Call for proposals to present

In 2008, Making Links focuses on how technology can enhance and support social inclusion. As usual, the conference will also include practical skills-building sessions and networking opportunities for workers and volunteers in community organisations who work with and/or are interested in web development, multimedia, Web 2.0 and mobile technology.

The following themes are a guide to the kinds of questions that are of interest to the conference. We welcome proposals for oral presentations, case studies, practical workshops and a film and multimedia festival.

Submit your proposal

Community

What are the benefits of new technology to community? How do we consult / include / empower the communities and individuals our projects target? How are communities and organisations already using technology to build social cohesion and connection? What opportunities do the Internet and Web 2.0 offer?

How can we make technology projects happen? How do we communicate the benefits to stakeholders who may not be technically minded? Should nonprofits turn to tried and tested models or more creative, innovative but perhaps risky solutions? What skills are needed?

Responsibility

How do we set up our projects to ensure that they are accessible and inclusive? What will be our response to emerging ethical challenges that present themselves in a Web 2.0 environment?

What are the pitfalls and perils of technology? What are common mistakes and how do we avoid them? What lessons have we learned? When is technology not the solution?

How can we leverage the support of corporate bodies to fulfil their responsibilities to socially diverse communities?

How does the law protect our communities’ online identities, integrity and intellectual property? What systems can we set up to ensure best practice in this area?

Sustainability

How do we plan and manage our ICT projects so that they will continue to grow and flourish over time? How can we prove the full value of our projects to funders, trustees and supporters?

What is the environmental impact of new technology? Where does it present hazards, and where can it assist and support environmental sustainability? How can technology help build socially, economically and environmentally sustainable communities?

Community organisations have to be imaginative with resources. What role can free and open source software have in our projects? Where do volunteers fit into our project delivery?

In 2008, for this first time, we will include a short bus tour of ICT projects in Melbourne, and a mini film festival to showcase film and multimedia works in keeping with this year's theme of social inclusion. Both events will take place on November 11th.

To keep in touch, sign up for ML08 updates (see link at left) and/or join our Facebook group to find out what's going on, contribute ideas etc.