Data Justice
We advocate for data practices that center community consent and reduce barriers to providing and accessing services. Data has power. It also has costs. Invasive data collection forces people to trade personal information for access to basic human needs with no control over what happens next. Out of touch, and inefficient funder reporting requirements drain high-value staff time without improving outcomes. Since 2021, MACC and a diverse coalition of our member organizations, have co-created a growing movement and framework to ensure human services data is used entirely in service of the people it represents.
What is Data Justice?
Data justice is the collection, analysis, sharing, and use of data entirely in service of and with accountability to participants and their communities. It’s a framework that centers dignity, privacy, and consent — collecting only what’s needed, and ensuring data is used to benefit the people who provide it. Data justice is active resistance to oppressive systems through our data practices, as part of building a better world grounded in truth, accountability, and learning.
Want to stay connected and learn about future opportunities to engage with MACC’s Data Justice work? Click here to make sure you get the latest updates on Data Justice from our Network!
A Vision for Data Justice
Our 2024 Data Justice Report lays out the problem, the costs, the vision, and concrete actions organizations and funders can take. Co-authored by MACC and our members read more to see how we can change the ways our sector uses data.
Put Data Justice Into Action
The MACC Data Justice Standards are a practical guide for human service organizations committed to collecting, using, and sharing data with integrity. Developed collaboratively by our Data Network’s Data Justice working group, they outline two core commitments — Do Good and Reduce Harm — with specific, actionable steps for centering participants, reducing barriers to services, protecting data, and elevating equitable funding practices.
Related Resources
Data Justice Report 2024
A 2024 report from MACC’s Data Justice Cohort describing the harms of extractive nonprofit data collection practices and outlining concrete actions organizations and funders can take to build equity into how data is collected, shared, and used.
Data Justice Standards
The MACC Data Justice Standards are a practical guide for human service organizations committed to collecting, using, and sharing data with integrity. Developed collaboratively by our Data Network’s Data Justice working group, they outline two core commitments — Do Good and Reduce Harm — with specific, actionable steps for centering participants, reducing barriers to services, protecting data, and elevating equitable funding practices.
E-Goodie Bag: Data Justice Futures
After event e-goodie bag from our 2024 event Data Justice Futures: Data Justice in Philanthropy. An event co-hosted by MACC and the Twin Cities Innovation Alliance. Where philanthropic and nonprofit leaders, data practitioners, and other key partners came together to explore the vital role of philanthropy in advancing data justice.