What I learned at Info-Activism Camp in India

From graffiti to drama, digital activism, hot coco (cooperation and collaboration), story telling through video, Expanded SMS and Mobiles, sourcing and verifying data, Content Management Systems(drupal, joomla and Pluno), blogs and blogging, wikis silhouette to geo mapping geo wanking, it was a time of innovative learning and building on a diverse range of tactics to enhance civil society activism

Info-Activism is an approach which helps rights advocates tactically utilize information, communications and digital technologies to enhance advocacy work. Tactical Tech believes that new technologies have significant potential to enhance the work of campaigners and advocates, giving them the tools to gather and analyze information and the means to turn that information into action.

The info-activism camp was held in Bangalore, the capital of the state of Karnataka, in Doddaballapura taluk at Green Valley resort This was my first info-activism Camp and I didn’t quite know what to expect, by the end of it I found my self rejuvenated, inspired, relaxed, energized, challenged, invigorated and full of new ideas to apply and share what I learned in an AIDSPortal context.

Over 130 established advocates and experienced technologist and designers from around the world attended. Other participants included: women empowerment organisations, journalists, media, sex workers, sustainable society, Health /HIV/AIDS orgnaiations, philanthropic organisations , environment, civic, technology and research organisations, as well as number of independent consultants. See full list at:
http://www.informationactivism.org/participants#pagetop

The main aim was to provide an environment where they all can build relationships, exchange knowledge and develop strategies, partnership and skills. Topics were varied and diverse. They included:
• Strategy and issue areas
• Information Acquisition, Analysis and Evaluation
• Outreach and Video
• Visualisation and story telling
• Publishing and Engaging Audiences
• Increasing and Sustaining Participation
• Cooperation and Collaboration
• Telephony and Voice communications
• Security and Privacy

Notes and materials for the above topics are available at:
http://mobiles.tacticaltech.org
http://www.tacticaltech.org/mappingforadvocacy
http://www.tacticaltech.org/infodesign
http://security.ngoinabox.org
http://www.informationactivism.org/messageinabox
http://www.informationactivism.org/mobilesinabox
http://www.informationactivism.org/mapsforadvocacy


In examining the effects certain technology designs may have on a particular group of people, one must not lose sight of the nature of technology.
Technology itself is a profound form of social change, which has permanently changed the way humans think and relate to one another. My time in the camp triggered some very exciting feelings. I have learned loads of many new tactics. Now I am thinking ahead- what I need to do with the skill and knowledge.

To find out more about Info-Activism go to http://www.informationactivism.org

Posted on behalf of Leonard Odini, Resource Centre Manager, KANCO