Aspiration is a values-driven nonprofit technology organization. Our work, our passion, and our focus derive from a set of philosophies that come down to a single unassailable conviction: technology and technologists should be in service to nonprofits and their missions, not the other way around.
Aspiration | Better Tools for a Better World
It's our 23rd Anniversary! Nonprofit staff, developers, capacity builders, and grassroots activists will convene at the 2026 Nonprofit Software Development Summit, 18-20 November, 2026, to share knowledge, build capacity, and collectively envision the future of free, open and equitable digital tools and practices to support social change efforts.
The Resonant Computing Manifesto by Techdirt
The Matrix of Convivial Technology – Assessing technologies for degrowth
This article introduces the notion of convivial technology as a conceptual framework for technologies suitable for degrowth societies. This paper is inspired by Ivan Illich's notion of convivial tools but reconsiders it in the light of current practices and discussions. Looking for a definition of convivial technologies it uses qualitative empirical research conducted with degrowth-oriented groups developing or adapting grassroots technologies like Open Source cargo bikes or composting toilets in Germany. The basic ethical values and design criteria that guide these different groups in relation to technology are summed up into five dimensions: relatedness, adaptability, accessibility, bio-interaction and appropriateness. These dimensions can be correlated with the four life-cycle levels material, production, use and infrastructure to form the Matrix for Convivial Technology (MCT). The MCT is a 20-field schema that can be filled in. Experiences with the tool in different fields are presented. The MCT is itself a convivial tool as it allows for degrowth-oriented groups to self-assess their work and products in a qualitative, context-sensitive and independent way. It is a normative schema that fosters discussion concerning degrowth technologies in contexts of political education. And it is a research method as it helps collecting data about underlying ethical assumptions and aspirations of individuals and groups engaged in developing technology.
Pivot to People: It’s Time to Build the New Economy
Today’s calls for ethical, humane, responsible, regulated and beneficial technology, compounded with venture capital’s virtue signaling in…
Lambda Land | Book Review: Technopoly
In Technopoly: The Surrender of Culture to Technology, Neil Postman argues that our infatuation with technology has insidiously eroded our culture. We gain much through technology, but it comes at a price; all too often we are blind to that price. This book seeks to call attention to the costs of a technology-focused society. I felt this poignantly because I, as a technology worker, know what that infatuation feels like.
Sustainable software manifesto
The systems we build are never neutral. They can magnify harm or support a just and sustainable society. How we build today shapes tomorrow’s possibilities.
Why I Didn’t Sign the Resonant Computing Manifesto: The Foundations Need Work
The Resonant Computing Manifesto speaks to humane tech, but its foundations don't address issues of power, accountability, and community. I wrote this to name what’s missing and suggest commitments that would give this manifesto teeth.
A Manifesto for a Future Philosophy (guest post) - Daily Nous
“This project of re-envisaging, looking at past ideas, and developing new ones to deal with our difficult situation will take the work of many people…” […]
4 keys to developing your mission or values openly
How can your mission-driven organization develop its mission openly? Chris Grams explains.
Finding Fulfillment
What creates a fulfilling existence? Exploration leads to a framework I've used for years for myself and the people around me. I hope it helps you too.
Moving beyond the charity framework
A healthy ecosystem for supporting open source in the long term.
AOS – Technology for Human Thriving
AOS builds freedom tech that enhances, explores, and empowers human thriving through open, decentralized systems.
Purpose Ventures - Purpose
Conventional VC is often at odds with the ambitions of purpose-driven entrepreneurs and their founding values and missions. These founders are interested in more than growth for growth’s sake. They want to build lasting, impactful businesses and preserve their mission in the future.
Solidarity Infrastructures
Solidarity Infrastructures is a class that brings together creative practitioners to investigate, strategize, upskill, and dream toward alternative socio-technological systems.
What if technology didn’t feel so… hollow? Some friends and I just released a manifesto about a world where tech leaves us feeling nourished (along with an evolving list of theses about how we can build it) resonantcomputing.org
The Resonant Computing Manifesto
resonantcomputing.orgOur community has gathered around the concept of Atmosphere. There’s work to do in explaining, culture building, and the concrete task of rallying around a brand / logo, especially around login.
Boris
For anyone that has come to a meetup, event, or conference - it’s not faceless. As a community, our goal is to imbue the Atmosphere with feelings and alignment. Designing a logo and brand that grows to mean that is something we need to do together. No one company can carry our flag.
