Beneficial Computing ~ Building Technology for “We the People”: Digital Infrastructure for a More Perfect Union (Day One)

As the United States approaches its 250th anniversary, what does it mean to build technology worthy of the Constitution?

Join Beneficial Computing (501c3) a Robin Hood Foundation incubated civic tech nonprofit for a series of live presentations and demonstrations exploring how civic technology can strengthen the relationship between people, nonprofit organizations, and public institutions. Through projects spanning community data, public health, participatory user research, accessibility, UX design, and AI-powered policy tools, students and staff will explore how technology can make government more understandable, accessible, and usable.

The showcase concludes with a live demonstration of Beneficial Computing’s rules-as-code platform showing how complex public policies can be translated into transparent, human-centered digital tools. Day 1 will feature our anonymous SSI/SSDI screener and Day 2 will highlight our emergency response work supporting New Yorkers navigating SNAP ABAWD (able bodied adult without dependent) work requirements.

Our work as civic technologists begins with a big question:

How might digital infrastructure help deliver on the Constitution’s enduring commitment to “promote the general Welfare” and continue our collective work of building a more perfect Union?

As proud New Yorkers, we know our city has long been one of America’s greatest laboratories for democracy, building the infrastructure of opportunity—from parks, libraries, and the subway to pioneering public health initiatives, labor protections, and some of the nation’s most ambitious social programs.

Today, we’re excited to share one small piece of that next chapter: digital infrastructure that connects people to the public resources, rights, and services that help our communities thrive – all here in the Greatest City in the World 🗽🍎🍕