Planetwork Conference: Networking a Sustainable Future
30/05/2003
Think of it. We are blessed with technology that would be indescribable to our forefathers. We have the wherewithal, the know-it-all, to feed everybody, clothe everybody, give every human on earth a chance [without damaging the integrity of the planet]" -- R. Buckminster Fuller.
WHEN: June 6-8, San Francisco, CA.
WHAT: A rare gathering of innovators from the world of information technology, environmental advocates, peace and social justice activists, independent media pioneers, and many others to explore how social networks, information technologies and the Internet can play a key role in accelerating positive global change.
WHY: To investigate, demonstrate, challenge and discuss how we are using our technological tools to enact and mobilize the changes needed to promote a more just, healthy and civil society.
WHO: Among the dozens of speakers and participants, highlights include:
* An evening honoring Douglas Engelbart. Inventor of the mouse, hypertext, and windows who has a forty-year track record in predicting, designing, and implementing the future of organizational computing
* Hazel Henderson. Worldwide syndicated columnist, advocate for and consultant on equitable ecologically and sustainable human development, and author of several books, including Creating Alternative Futures: The End of conomics, Building a Win-Win World: Life Beyond Global Economics, and Politics of the Solar Age: Alternatives to Economics
* Joan Blades. Cofounder of MoveOn, the online phenomenon that has moved online mobilization and international peace and justice activism to new levels in the past year
* Henri Poole. Noted open source free software developer, and active with Apache, founder of Affero peer-to-peer philanthropy software
* Tom Matzzie. National Interactive Campaign Manager, AFL-CIO
* Jeff Gates. President of the Shared Capitalism Institute and author of Democracy at Risk: Rescuing Main Street from Wall Street
* David Dill. Computer Scientist, Stanford University, Touch Screen Voting
... And many more (visit http://www.planetwork.net for full listing of presenters...)
CONTEXT: Technology has come a long way since the advent of the Internet in the late 1980s. From email-to-fax action alerts to geographic information systems (GIS), to the simple speed of email networks, we are now armed with powerful tools that can be used for moving us into a more sustainable future. Amid accelerating global crises, new social and technological forces are converging into a an unique exciting and powerful movement for global change. The growing sense of empowerment of a global citizenry has been made possible largely through the use of the Internet.
On February 15th, millions of people world wide spoke out for peace. For the first time we were able to see our numbers and hear our voice - a richly diverse and inclusive spectrum of humanity united by a common vision of a peaceful world, and a just future.
Why stop there?
How might this empowered global citizenry mobilize around other critical issues effecting our future - natural resource depletion; basic human rights; economic justice? What are the communications strategies needed to galvanize around specific issues, to mobilize our networks, envision alternative solutions, and demand change. How might we use our financial resources, as a networked global citizenry, to bring about system-wide transformation?
We have the tools, we have the imagination, and we have the need. It's time to look at how we are using our information technology tools - to bring together practitioners from across the sectors of new media, online community, software development, online activism, independent media production and progressive entrepreneurship to examine critically - and collaboratively - where we are, and what is possible. This forum is designed to enable tool makers and tool users to come together for knowledge sharing, exchange and collaboration.
Join us. Participate in the second international Planetwork Conference: expand your networks, forge new models, share resources and help implement the creative solutions we need to build a peaceful and sustainable future.
FEATURING:
* Mobilizing on a Dime: Tools and strategies for mobilizing activist networks
* Digital Earth: A full day of 3D Geobrowsers!
* Global Youth: Networking the Future
* Online Communities: New Tools and Models
* Restoring Democracy: Cross Platform Media Strategies
* Social Entrepreneurs: Incubating Social Change
* What Works: Non-profit Needs for Tech Tools
* Internet Based Barter
* Blogs Blogs Blogs
* Sustainable Media Networks: Why Not Now?
