What is it?

This 1-day course will show you ways to engage and interact with communities and hard-to-reach groups on the web using social media and citizen journalism. 

Building on On Road Media's citizen journalism projects and work with marginalised groups such as the Gypsy and Traveller community, we have designed a brand new course that will teach you ways to approach and carry out this sort of work.

Who is it for?

• People who work for voluntary and community organisations
• Council employees
• Local activists or campaigners wishing to engage communities 
• Anyone who wants to learn more about engaging marginalised groups with social media

What will you learn?

• How to use different platforms as tools of engagement; blogs, social networks, video websites (we'll look at a host of appropriate examples)
• How to understand online behaviour and emotion on the web, dealing with your own preconceptions and judgements on appropriate behaviour, managing expectations of others
• Planning a strategy to engage
• Support versus control over contributions - moderation and safety online
• Research and focus groups
• Empowering others; train the trainer and peer learning within communities
• Ongoing support and sustainability

How will you learn it?

We really don't like stuffy training rooms at On Road Media. You know that lull in the afternoon when you're sort of nodding off and thinking "ah, I'll read the notes later"...we're not into that!

The morning will start in a creative warehouse space close to Liverpool St. Station where we will meet, have coffee and discuss the layout of the day. Depending on the weather, there may be some parts of the day spent in smaller groups in local cafes or open spaces. We have clear learning objectives for the day but we like to keep the format flexible so that the day is as enjoyable and productive as possible - and your ideas will also help to determine how we move between sessions.

You can use your own laptop or smartphone

You don't need a laptop or phone for this course but you are welcome to bring one to take notes, look at websites we speak about or to tweet during the sessions.

Pre & post-course activities

The learning starts before you get to us so once you’ve registered, we’ll give you some websites to look at and things to think about before we meet so we can hit the ground running on the day.

We’ll also keep in touch with you after the course so you can share ideas for feedback and you’ll have access to resources and useful links on our website and Facebook page.

Accessibility

We’re committed to making our courses as accessible as possible so please get in touch with us to discuss your situation. We’ll make sure someone is on hand on the day to support you should you require extra assistance. All locations we use are wheelchair accessible.

Food and Drink

We'll provide lunch and coffees, cakes and other nice things throughout the day. Let us know if you have any special dietary requirements.

Some of the (fabulous) things people have said...

Vinny Lee, Writer and Stylist and Interiors Editor of The Times Magazine:

"...next week I set off for a week's work in New York which has been set up largely using the blog...thank you so much for being so patient and for helping me get up to speed with 21st century communications".

Craig Brierley, Media Officer, Wellcome Trust:

"I thought Nathalie was an excellent tutor, very relaxed (and patient) in her approach and never patronising, even when dealing with trainees who were not confident with technology"

Rachael Smith, Project Coordinator, CRISIS:

"A truly enjoyable experience, it really gets the creative juices flowing".

Tina Roche, CEO, BITC IRELAND:

"The knowledge of Podcasting and Video-blogging was great. I have become Messianic about it".