System Reboot: Rapid Response and the Power of Grassroots Data Rescue

Founded in February 2025, the Data Rescue Project has worked to preserve and expand access to at-risk federal datasets. What began as a single Google Doc has since grown into a robust data rescue ecosystem, complete with discovery layers, communication channels, and project management tools, which now serves as critical infrastructure for protecting public data. As we initiate our own strategic reboot, the Data Rescue Project is shifting focus from ad hoc
emergency response toward a long-term vision for sustainability. We are currently building an operational framework designed to strengthen grassroots stewardship for ourselves and future data rescue efforts. There is more work than one organization can accomplish, so another key to our success has been our active collaborations with other data organizations on the future of public data preservation and access.

Join Data Rescue Project steering committee member, Tess Grynoch, for a reflection on the Data Rescue Project’s ongoing data rescue efforts, how we have reset our focus, and how you can help shape our next chapter.

Data Rescue Project:
The Data Rescue Project is a grassroots volunteer community dedicated to access to public data for the public good. We enable rapid response efforts for at-risk public data grounded in recognized data stewardship principles. We partner with allied communities of data creators, carers, and their organizations to advocate for sustainable data access.

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