“Crowdsourcing Change” will be a highly participatory event where attendees will have an opportunity to help three "Social Changers" who are using — or trying to use — the social web for the common good.

Presenters will first explain the change they are trying to achieve through social media. Attendees, with the help of a moderator, will then provide feedback, ideas, constructive criticism and concrete instructions to help the presenters succeed.

The three presenters will be:

• Megan Barnes of Dignity Housing, a non-profit organization established by people who were formerly homeless to break the cycle of homelessness and poverty confronting low-income and homeless families and individuals in Philadelphia.
  Read Dignity Housing's project description.
• Darlene Cavalier, of ScienceForCitizens.net, a place for citizens to find out about, take part in, and contribute to science through recreational activities and research projects and for scientists to tell eager citizens about your work and get them interested in helping out.
  Read ScienceForCitizens.net's project description.
• Medard Gabel of EarthGame, who is working with the UN on developing a giant “dashboard” for the world, a 32 foot by 8 foot high-definition video wall will be a permanent installation at the UN Headquarters in New York where millions of people will see it. There will also be an interactive web version. The purpose is to provide an overview and status report on what is happening right now on Spaceship Earth.
  Read EarthGame's project description.

This event will be about mapping and geographic information systems (GIS) for non-profit and social change organizations. Facilitated by Jeremy Hefner from Avencia, it will include panelists and practical how-to guidelines.

What you'll learn by attending:

How can you present your message geographically?

Matthew Fisher of Night Kitchen Interactive will share the upcoming PhilaPlace.org resource which is working to "illuminate the history and culture of Philadelphia's unique neighborhoods" through an interactive map of personal stories connected to specific locations.