Tagged: Events RSS

  • tomjd 11:53 pm on April 13, 2010 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: Events, Live, live streaming, , Tech4Society,   

    March 2010 #4Change Chat wrap-up: How Social Media Can Enhance Events 

    First of all my apologies for the delay in completing this wrap-up. I’m still posting it on the principle of better late than never.

    On March 18 the #4Change Twitter Chat took on the topic of ‘How Social Media Can Enhance Events.’ This topic seemed particularly apropos with the chat taking place immediately after the annual SXSW takeover of Twitter, and soon before the Non-profit Technology Conference and Skoll World Forum, two other conferences with an oversized online presence. Social media at events has also been on my mind recently with Ashoka hosting Tech4Society in Hyderabad India and the Ashoka Future Forum in Washington DC, both more social media-enabled than any previous Ashoka-organized events.

    It is almost hard to imagine these days a significant event not having a social media component, whether this is simply individuals in the room tweeting or a resourced effort by the host. So the question is not, as it once was, “will social media be created?” but rather “will this social media enhance the event?”

    As Christina Jordan posed in the pre-chat blog post, What’s the potential benefit of using social media to cover events? For whom?

    Numerous benefits of a conscious strategy to utilize social media at events were suggested by chat participants including taking the stories and examples being shared to a wider (and more diverse) audience, allowing organizers and the cloud see what is resonating with attendees and creating a back-channel for attendees to interact and debate, as well as allowing those not in attendance to feed their points of view into this discussion. This can often allow people to say what isn’t being said out-loud in the room, as well as giving those unable to attend physically some sense of participating in and benefiting from the event. Social media can also assist with documentation, capturing key thoughts and currents during the day and allowing them to be looked back over afterwards. For the vast majority of events there will be no mainstream media coverage: only social media will carry and record the outcomes of these gatherings beyond the immediate attendees.

    Concerns were also expressed however at the possible distraction and disruption at events, with TED pointed out as an example of an event that doesn’t allow tweeting during sessions.

    So what are the key elements of a successful event social media strategy? 4 key elements were identified: Preparation; Resourcing; Aggregation and; Integration.

    1. Preparation. Preparation, as with most things, is critical to get the maximum impact from your social media efforts. Tags should be identified and distributed to all participants beforehand, inviting them to take part in creating content on the day. Create groups for photos and videos to be shared and be careful to choose a twitter hashtag not already in use. If you’re doing live streaming test thoroughly. Prepare widgets for deployment.

    2. Resourcing. It requires a dedicated person to effectively create social media at an event, whether they are live tweeting, live blogging or uploading video and photos. Multiple dedicated people will be required to do all of these things. Having at least one person exclusively focused on the online conversation allows multiple threads to be pulled together and background information identified. For example at the recent TEDxAshokaU event I was tweeting links to the profiles of the Ashoka Fellows as they spoke, providing crucial additional information to anyone intrigued by the quotes emanating from the room.

    3. Aggregation. With most successful events generating a considerable volume of diverse social content aggregating this into one place where it can be easily accessed is critical. Most people felt that this was a job best done manually by a discerning staffer or volunteer (another resourcing issue). An example of this sort of aggregation is the Tech4Society coverage page, updated daily during the event with new blog posts and videos and containing a Twitter widget displaying the #tech4soc stream.

    4. Integration. If you are integrating social media into the live event experience it needs to be seamless and well managed. Screens with running twitter streams can be very distracting to participants and presenters. On the other hand they can also provide a platform for sourcing questions, generating discussion or even choosing the agenda. If you are capturing video during the day can this be presented back to participants at the end of the day as a way of summarizing proceedings?

    Video was touted as an increasingly important tool in all its forms: live streaming, rapidly-produced interviews and audience reactions and better-produced videos of presentations ala TED. It was also pointed out however that video poses particular bandwidth issues, making it inaccessible to view or event get online in many parts of the world. As a real-world example of this we were unable to upload videos as planned from Tech4Society in India due to bandwidth limitations.

    At the end of the chat participants were asked for their takeaways, as is customary:
    @Nidhi_C: takeaway: when planned, #socmedia can play role of a valuable audience participant, add spice to discussion, & connect
    @liadavide: Takeaway: SM is a great tool but still has some way to go especially in areas with poor telecom infrastructure
    @karitas: takeaway: if prepared/promoted right, SM can bring live/remote participants 2gether, & add fun/useful layers 2 experience.
    @tashjudd: takeaway – social media has fundamentally changed who audience of an event can be, possibilities are much wider now
    @christinasworld: my takeaway – preplanning of a #socialmedia strategy is really important
    @amysampleward: takeaway: sm at events has 3 audiences: presenters, present audience, remote audience. create value in/out 4 all.

    My takeaway? An event without a social media strategy is a wasted opportunity. Events now provide a platform much bigger than the event itself, allowing more people to participate in the conversation and experience elements of the content. While live experiences are unique and essential social media is a lever to push the impact of the event beyond those in attendance.

    Additional resources:
    Social Media Enabling Conferences: A Tech4Society Case Study (Netsquared)
    A Few Reflections from SXSW Crowdsourcing Panel (Beth’s Blog)
    3 Ways Live Events Help Online Communities (Mashable)
    Social Reporters toolbox (Delicious)

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  • Zero Strategist 5:39 pm on February 12, 2010 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , , , Events, , , ,   

    Cause Fatigue #4Change Recap 

    Thanks everyone who attended or contributed to February’s #4Change Chat on the topic of Cause Fatigue, the chat was indeed interesting and lively! This is not at complete transcript of the conversation, but rather a curated recap which aims to tie the conversation threads together.

    If you have any additional ideas, insights, resources or writings on cause fatigue please leave comments, post links or use the #4change hashtag to tweet your post! You can always review the entire chat by searching the #4Change hashtag on twitter.

    Q1. How do you define cause fatigue?

    amycarolwolff Cause fatigue is what occurs when communication about an issue becomes uncreative and stagnant.

    tomjd I think Cause Fatigue is when stories no longer resonate – ppl get used to issue, it comes normal, acceptable. Loss of outrage.

    zerostrategist @amycarolwolff A1: I think #cause #fatigue is when you dread having to support a cause that you really love supporting

    realize_ink @tomjd Agreed. I’d add that it’s what happens when comms re: issue no longer tap their core values. Values may’ve changed

    zerostrategist @tomjd A1: I think Cause Fatigue is when people lose all passion to act for a cause to which they are dedicated or do believe in

    Q2. What are some of the contributing factors to cause fatigue?

    tomjd Another factor is loss of belief in change. Ppl accept status quo. Consider all parties “interest groups”, all equally suspicious.

    zerostrategist A2: Inefficiency in general, lack of a cohesively communicated & executed strategy, few resources can be big factors in c-fatigue

    memeshift @zerostrategist I think *attention* is just such a resource internally (org)/externally(supporters)

    tomjd @memeshift Totally agree with “attention” as a resource to be more carefully managed. This is why I Q all the big giving comps

    tomjd @memeshift like Chase, Pepsi, etc – when orgs r repeatedly mobilizing supporters for these comps their attention resource dwindles

    zerostrategist A2: Also lack of top cover, the absence of strong leadership or change champions can lead to cause drift, a lack of direction

    realize_ink @tomjd Good pt re: Chase & Pepsi, etc. More collaboration b/t companies might cr8 less fatigue, more change in long run.

    zerostrategist @memeshift Couldn’t agree more I have seen lack of internal engagement increase the turnover rates of organizations

    memeshift @tomjd keen call, man. Attention is valuable. If something *really* important comes along, than what?

    tomjd @memeshift Exactly. And while some orgs do win big from these comps most end up w nothing except lost time/energy

    memeshift @zerostrategist leaders to step up. Absolutely. They gotta be passionate too.

    Q3. What strategies can be used to reinvigorate support for a cause when supporters get burned out?

    tomjd @zerostrategist Making it personal is important – sharing personal stories, not just statistics, not just portraying victims

    memeshift @tomjd dig that – not just portraying victims. Easy to take dignity away, difficult to restore.

    yellowbuzz Perhaps getting away frm the ‘victim’ language is crucial. “victim” objectifies people in need – taking away thr agency

    zerostrategist @yellowbuzz For sure the language you choose to use matters deeply should be customized for audience, empowering & calls to action

    yellowbuzz @memeshift @zerostrategist Collaboration with other orgs/networks/indiv = a solution cure Cause Fatigue?

    zerostrategist @yellowbuzz Yes I def think that collaboration + cross pollination with other orgs/networks/indiv = a strategy 4 stopping fatigue

    memeshift @zerostrategist cross training #4change sounds like it could be a new cause in itself!

    zerostrategist @memeshift Heck yes! The great thing is that cross training partners would learn the pit falls, instead of learning the hard way

    realize_ink A3: Obvious answer is refined, more targeted messaging so it really resonates. Also need the *right* messengers.

    zerostrategist @memeshift @tomjd I think that burning social capital on contests / repeat mobilizing can cause burnout fatigue + diminish brand

    realize_ink So what’s keeping orgs from collaborating more if we know non-collab leads to c-fatigue? Brand protection? Is it worth it?

    karitas A3 celebrating successes of partner causes brings positivity across your movement

    zerostrategist @karitas RE A3 Making a point to celebrate victories & important milestones helps to re-energize across partner causes

    meshugavi A3 Bring emotion and faces into the way you communicate your mission.

    karitas @realize_ink its about going from a legacy mindset to a Put-yourself-out-of-business mindset. Collab is essential to meeting mission

    realize_ink @karitas Spot on! Wish more ppl, orgs, org leaders would share this view

    karitas @realize_ink me too! And when we don’t see how much our partners are doing, new orgs pop to “fill in the gap” and stratify support

    dpmichel 3. look to what is resonating and how your cause fits into that

    zerostrategist A3: Rotating your people across different sub-causes & partner campaigns can keep them fresh + lend more perspectives & ideas

    zerostrategist A3: Making sure everyone gets + are taking adequate vacation & sick time when they are ill goes a long way to improve participation

    neddotcom “strategies” used to reinvigorate support? Impact reporting. Traction and results. Quick feedback loops. Open collaboration.

    Q4. When do you expand your campaign to outreach to new supporters?

    tomjd @zerostrategist I would think those would be 2 diff campaigns – one for existing supporters, one for new. Need diff communication

    yellowbuzz @tomjd maybe the distinction is not so hard. a organizer-operator-supporter-peripheralsupporter-propagator continuum? #4change

    zerostrategist @yellowbuzz Like the idea here of the O-O-S-PS-P continuum, wish the there was no distinction. But there is much of the time.

    realize_ink I’m with @tomjd – sounds like 2 diff campaigns w diff messenging and messenger, but same ask #4Change

    zerostrategist @realize_ink @tomjd They do require different comm strategies as long as the objectives are different, but combine what you can.

    Q5. When do you contract your campaign to focus on the supporters you do have?

    MeganMurray A5 #4Change Consistently.. but with respect to their time. Consistency is important.

    zerostrategist @MeganMurray RE A5 Meaning that keeping the campaign effective, requires continuous trimming? No big cuts or sudden drops?

    MeganMurray @zerostrategist #4Change Moderating vs. trimming. These are relationships. They operate in waves, you have to respond to those rhythms.

    Q6. What tools can be used to keep communities engaged in the midst of cause fatigue?

    memeshift @zerostrategist A6 a simple hello (Tweet, email, txt, call) before you even need anything, I reckon.

    socialedge #4Change chat is pondering What strategies can be used to reinvigorate support for a cause when supporters get burned out? RT’d by hnajam

    socialedge #4change @bbravo http://bit.ly/aUOJLZ @hildygottlieb @kanter http://bit.ly/9fTkU8 great resources for #socialmedia cure for cause fatigue

    realize_ink @socialedge Gr8 @kanter post, but even Soc Med fatigue exists. I hear “not another FB fan page!” a lot. Need variety of pltfrms

    realize_ink @zerostrategist A6: communication that doesn’t involve an ask. And, plenty of thank yous along the way.

    zerostrategist @realize_ink I like ur A6 I think that a soft approach tends to be more effective too! TYs are critical.

    yellowbuzz A6: a blog that archives work in progress. Documenting process engages communities, interested or semi-interested

    MeganMurray A6: Reward mechanisms and balanced engagement (meaning = ratio of rally & fun)

    rootwork A6: Describing your past successes – storytelling!

    memeshift Yes! RT’d @rootwork

    MeganMurray @rootwork Good one! Excellent point.

    rootwork @MeganMurray To me, organizational/movement histories are one of the key things that create sustainability, but often aren’t done

    MeganMurray @rootwork So true. Generally as a species we have a lil trouble learning from our past. ;)

    realize_ink A6: opportunity for change agents to “own” part of the process. Implement their own ideas working toward common goal.

    memeshift Yes! RT’d @real

    meshugavi A6 Celebrating small victories

    tomjd @meshugavi And identifying clearly how the work of supporters contributed to those victories

    insearchofsanuk Say Thank you. Often.

    meshugavi @tomjd yes @350 does a great job of that

    zerostrategist The KISS answer to A6: #blogs #wikis #forums #mashups #geo #microblogs #socialnetworks #socialbookmarks #cloudcomputing #badges

    yellowbuzz @zerostrategist How about something in-person, like an ice cream social?

    zerostrategist @yellowbuzz You know funny that you bring that up because cupcake socials seem to be a #socialmedia #meme & have raised a lot of $$

    yellowbuzz @zerostrategist Yes – FOOD #4change! We’ve mobilized lots of artists/enthusiasts/supporters with pancakes, donuts, cupcakes, scones indeed!

    memeshift @yellowbuzz nice! My current FB tagline: “media arts + pizza”

    realize_ink @zerostrategist I’m a huge fan of collaboration & working w multiple groups 2 time R asks & vary them so ppl dont get overloaded

    zerostrategist @yellowbuzz Something tasty (pastries, microbrews, eats) can be a powerful force to converge, mobilize, #4change and combat #cause #fatigue

    realize_ink @yellowbuzz @memeshift I know I’m always motivated by food. And, hey, I’m most causes’ target audience. :)

    realize_ink @socialedge Yes! Almost unusual to hear “offline” contact these days, but still so necessary. Long live meet-ups!

    zerostrategist A6: Use the tech tools sparingly (cause it can be the source of the burnout), have real world events that allow people to just be

    realize_ink A6: Also fond of influencer strat. Citizen ambassadors (non-celebrities!!) who champion the issue & inspire others 2 take action.

    rootwork @realize_ink Yes – and thus, map your network of support first (shades of @valdiskrebs)

    rootwork lesson #4change RT @echoditto Ben Wikler fr @avaaz on tcktcktck “Key to doing this effectively is listening to ppl you’re trying to inspire”

    Q7. How do economic conditions effect cause fatigue?

    rootwork #4change A7: People who have to work more are (or at least feel that they should be) volunteering less

    yellowbuzz @rootwork true, although unemployment can lead to more time for reflecting/mobilizing/getting-involved.

    rootwork @yellowbuzz I think it depends on your socioeconomic base. Those with means can volunteer for awhile, it’s true.

    rootwork @yellowbuzz NYT actually wrote about the phenomenon of well-to-do unemployed volunteering at higher rates http://nyti.ms/9CPyuL

    zerostrategist #4Change A7: Those with jobs will be expected to more for less…or else! :( Those who don’t will become more become more active!

    yellowbuzz A7: economic downturn motivates ppl to question status quo and existing social condition (one hopes). An opportunity #4change. 2 optimistic?

    zerostrategist A7: …as a result #change #fatigue will go up on both sides of the cause, creating pressure + stress, but also making opportunity

    socialedge @pamelahawley tips on engaging folks as volunteers http://bit.ly/a7cLb6 in bad econ-be part of something greater, gain new skills

    Q8. How can cause fatigue be prevented?

    insearchofsanuk Best strategy is not to let them get burnt out. Work #4change for the right reasons and dont let supporters loose sight of those.

    realize_ink @zerostrategist A8: keep campaign realistic and asks under control. And, whenever possible, collaborate, collaborate, collaborate.

    yellowbuzz A8: streamlined mission statement with clearly defined goals. a strong communication network that allows flexibility/feedback.

    zerostrategist @yellowbuzz You are right Wendy if you don’t have those things lined up, #cause #fatigue will ensue…the trick is to be dynamic 2

    zerostrategist A8: I think an emphasis on the informal tends to be a most effective way to involve and educate is what lasts over the long term

    dwightturner Variety. Have diverse ways people can participate. Know the signs of burn out. Make people take breaks.

    zerostrategist I think @dwightturner is right on this one, the secret to preventing #cause #fatigue is to know the signs and know your people

    yellowbuzz @dwightturner totally agreed. Spread the networks widely. a #4Change diaspora? agents in various locations/backgrounds can refresh org

    realize_ink A8: Needs to be fairly organic. Let change agents, not org, play key role. Org sets goals, agents can guide tactics, platforms.

    yellowbuzz A8: media/event-detox – reconnect with close friends and family – reevaluate/reflect life’s mission
    Q9. How do you “recharge” when completely fatigued?

    rootwork Is Q9 about us as organizers/staffers, or how we encourage supporters/volunteers to recharge?

    realize_ink @zerostrategist are we talking internal recharge?

    zerostrategist @realize_ink Totally an open question answer it however YOU like! :)

    realize_ink A9: If internal, I’d again lead with the thank yous. Not nearly enuf expressed to staff, organizers.

    rootwork A9: Valentines to your volunteers!

    insearchofsanuk Why did you participate to begin with? Clear distractions & let the initial energy be used to reinvigorate you.

    realize_ink A9: Personally, I go back to root source & remind myself why I’m championing the cause in the 1st place. Works wonders!

    insearchofsanuk @realize_ink whoa. we tweet alike

    zerostrategist A9: The way I recharge #4Change: disconnect from technology, be with family, friends, nature, ocean and just being me http://bit.ly/aMySug

    socialedge “what if we could create a way to give back that doesn’t feel like sacrifice at all?” http://bit.ly/dvOxr7

    realize_ink A9: Our shop has volunteer days -use work days 2 cr8 hands-on change. Often gets folks recharged. Goes back to letting agents lead.

    realize_ink @zerostrategist Yes! Falling off the grid is a fabulous recharge. Think we all need to do it more often.

    zerostrategist Lastly I want to dedicate today / this month’s #4Change Chat to @engagejoe who is currently recharging in the mountains of Vermont

    Chat Resource Roundup

    I know everyone appreciates case studies and links to resources that #4Change Chat participants share. While the conversation is happening not everyone has the time to click through and read all of the resources. So here is a round up of the relevant links shared:

    Disaster Donations in the age of Disruption -

    http://philanthropy.blogspot.com/2010/01/disaster-donations-in-age-of-disruption.html

    Why We are in the Age of the Citizen Philanthropist –

    http://mashable.com/2010/01/28/citizen-philanthropist/

    Issue Fighting for Attention and Funds in an Aware World –

    http://www.socialedge.org/discussions/funding/issue-fatigue-2013-fighting-for-attention-and-funds-in-an-aware-world-1

    Chase Community Giving Contest Ends With Yet More Controversy –

    http://beth.typepad.com/beths_blog/2010/01/chase-giving-contest-winners-announced-amidst-controversy-.html?cid=6a00d8345159b069e20120a801b3a7970b

    Without a Job, but Working on the Campaign Trail –

    http://www.nytimes.com/2009/09/08/nyregion/08campaigns.html?_r=1

    Help Maximizing Volunteer Impact -

    http://www.socialedge.org/discussions/business-building/archive/2009/09/10/help-maximizing-volunteer-impact

    Issue Fatigue: What’s The Cure? –

    http://havefundogood.blogspot.com/2009/02/issue-fatigue-whats-cure.html

    The Social Enterprise Conference: Reflections on Service –

    http://www.socialearth.org/reflections-on-service-and-the-social-enterprise-conference

    Disclosure – This post is cross-posted on Zero Strategist and #4Change Blog

     

    • Amoxicillin Dosage 7:08 am on October 7, 2011 Permalink | Reply

      Last week I facilitated the #4Change global twitter chat with Tom Dawkins on Cause Fatigue. It was an awesome one, you can read recap here.

    • Divya 7:13 am on March 26, 2012 Permalink | Reply

      Your blog is as usual full of great information.I read it every morning.To bad you haven’t made an update for so long.Keep up the good work.

    • Rio orange 2:38 am on May 15, 2012 Permalink | Reply

      many thanks for this article !

  • Zero Strategist 5:57 pm on February 9, 2010 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , , , Events, , , ,   

    #4Change February Twitter Chat Topic: Cause Fatigue 

    Running campaigns in support of one or many great causes can be very time consuming and demanding for all of those who are determined to make a change. It seems easier in the beginning when a fresh campaign for a cause is just launched – supporters are jumping on board, influencers are engaged, buzz is flying about, awareness is spreading, change is happening. But what happens when the social magic begins to wear off and change starts to feel more like a chore then a contribution?

    The #4Change Topic for February is Cause Fatigue. The Twitter chat will occur on Thursday, February 11th 2010 at 5PM EST / 2PM PST US. The topic idea for this month’s chat was spawned during last month’s #4Change chat on campaigning. In keeping with the tradition of these chats, we want to keep things open, organic, and dynamic.

    Definitions:

    Fatigue (Noun)

    • temporary loss of strength and energy resulting from hard physical or mental work
    • boredom resulting from overexposure to something
    • the feeling of being bored by something tedious
    • a flaw or weak point

    Fatigue (Verb)

    • get tired of something or somebody
    • exhaust or tire through overuse or great strain or stress

    Source: Visual Thesaurus

    #4Change February Chat Questions:

    1. How do you define cause fatigue?
    2. What are some of the contributing factors to cause fatigue?
    3. What strategies can be used to reinvigorate support for a cause when supporters get burned out?
    4. When do you expand your campaign to outreach to new supporters?
    5. When do you contract your campaign to focus on the supporters you do have?
    6. What tools can be used to keep communities engaged in the midst of cause fatigue?
    7. How do economic conditions effect cause fatigue?
    8. How can cause fatigue be prevented?
    9. How do you “recharge” when completely fatigued?

    New to #4Change? Learn More:

    To learn more about #4Change monthly twitter chat go to the #4Change Blog, read about #4Change and search twitter for #4Change. To participate just join in twitter conversation from anywhere in the world.

    Disclosure – This post is cross-posted on Zero Strategist and #4Change Blogs

     

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