Netroots UK 2011 - Beyond Obama: Stories and lessons from across the pond.

I know that posting late about new media events is a little bit shameful and definitely uncool, however my view is better late than never. This was one of the 5 lunchtime fringes on offer at this month’s successful Netroots conference. This fringe was facilitated by our American cousins Julielyn Gibbons (i3 principles) and (another) John.

This was a very relaxed and laid back fringe. Julielyn introduced videos from the Community pressure group “Promise Arizona”. Whose aim was to turn out the Latino vote in Arizona with some very simple but effective grass root home grown videos. They also featured the British “Fair Votes” campaign around PR and navy veteran “Ralph’s story”. The key question is “What’s working”? the answer is simple messages...Humanisation of issue...Political opportunity...Off line and on line organising...Creativity...Integrated organisation...Positivity...Knowing your audience...Coalition building (coalition ugly word nowadays)....Genuine grassroots not just singular individuals (which I think is the biggest challenge for some organisations).

An example of a simple but potentially effective message about Climate Change is “Fossil fuels kill soldiers”. There was a contribution from the floor from someone who works for a charity that campaigns for children in the developing world. To raise funds and consciousness do you show adverts which feature a baby dying or dead? or do you show the Lazarus effect and how if they have the money to buy drugs and doctors they can save baby lives?

I know which one I would support.

Netroots UK 2011

This was supposed to be a "live post" from today's Netroots conference at Congress House.  However, my netbook battery ran out at the crucial time.  Which is typical.

Netroots UK was a hugely impressive and well attended event.

I had my Council surgery first thing so I only arrived at the end of the morning session.  I went straight into the "Engaging with politicians online" workshop.

Picture is of Tom Watson MP, Rachel Gibson (Manchester University), Matthew McGreggor (Blue State Digital) and Mark Pack (Liberal Democratic Voice).  I'll post further details on conference tomorrow.

UPDATE:
Some stuff I found interesting during this panel discussion but was too tired and emotional to blog on my return last night (it had had been a good night).

Mark talked about “drive by democracy”. Problem with e-petitions. He would like to see a Council site were instead of just submitting your view about a planning application it actually links to those who support or who are against the application.

Tom praised the unions for taking the on-line lead and mentioned Unison for having “on-line branches”. Online petitions do not work. Standard campaign email gets standards response. Bespoke gets bespoke response.

Rachel pointed out 16% of voters used political website in the 2010 election compared to 3% in 2005. Small but growing. Rachel also described twitter as possibly being an elite conversation but with Facebook there is a broader appeal (which I agree).

Someone from 38 degrees website defended “Cloned emails” by saying 2/3 of those who send standard emails to MPs have never contacted their MP before. So this is a good thing.

BTW I was surprised bearing in mind this type of conference how many people present were taking notes on the discussion with pen and paper. Next was a brown bag lunch and fringes. I went to the “beyond Obama” fringe and will hopefully blog soon but a teeny-weeny bit busy at the mo.

Netroots UK: Building the Progressive Grassroots On-Line

This is a must (IMO) for anyone who thinks there is a role for progressive online activism.  Saturday 8 January 2011 in Central London. Only a £5!

Check out "A one day event to help network and inspire progressive activists working on the web.

Saturday 8 January – Central London

Netroots UK will bring together hundreds of grassroots activists in central London for a day of workshops, discussions and networking activity.

• Hear from innovative and effective campaigns in other fields.
• Make useful contacts with key people and organisations.
• Get practical training in digital techniques and technologies.
• Take part in the debate on the future of UK activism.

The day will feature keynote speakers and discussions, as well as many workshops, aimed at all levels of activists. There will be plenty of opportunity for networking outside the organised sessions.
We’ll be helping make better links between campaigners from the worlds of politics, environment, development, civil liberties, unions, community groups and many more.
We’re putting the details of the event together now, and need you to get involved:

Individuals

• Come to the event. Tickets will be available shortly.
• Got an idea for a great session? Let us know or volunteer to help run it.

Organisations

• Sponsor the event. Is there any practical help you can contribute to make it a better day?
• Publicise the event. Help make sure people from right across the UK, and all strands of progressive activism are aware of it.
• Share your expertise. Could you organise or contribute to a session or discussion?

Get in touch with Netroots UK here.