APC -Association for Progressive Communications- call for Narratives

The Association for Progressive Communications (APC), through its LocNet initiative, has launched an open call for narratives exploring the intersection of community-centred connectivity initiatives (CCCIs) and environmental justice. This call seeks to gather reflections, case studies, and creative contributions that highlight how community networks can support not only digital inclusion but also social, cultural, political, and environmental rights.

With climate change accelerating and environmental disasters becoming more frequent, APC emphasizes the importance of weaving networks that are not only digital but also social and ecological. This initiative invites individuals, collectives, and organizations to share their experiences and insights on how CCCIs can contribute to environmental justice.

Key Themes and Areas of Interest

Contributors are encouraged to submit narratives or case studies that address one or more of the following themes:

• Environmental Monitoring and Protection
  • Use of sensors and automation technologies to track environmental violations.
  • Building evidence for environmental protection through community-driven data collection.
• Circular Economy and Local Resilience
  • Promotion of recycling, resource efficiency, and sustainable practices.
  • Preservation of cultural heritage through community-led initiatives.
• Renewable Energy Solutions
  • Adoption of off-grid power supply systems such as solar, biogas, and hydro.
  • Exploration of innovative storage solutions to support local infrastructure.
• Green Construction Practices
  • Use of bamboo or other organic materials for towers and public access facilities.
  • Encouraging eco-friendly design in connectivity infrastructure.
• Digital Tools for Climate Action
  • Measurement of carbon footprints using accessible digital platforms.
  • Leveraging climate change mitigation funding to invest in local digital infrastructure.
• E-Waste Management
  • Strategies for safe disposal and recycling of electronic waste.
  • Community-led approaches to reduce socio-environmental impacts of technology.
• Support for Environmental Activism
  • Using CCCIs to amplify the work of local activists and land defenders.
  • Strengthening emergency telecommunications during climate crises.

Submission Guidelines

Interested contributors should prepare a pitch that includes:

• A short introduction about yourself or your collective.
• The story or case study you wish to narrate.
• Any relevant online links (if available).
• Your preferred format of contribution.
• A timeline for preparing your first draft (ideally before 15 March 2026).

Deadline for pitch submission: 31 January 2026

Formats for Final Contributions

Selected contributors will have the opportunity to present their work in diverse formats, including:

• Short-form essays (1,000 – 1,500 words)
• Long-form essays (2,500 – 3,000 words)
• Poems
• Illustrations (six frames)
• Videos (up to 10 minutes)
• Photo narratives
• Graphic stories or comic books

This flexibility allows participants to choose the medium that best conveys their narrative and engages audiences effectively.

Honorarium

Contributors whose work is selected will receive an honorarium ranging between USD 300 and USD 500 upon submission of their final draft. This recognition underscores APC’s commitment to valuing the time, effort, and creativity of participants.

Why This Matters

Community-centred connectivity initiatives are more than just technical solutions. They represent:

• Empowerment of local communities to take ownership of their digital and environmental futures.
• Integration of social and ecological justice into digital inclusion efforts.
• Resilience-building in the face of climate emergencies and environmental degradation.
• Innovation at the grassroots level, where communities experiment with sustainable technologies and practices.

By linking connectivity with environmental justice, APC highlights the transformative potential of CCCIs in shaping a more equitable and sustainable world.

This open call is an invitation to reimagine connectivity as a tool for environmental justice. By sharing stories, case studies, and creative works, contributors can help demonstrate how local networks are not only about internet access but also about safeguarding communities, cultures, and ecosystems.

The APC and LocNet initiative encourage diverse voices to participate, ensuring that the narratives reflect the richness of global experiences. Whether through essays, art, or multimedia, this call provides a platform to showcase how connectivity can be a force for ecological resilience and justice.

Deadline Reminder: Submit your pitch here by 31 January 2026 and prepare your first draft by 15 March 2026.