EXCERPTS: 29 May: Daily News & Analysis. In a unique workshop by journalist Frederick Norohna, you will get the chance to combine the techie and the activist within you to create thought-provoking and effective e-campaigns. Using websites like Facebook, Twitter and Youtube, you can generate awareness, advocacy and action about specific social issues. Currently Frederick runs a couple of mailing lists, including Goanet, which has about 13,000 readers everyday. 527 words. (The workshop will be held in Pune on Friday-Saturday, from 2pm to 6pm, at Open Space.) http://openspaceindia.org/May09_events_act.html
FULL TEXT: Cyber activism is here By Ishaan Rai 527 words 29 May 2009 DNA - Daily News & Analysis (Lifestyle & Leisure section). Frederick Norohna's workshop aims at producing some of the most interesting e-campaigns Did a Pink Chaddi inspire you to resist moral policing against women? Or did you Bell Bajao to take a stand against domestic violence? If there's a social issue you feel strongly about, what better way to raise awareness and garner support than the Internet! In a unique workshop by journalist Frederick Norohna, you will get the chance to combine the techie and the activist within you to create thought-provoking and effective e-campaigns. The workshop, organised by the Centre for Communication and Development Studies (CCDS), will focus on both the technical aspects of using internet tools and on developing a campaign. Frederick says, "Cyber activism is applying the potential of cyberspace and the internet into activism - it's not rocket science." Using websites like Facebook, Twitter and Youtube, you can generate awareness, advocacy and action about specific social issues. Frederick reveals, "The net has become extremely user-friendly. You can do almost everything on your own - a blog can be created in two minutes by anyone. Something like Twitter can be used for a frivolous purpose like making dinner plans and something serious like a social campaign." Mainly aimed at members of NGOs, the workshop will explore copyleft-based models of sharing information. Frederick explains, "Copyleft is all about sharing content, it's the opposite of copyright. Collaborating has to develop and people have to start sharing information. NGOs are sitting on goldmines of information, and when you link that with the internet, the information will reach more and more people." Another aspect of the workshop will be to promote the use of mailing lists. Frederick says, "They're easy to set up through Google and Yahoo, and help send messages to an entire group." Currently he runs a couple of mailing lists, including Goanet, which has about 13,000 readers everyday. Frederick says, "We send people news and discuss issues - sometimes the discussions are really interesting. The list should have a focus - Goanet only deals with issues in and related to Goa. Basically it's like a 24/7 meeting which never stops!" Frederick has been involved with dozens of e-campaigns over the years. He says, "I'm completely self-trained - I'm not a techie. A total of four weeks in elementary level stuff is all the training I've had. I tried to mix my interest in technology with my interest in development and journalism." Now a professional at what he does, it goes to show how all it takes to be a cyber-activist is a little will and effort. Frederick reveals, "Activism isn't about raising slogans and screaming our heads off - it's about fighting intelligently. E-campaigns are extremely effective, they just take a little time to gain attention and support. The main challenge for participants of the workshop will be to use what they've learnt once it's over - that's where the real work begins!" (The workshop will be held it Pune on Friday-Saturday, from 2pm to 6pm, at Open Space.) See http://openspaceindia.org/May09_events_act.html Forwarded by Eddie Fernandes
