After flicking through Google Reader earlier, I realised that I never posted about the upcoming Youth Work Online Unconference on 11th July. It’s called Connected Generation 2009 and will be held in the same Central London location as last years event. Best of all, it’s still FREE to attend!

UPDATE: After posting this, I realised that the event is now fully booked! Sorry to get your hopes up like that. Maybe try and get in earlier next year or host your own local event!

If your work involves young people, then understanding and engaging with social media and online technologies is a must. This event is an opportunity to explore big ideas, and practical realities of weaving the web into work with young people.
As an unConference, the exact programme is created on the day by the participants, who will convene conversations, provide demonstrates and share their insights. However, themes that are likely to be explored include:

• Communicating with young people online – from promoting youth services and positive activities, through to hosting two-way dialogues with young people in online spaces.
• Social networks & youth participation – how can Facebook, Bebo, MySpace and Ning be part of the participation workers toolbox? And how does social networking have the power to change the face of participation?
• Digital inclusion for young people – making sure that all young people have the access to technology and the skills they need to get on in the digital age;
• Practical action – how to make sure online engagement is based on safe-and-sound foundations; getting policies in place; and making sure the technology and staff skills are available to make the most of online engagement;
• Hands-on learning – exploring different social media tools that you can use in your work, and sharing tips with other participants about the best way to use them;

More details are available over on Tim’s Blog, or you can register here.

Unfortunately, I can’t make it this year as we’re running Safeguarding Training for our summer volunteers that morning. I will be keeping a close eye on twitter though to see what the day brings!