Smex

Social Media Exchange is a Beirut-based nonprofit association that envisions an Arab world whose citizens can rely on the Internet as an engine of pluralism and prosperity. We aim to realize this vision by advocating for a free and open, diverse and dynamic Arab Internet. Our approach to advocacy involves initiatives in three areas: Capacity building. SMEX designs and delivers online and offline training for citizens who want to learn to use digital and social media strategically to advance their goals while safeguarding their online privacy and security. Movement building. We're joining with others across the region to convene and mobilize a regional constituency to advocate for constructive, user-centered Internet laws and policies—and to defend against legislation that threatens human rights and freedoms. Localizing media empowerment. We produce Arabic-language training guides and encourage sharing of learning resources, opportunities, best practices, and lessons learned as a means of developing regional training norms and extending opportunities beyond the big cities.