCon Costa Rica Call for Proposals! This guide offers an overview of the five steps to a
successful session proposal, and explains how we evaluate and build the RightsCon program.

We strongly advise that you consult this guide as you prepare to Submit Your Session (https://rightscon.secure-platform.com/) in
our Program Platform. The submission deadline has been extended to January 21, 2020 at 23:59 Pacific Standard Time.

First, a few reminders

In 2020, RightsCon is invested in building a strategic and outcomes-oriented program, with a focus on session excellence. Read on to
learn about the new features and initiatives that are shaping this year’s programmatic approach.

Our official program platform !

Diversity, equity, and inclusion !

Community and creativity !

Lightning talks and tech demos !

Session excellence !

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Commitment to sustainability (NEW for Costa Rica!) !

Get in touch !

Ready to start? Here are our five steps to success:

Step 1: Pick your program category

The RightsCon program is divided into tracks to help participants navigate the many issue areas our community covers. The categories
listed below inform the creation of our final program tracks. Take a look to determine which category is most relevant to your chosen
topic.

Alternative Models Artificial Intelligence, Content Control

for Business and Labor Automation, and the Algorithm and Censorship

Cybersecurity Norms Data Governance, Democracy, Elections,

and Practice Protection, and Consent and Political Participation

Digital Inclusion Environmental Sustainability and Human Freedom of

and Diversity Resilience the Media

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Futures, Fictions, Global Governance, Justice, Network Connectivity and

and Creativity and Jurisdiction Internet Shutdowns

Peace, Stabilization, and Philanthropy, Wellness, and Operational Privacy, Surveillance,

Conflict Prevention Development and Individual Security

Public Interest Tech and Human Rights- The Global State of Trade, Commerce, and
Centered Design Civil Society the Digital Commons

Step 2: Map your goal and pick a session format

We work hard to ensure that the RightsCon program strengthens and connects our community. Your session should force us to confront
real-world problems and encourage us to take action together. In your proposal, tell us what you want to achieve in the room (goal) and
how you plan to get there (format).

Pick your session goal

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Your Guide to the RightsCon Program - 2020 - RightsCon Summit Series 2020/01/10 11:25

Pick your session format

FIRESIDE CHAT !

WORKSHOP !

PANEL !

TECH DEMO !

LIGHTNING TALK !

STRATEGIC ROUNDTABLE !

FISHBOWL !

MEETUP !

Step 3: Keep our evaluation criteria in mind

Now that you’ve decided on your program category, goal, and session format, you’re ready to start sharing additional details. Remember
that you don’t need to finish it all in one go – you can always save a draft of your proposal (https://rightscon.secure-platform.com/a) and
return to it later. As you craft your proposal, make sure to hit all of our evaluation criteria as best you can.

Our evaluation criteria

Is the proposal timely and salient to the broader human rights community? Does it discuss an important
RELEVANT
and emerging issue?

Does the proposal set out an achievable goal? Does it aim for a realistic outcome that will push the needle
ACTIONABLE forward?

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ORIGINAL Does the proposal introduce new voices, new concepts, a new format, or a fresh take on an issue?

Does the proposal create a space where diversity of experience and thought are inherent to the
DIVERSE
conversation? Does it feature representatives from a range of backgrounds, communities, and industries?

Evaluation process
Each year, Access Now works with experts from around the world to curate a connected, strategic, and outcomes-oriented program
structure. Once the submission period ends, the RightsCon Program Committee will carefully evaluate and review proposals based on the
criteria above.

In addition to the actual content of your proposal, we look at moderator and speaker selections to check for diversity and inclusiveness.
These selections can help distinguish your session from similar proposals, and hold significant weight in our evaluation process. For that
reason, we strongly recommend that you confirm your speakers before you submit your proposal. Note that the program categories
will not necessarily be reflected in the final program tracks.

A proposal may be accepted in its original form, or we may recommend specific changes to strengthen the session. The proposal process
is highly competitive, and in years past, we’ve had to turn away many exceptional sessions for the sake of the broader program. In 2019,
for instance, we received 850 submissions, and accepted 450 (53 percent) for the final program.

Outcomes
We are strong believers in the power of convening to drive collective action. RightsCon is a place to translate cross-sector dialogue into
post-conference outcomes. Building on the success of RightsCon Tunis, our program process for RightsCon Costa Rica will emphasize
high-quality, immersive sessions that spark conversation and collaboration, even after our summit ends.

As you draft, bear in mind the expected outcome of your session. Our Program Committee will take into account the clarity and feasibility
of your outcome in the judging process. Below are examples of strong outcomes that have resulted from our convening.

Step 4: Almost there! Review our session proposal checklist

Before you press the submit button, use our checklist to make sure you don’t forget anything.

1 I have created an account on the RightsCon

Program Platform (https://rightscon.secure-platform.com/)

2 I have completed (https://rightscon.secure-platform.com/) all required questions

on the session proposal form.

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3 I have selected a program category, goal, and session format.

4 I have clearly identified my session outcome in my proposal.

5 My proposal includes speakers with diverse point of views and experiences,

and fairly represents stakeholders and communities who are invested in the
topic I plan to discuss.

6 I have confirmed the participation of my moderator and speakers.

7 I have looked over the evaluation criteria to make sure my proposal hits all the
points.

8 I have triple-checked my proposal for any errors, inaccuracies, or spelling

mistakes.

9 I have reviewed and agreed to the terms of Access Now’s

Code of Conduct (https://www.rightscon.org/code-of-conduct/).

Step 5: You’re all set to go!

(https://rightscon.secure-platform.com/)

Program timeline

Questions?
Subscribe to the RightsCon Rundown for program updates, community news, and more.

Sign Up (https://www.rightscon.org/rundown/)

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