> there isn't any magic bullet technology fix
Of course. That doesn't mean technology (this forum's expertise) can't be used as part of a solution though.
> The only way we stand a chance is by making sweeping, society-wide changes.
Sounds like something that we could attempt to throw various technologies at; for instance, I'm sure many users of this site are experts in technology for helping spread awareness (i.e. ad/marketing tech), enabling/improving collaboration (e.g. consensus building for legislators), coordination (e.g. for activists), etc.
> The only thing you as an individual can do is try to pressure your leaders for large scale government activity
If OP was asking what they, as some random Internet user, could do, then perhaps your pessimism would be right. I don't think that's too relevant for what OP is actually asking though, which is what's being done by HN users (a large number of technical experts, wielding disproportionately more power than the average citizen due to expertise in, and stewardship of, technologies with large amplifying effects, like the Web, social media, etc.)