This autumn, thanks to a grant by Microsoft Community Affairs, the EFC, in collaboration with TechSoup, will stage three webinars focusing on increasing foundations’ effectiveness through the use of technology. Technology has, and is, changing the way we work. Is your foundation moving with the times, or shying away from integrating technology into everyday work and communications?
Webinars, or online seminars, are a dynamic, engaging way to host online training and make presentations to a geographically dispersed audience. This live, interactive, online educational series will discuss innovative approaches to using technology and social networking media to increase impact and advance social change. Participants may be newcomers to the topic wondering where to begin, as well as seasoned practitioners who have lessons to share.
The webinar series is open to representatives of foundations only.
III. Using technology to educate, empower and engage (7 Dec 2011 15:00 CET)
Rapid advances in technology in recent years have meant that there are more ways than ever before to engage citizens and give them a platform on which to voice their opinions and learn more about issues they feel strongly about. Addressing subjects from climate change to governmental change, organisations and individuals around the world are making use of the latest technology to get behind a cause.
This third and final event in the EFC and TechSoup Autumn webinars series will give two very different but creative examples of ways in which technology has both increased public awareness and been used to empower citizens to discuss difficult topics.
Speakers:
Saїda Sakali, King Baudouin Foundation
Anja Adler, Stiftung Mercator
Foundation representatives may register for the event here
Past webinars:
I. Digital storytelling – Bringing foundations’ work into focus (19 Oct 2011)
Digital storytelling is a 21st century take on the traditional art of storytelling – and foundations have never had more tools at hand to bring their work to life on screen. The EFC’s first-ever webinar will focus on the value that digital storytelling (whether produced or funded by foundations) can have in achieving greater impact, whether it be for policy change, advocacy, learning, or engaging vulnerable or marginalised groups.
Two expert speakers will present case studies of how their respective organisations are involved in digital storytelling, what the benefits have been and why other foundations can benefit from capturing the essence of their work on camera.
Speakers:
Vivian Paulissen, Youth and Media Programme Manager, European Cultural Foundation
Susan Telingator, Communications Specialist, TrustAfrica
II. Foundations & practice in data visualisation (16 Nov 2011)
Foundations are continually producing raw data - whether it refers to where they work, what they do or research they have conducted. But just as important as the raw data itself is the way in which it is communicated, that is to say, the way in which this data is ‘brought to life’ to achieve the desired impact. Turning data into a visual story is critical to making the information accessible and poor visualisation will detract from the central message, or, worse, cause it to be missed or ignored. In this webinar, Cole Nussbaumer, of StorytellingwithData.com will cover the basics of infographics and concepts foundations can use to communicate effectively with data.
Specific topics include: how individuals perceive information and how you can use that knowledge to create high impact visual displays, choosing the right type of display, and thinking like a designer.
Speaker:
Cole Nussbaumer, ‘StorytellingwithData.com’