As AI policy is being written in real time, the voices of those building community-centred infrastructure are often missing. This anthology is our space to ensure that our collective weaving of digital and social networks is recognised as a primary solution to the extractive AI crisis. We are seeking CCCI leaders and community members to share reflections, case studies and stories that answer the question: "How can community networks challenge extractive AI narratives and build sovereign digital futures?"
Themes for submissions
We are looking for stories that showcase how your community network is working toward:
Data sovereignty: Protecting local wisdom from corporate scraping
Infrastructure as agency: Using community-owned hardware to host localised AI
Labour and equity: Demanding fair, non-extractive compensation for AI labour
Environmental reciprocity: Building "circular" tech economies to reduce AI's footprint
Algorithmic accountability: Challenging bias or environmental violations in your territory
Sovereign automation: Enhancing local resilience and land defence
Policy and land defence: Protecting rights against tech-driven displacement.
Project timeline
Mark these dates on your calendar to ensure your contribution is included:
Call for pitches opens: 26 May 2026
Pitch deadline: 8 June 2026
Selection notification: 22 June 2026
First drafts due: 17 July 2026
Editorial review: July-September 2026
Contribution formats and compensation
Selected contributors will be paired with a project editor to ensure narrative impact. We are accepting proposals for:
Short-form articles – USD 300 flat rate + USD 0.30/word (max. 1,000 words)
Visuals (photo/comic/illustration) – USD 150 per image/frame (min. 4 photos for essays)
How to apply
Please submit your proposal by 8 June 2026 via link to submission form here.
Your pitch must include:
Introduction: Your name, email and gender.
The story/case study: A brief abstract of what you intend to narrate.
Relevant links: Any websites or documentation about your work.
Preferred format: (Article, photo essay or other visual).
We are prioritising pieces that can be delivered quickly to facilitate our editorial process. Join us in documenting the path toward digital sovereignty.
We look forward to reading your stories.