Practical Tactical – Social Media 2012
Sep 21 – Sep 23, 2012
Fri 7:00 PM – Sun 1:00 PM
$585.00
From social media strategy to persistent public relations, from web publishing to hacktivism, this workshop is for those who are eager to expand their communications scope and delve into the technologies that have sent thousands onto the streets in the Arab Spring, focused fundraising campaigns through cell phones, or educated policy makers through online petitions, blogs and twitter. Since the early days of the internet there has always been the promise of democratization and the potential for social movements and community organizations to make waves, command attention, hold the powers that be accountable, or spread the word of the things we care about to more and more people. Yet the reality has been an internet that resembles a shopping mall rather than a public square ripe for political and social activism and dialogue. The core configuration of the still “new” media allows for the ability for social movements and democratic gadflies to seize the day and carve out new spaces for public interest, activism and public policy.
This workshop will be hands on, combining theory and practice as we work together to talk about and use the toolbox/skillset required to run network-centric organizations, and network-centric campaigns. Bring your own project (idea/concept/network/campaign) to work on or work on one that is spontaneously started at the workshop.
Program Cost: $585 ($430 tuition+$155 meals/accommodations)
Please register at least 2 weeks in advance to secure your spot in this program.
Leadership
Jesse Hirsh
Jesse Hirsh is an internet strategist, researcher, and broadcaster. He has a weekly nationally syndicated column on CBC radio explaining and analyzing the latest trends and developments in technology using language and examples that are meaningful and relevant to everyday life. He owns and operates two companies: Openflows Networks Ltd., which specializes in using free and open source software for advanced interactive platforms, and Metaviews Media Management Ltd., which focuses on research and consulting around new media business models. Jesse is also actively involved with MacLaren McCann, one of North America’s most successful multi-disciplinary advertising agencies, as a member of their Idea Council, which serves as a combination advisory board and think tank for the company. For two years, he was the host of an interfaith show on the Rogers and OMNI networks called 3D Dialogue. That show explored all the world’s religions and spiritual paths through interviews with practitioners, gurus, holy people, and cynics regarding their rituals, scriptures, and beliefs (or lack thereof). Educated at the McLuhan Program at the University of Toronto, his passion is educating people on the potential benefits and perils of technology.
Margaret Tusz-King
Margaret Tusz-King, Program Resource Group (PRG) facilitator. Margaret is the former Program Director of Tatamagouche Centre and is actively works for social change through several roles: municipal councillor, Green Party candidate, community justice activist, innovator of Open Sky Co-operative, backyard farmer and adult educator.
For more information please visit the website.