Join Us

To join the Coalition, we kindly request you read our manifesto to understand our mission and our guiding values ahead of your application. All applicants must agree to our Code of Conduct, disclose any Conflicts of Interest, and agree to recuse themselves from any Coalition activities where their personal interests in the technology industry might represent a conflict of interest.

Please review our Manifesto, and our CoC and our FAQs below ahead of completing the application form.

FAQ

  1. What is the process for becoming a member?
    Please complete the membership form. Membership applications will be approved by the CITR team, who aim to review all applicants within 4 weeks.
  2. May I join as an individual? Or should my organization join?
    The Coalition welcomes both individuals and organizations as members. Joining the Coalition as an individual does not oblige or imply the support of the organization that you may work for. Organizational members are representatives of their organizations, not as individuals. Please refer to our member list to check if there others from your organisation signed up as CITR members already.
  3. What is expected of organization members?
    As organisations carry a larger wealth of knowledge, skill sets, and resources, we may ask them to host a member sessions series, call upon them to support some larger projects, lead initiatives for Coalition members in fields or on actions where the organization has expertise that could strengthen CITR and its members. An Organization can have multiple members of various research specialisms as part of the Coalition, but must nominate one lead member as primary contact.
  4. Can current tech employees join the Coalition?
    No. At this time, those currently staff at tech companies may not be members of the Coalition. However, we offer a “Ally” member position to facilitate connections between those who share our values but who face significant conflicts of interest, such as employment with a tech company, that prohibit membership. If you think that this applies to you, please reach out to us at info@independenttechresearch.org to learn more.
  5. Is there a role for journalists, or other individuals, who would like to support the Coalition but cannot join an advocacy organization?
    Yes. The Coalition has open channels for communication with journalists and others who share our values but cannot engage directly in Coalition work. We welcome journalists to reach out to us at info@independenttechresearch.org, and we can share the latest research from our members, and further information on our work.
  6. Can organizations and/or individuals from outside of the United States join the Coalition?
    Yes, we welcome members from across the globe.
  7. What are the benefits of becoming a Coalition member?
    Coalition members will benefit from:

    • The ability to request involvement and support from other Coalition members on projects
    • Invitations to participate in Coalition activities (workshops, campaigns, etc)
    • Access to shared communications/collaboration with other members
  8. Must someone be a member to receive support from the Coalition?
     No. The Coalition will provide support to independent researchers in times of crisis regardless of membership status. Please reach out to us if this applies to you.
  9. Are there membership fees?
    No. Membership in the Coalition is free of charge.
  10. Do members vote on actions taken by the Coalition?
    No. The Coalition is run by CITR staff under the leadership of the Executive Director, Brandi Geurkink, and with oversight from the Coalition’s Board of Directors.
  11. Does membership imply agreement with all Coalition stances or activities?
    No. Though all members are committed to advancing, defending, and sustaining ethical research on the impact of digital technology on society, we are a diverse Coalition and it is natural for us to have disagreements. Members are able to select the Coalition statements and documents to which they sign on, and membership does not imply agreement with or participation in all Coalition activities. Read more about our work and strategy here.
  12. If I am not a member, how can I stay current with Coalition activities?
    We keep our News page and our social channels up to date with all our Coalition campaigns, the latest research and events. We often share multiple opportunities for non-members to get involved and support our member’s work. You can follow us on BlueSky and on LinkedIn.