Monday brief · week of 26 October 2026
Omidyar Network sharpens its focus on shared power and public-driven AI governance this week.
Written each Monday from this funder's own recent publications. Every point links to the sentence it rests on.
What they're leaning into
They are leaning into the role of artists, workers, and everyday people in shaping AI’s future, emphasizing collective power and advocacy in creative and labor spaces.
“Over three days, we explored how AI is affecting the creative community, where the industry is headed, and how workers and artists can reclaim their power.”Last month, Omidyar Network and Pathos Labs // PopShift hosted the second annual Futures Basecamp, bringing creatives (a · 2026-10-19 ↗“how workers and artists can reclaim their power”Last month, Omidyar Network and Pathos Labs // PopShift hosted the second annual Futures Basecamp, bringing creatives (a · 2026-10-19 ↗AI governance is a priority, with recent legislative wins in California and calls for stronger federal safety standards and public engagement in tech policy.
“California lawmakers overwhelmingly passed important new legislation on AI governance during the 2026 legislative session – including new tech and worker protections and the strongest kids’ online safety laws in the nation.”Humanity Hardwired · 2026-10-16 ↗“California lawmakers overwhelmingly passed important new legislation on AI governance during the 2026 legislative session – including new tech and worker protections and the strongest kids’ online safety laws in the nation.”Humanity Hardwired · 2026-10-16 ↗An inclusive digital future is taking shape through open calls and partnerships that center underrepresented voices in AI policy and innovation.
“At the Clinton Global Initiative’s annual meeting last month, Humanity AI partners discussed how foundations can elevate new voices and expand shared agency.”Humanity Hardwired · 2026-10-16 ↗“Those questions are driving the $10 million open call that Humanity AI partners announced in September.”Humanity Hardwired · 2026-10-16 ↗
Framing to consider
Grantseekers might frame their work as building 'shared power in AI' by highlighting how their initiatives empower communities—like artists, workers, or parents—to shape technology’s impact.
“how workers and artists can reclaim their power”Last month, Omidyar Network and Pathos Labs // PopShift hosted the second annual Futures Basecamp, bringing creatives (a · 2026-10-19 ↗“powerful conversations around worker organization and advocacy”Last month, Omidyar Network and Pathos Labs // PopShift hosted the second annual Futures Basecamp, bringing creatives (a · 2026-10-19 ↗Projects could emphasize 'public interest tech' or 'inclusive digital futures' by tying their goals to tangible policy changes or creative, community-led solutions that expand agency.
“artists play a critical role in building a better digital future”Last month, Omidyar Network and Pathos Labs // PopShift hosted the second annual Futures Basecamp, bringing creatives (a · 2026-10-19 ↗“At the Clinton Global Initiative’s annual meeting last month, Humanity AI partners discussed how foundations can elevate new voices and expand shared agency.”Humanity Hardwired · 2026-10-16 ↗
