NEW MATCHBOX PROJECT
At The Engine Room, we’ve spent the past year collaborating with a wide range of organizations through our support initiatives, such as Matchbox and Light Touch Support. We’re excited to announce a new partnership with Puentes, an organization dedicated to strengthening the narrative power of social justice movements in Latin America. Over the coming months, we’ll be collaborating on a project that brings together creativity and collective efforts from activists across Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC).
This partnership is part of our Information Ecosystem project in LAC supported by the Open Society Foundation. Through this initiative, TER is working to nurture a robust, healthy information ecosystem in the region — one that supports changemakers, deepens local knowledge, and generates data-driven insights to power decision-making. We also bring key voices together to co-create strategies for a healthier information landscape and support relevant civil society organizations in strengthening their digital resilience and advocacy efforts. You can learn more about this project here.
WHAT WE’LL BE WORKING ON TOGETHER
This partnership builds on our previous Light Touch Support to Puentes, and deepens our collaboration to drive greater impact. Together we aim to:
- Enhance activists’ digital resilience and security helping them critically assess their relationship with social media, communication platforms and apps.
- Empower communities to make informed decisions and intentional tech choices.
- Together with TER, Puentes will co-develop resources to support civil society organizations across LAC as they reimagine their relationship with digital tools.
Key focus areas will include:
- Digital privacy and security, particularly for activists.
- Safer migration to alternative platforms that align with community values.
- Co-creating practical resources, such as: Step-by-step guides for secure platform use.
- Documentation to support smooth, thoughtful transitions between tools centered on care, community input, and long-term sustainability.
At the core of this work is a commitment to community well-being – not just as an outcome, but as a guiding principle in shaping digital practices. Together, we hope to contribute to a healthier informational ecosystem.
WHAT IS A MATCHBOX PARTNERSHIP
Through our Matchbox Program, we partner with civil society organizations to strengthen their work by harnessing the power of data and technology. Our support includes technical guidance, strategic advice, and hands-on collaboration, helping partners develop impactful and sustainable solutions.
ABOUT PUENTES
Puentes works to strengthen the narrative power of social justice movements in Latin America. Their work is grounded in: Hope, radical imagination and connection. Social justice movements have long fought for legal and political transformation, yet today we know that laws alone are not enough to change reality. Narratives shape culture, and hegemonic narratives often limit our perception of what is possible, normalizing injustice and inequity. At this critical moment for the planet and humanity, Puentes calls for a radical act of collective imagination to envision new possibilities. Learn more about Puentes on their website.
Our joint efforts will include:
- Mapping strengths & possibilities – Exploring the current digital security practices for activist groups in LAC.
- Developing digital security & resilience resources – Co-creating pieces focused on self and collective care, secure platform migration and digital security best practices for activists.
- Training & capacity building – Providing training for Puentes’ staff and community members on digital security, resilience, and platform migration strategies.
INTERESTED IN OUR SUPPORT?
If your organization is looking for data or tech support, get in touch or schedule a Light Touch Support call. We’re always eager to collaborate with passionate groups committed to social change.
Stay tuned to our blog and social channels for more on our partnerships. We can’t wait to celebrate the milestones and achievements ahead!
For more details on our Matchbox program, our approach, and how to get involved, visit our website or follow us on social media.