An offline conversation about online activism

http://photos1.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/d/3/7/4/event_153354132.jpegDoes the internet increase opportunities for global democracy or reduce action to a few clicks of a mouse? This session aims to discuss experiences of online activism, whether that be: liking and re-tweeting links about politics and or community; running online discussion platforms or using the internet to get organised. What are the most effective ways of campaigning online and what does the future hold for online activism?

I am running this workshop as part of my MA research project into Online Youth Activism at the University of Bedfordshire. Although the main branch of my research will be looking at the experiences of 16-25 year olds, this workshop will be open to all ages and will aim to broaden my research. If you would like further information, please visit my research site at: http://activistresearch.wordpress.com/ or download a participant information sheet at: http://db.tt/lTuFVJdo

The internet both transcends and creates new borders in society, enabling global connection, but at the same time removing physical interaction. Online communication has included more people in political debate than ever before, but has it reduced that debate to a series of likes and shares, lacking real depth or thought? Is there potential for overcoming some of these challenges and designing a new future for online activism?

What? A session discussing experiences of online activism

Where? The Centre for Creative Collaboration, 16 Acton Street, WC1X 9NG (https://maps.google.co.uk/maps?q=WC1X+9NG&hl=en&ll=51.528754,-0.116411&spn=0.000473,0.001321&sll=52.469397,-2.329102&sspn=7.592206,21.643066&t=h&hnear=London+WC1X+9NG,+United+Kingdom&z=20&layer=c&cbll=51.528754,-0.116411&panoid=hxz4Wx6XDWEFgLg-hg1I3A&cbp=12,337.84,,0,9.5), London

When? Saturday 8th September 2012 - 1-3pm

[image from: http://www.gcommerce.co.za/story/vote_online.html ]