Kony 2012: Social Change and Social Media

Recently we saw the launch of Kony 2012, a social media driven campaign that took the world by storm. It was shrouded in controversy with opinions on everything from the currency of the cause, the legitimacy of the organisation, the methodologies used, the money spent, the approach taken and ending with criticism of the person behind the campaign due to mental health issues. Never has a campaign spread so quickly, created so many diverse opinions and got people taking action. The outcomes are yet to be determined. 

Join a diverse group of panellists offering a range of points of view as we unpack the campaign and discuss whether this is social change or social media gone mad. The panellists include:

• Tonny Dhizaala, PhD candidate at the University of Sydney’s Centre for Peace and Conflict Studies, focusing on post conflict peace building strategies; university lecturer for 10 years in Uganda, Rwanda and Australia. Tonny will be considering the discussion from a geo-political perspective, exploring the complex relationships between the U.S., Uganda, the organisations involved and the reality of the situation in Uganda.
•  Claire O’Rourke, reformed journalist who is now a campaigner and strategic communications specialist at Essential Media Communications. Claire will be be approaching the discussion from a campaign strategy perspective, considering what makes a media campaign successful.
• Mark Chenary, Head of Community Engagement at ActionAid Australia – an international anti-poverty agency working in over 40 countries, including Uganda, to end poverty and injustice. Mark brings expertise in using online marketing and social media marketing for social good.
• Kate vanderVoort, social media specialist and Founder & CEO of Social Mediology. Kate is a blogger, speaker and social media coach/trainer who will bring a social media perspective to the conversation. 

The discussion is sure to get interesting as these brave panelists consider the Kony 2012 campaign from very different perspectives. Just don’t expect an ordinary panel… there will be many points of view in the room, and we want to hear from you too! We'll be giving plenty of opportunities for audience interaction and participation in the discussion.

Want to begin the conversation today? Check out the (members-only) ELSC LinkedIn forum for some pre-event discussion with the panelists. Not a member yet? Sign up! http://www.elsc.com.au/