For this first blog, we wanted to answer a lot of questions – so we decided to bust out some Q&A. Of course, if you have further Qs, feel free to contact us at info@netchangeweek.com and we’ll try to send you some As in a timely manner.

For now, the gist:

What is Net change week (besides a not-to-be-missed week)?
Net Change is a weeklong event at the MaRS Centre in downtown Toronto that explores the intersection between social technology and social change. In its second year, we’ve modified the event to explore more than just social technology and social media, and have expanded to include mobile tech and a category we’re calling future tech.

The week will follow a chronological flow from what’s needed right now to what’s up and coming. The week kick’s off with social technology and gives practical training for tips and tools, then moves to understanding how to integrate the mobile tech platform and strategies and closes with an exploration and demonstration of emerging technologies for social change.

The events are broken out according to skill level and interest – there is something for everyone.

Who should attend (who else will I be meeting there)?
If you can say yes to any of the following questions, then Net Change has something for you!
Are you interested in doing work for social or environmental good?
Do you consider yourself a changemaker?
Do you sit on the board of a cause-related organization?
Do you volunteer for a cause-related organization?
Are you web savvy?
Are you interested in design thinking?
Do you work in an advertising/marketing/interactive agency or strategic consulting?

We are looking for people in the “social change” space as well as the “digital professional” space. If you happen to be outside of those broadly defined categories, that’s cool too! As long as you’re interested in tech for change and the advancement of this field, then put Net Change on your calendar.

How is it different from other events (I need to convince my leadership team that this is the most relevant)?
Net Change is the only weeklong event dedicated to exploring the multiple sides to “tech for change” and co-designed by multiple partners. Net Change is a composite of many events, so participants can build their own professional development paths and select which of the events they want to attend. The events are designed to engage the participants in different ways for different outcomes – e.g., the training session My Charity Connects versus the working lab model; The Future Lab.

Does it cost anything (besides my time and fearless energy)?
Some events are paid, some are free, but all need registration. Can’t afford it? Check out scholarship opportunities (coming soon).

How does it differ from last year (will I have the same amazing experience as 2009)?
Net Change 2010 is bigger and bolder than its predecessor – same amazing energy, different content.

• We are collapsing the training sessions into one premier training event with two speeds (beginner and intermediate) so as to utilize the best facilitator and speaker talent for the audience.
• We are including a large mobile component: For the first time, Mobile Tech for Social Change, an internationally scaled event, will be featured in Ontario, with its founder (and founder of MobileActive.org) as a speaker and facilitator.
• We promise to provoke: We are interested in the “so-what’s,” the “what-now’s,” and the “what ifs” – and we are interested in probing the experts, whether they’re futurists, social tech gurus or culturists. Look for thought-provoking keynotes and panels!

New roster of speakers & facilitators: 2010 will be sure to deliver the “glocal” (global/local) context
Interactive: Attendees will literally be immersed in the experience with our dynamic art installations
Closing party: ‘nuf said.

If I attended last year, can I come back?
One word: Yes!

Net Change June 7-11th, 2010. Don’t miss out.

Yours in action,
Net Change Team

This entry was posted on Wednesday, March 24th, 2010 at 7:05 pm and is filed under Blog. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.