Communicating change in a complex world

November 20, 2009

A unique opportunity to hear from and connect with over a dozen leading professionals working in social media, marketing and movement-building. Participants will share insights on the utility of cutting-edge practices and technologies in promoting social change locally and globally. The one-day gathering will explore ways to transform conventional wisdom in areas ranging from development and  sustainability to human rights and conflict resolution.

Scheduled to take  place two weeks before the Copenhagen Summit on Climate Change, the iConference plenary session will explore the promise of building a truly inclusive global community to address the issue of climate change using social media and community mobilization. The panel will feature three social media and community engagement strategists from the Bay Area. There is more info go on the panel page on the website. The plenary session Our Common Goal: Towards a Global Climate-Change Community will take place at 2:45 PM PT in Irvine Auditorium, and live @communicators4change.org.

The iConference will also feature four panel discussions in the morning and early afternoon. Virtual Diplomacy? will explore the promise of social media to facilitate constructive interfaith and intercultural dialogue. Empowered Networks will focus on the potential of modern technology to weave global networks of empowered communities around issues of human rights and sustainability. Communicating Social Consciousness through the Arts will showcase the works of talented artists who dedicate their work to social transformation. Demystifying Science: Building Awareness in the 21st Century will explore innovative ways to communicate scientific knowledge effectively with the public and policy-makers.

Confirmed speakers and panelists include Rangineh Azimzadeh World Pulse board member, Bernhard Drax musician and Second Life journalist, Kevin Epps award-winning documentary film director, Colin Gallagher Returned Peace Corps Volunteer and civic engagement professional, Andie Grace communications manager at Burning Man, James Hanusa founder of Change SF, Joe Johnston technology advisor at  the Pachamama Alliance, Rita King and Josh Fouts of Dancing Ink Productions, Michael Leifer CEO of InfluenceXchange, Dr. James Lindholm director of the Institute for Applied Marine Ecology and distinguished professor at CSUMB, Doniga Markegard of Earth Action Mentor, Nina Rosete executive director of Dare to Dream Fund, and Alli Chagi-Starr Senior Community Engagement Strategist at Green for All.

All panel discussions will be streamed via Ustream and this website.

CC iConference 09 is brought to you by Communicators for Change (CC@MIIS), The Monterey Institute of International Studies, MIIS Teaching and Learning Collaborative (TLC), and MIIS Student Council.