“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.

You are encouraged to look at their project descriptions — and even to pose questions or comments ahead of time — above. The more familiar people can be with the projects ahead of time, the better.

Who should attend?

• Nonprofits and activists who have used the social web: Come share your insights about what has and hasn’t worked for you in the past, and learn about considerations for more effectively using social media in the future.
• Nonprofits and activists who have NOT used the social web: Come share your perspectives, and learn how to think about applying social media to your own situations.
• Social web gurus, designers and techies who work with the social web: Come share your experience, learn from other pros and learn more about the perspectives and expectations of nonprofits, social entrepreneurs and social change activists who want to use social media for social change

Parking Suggestion: If you're driving, one of the better deals is the Autopark on Arch Street between 15th and 16th Streets, entrance down ramp, costs $9.

Image: Flickr user jamescridland (cc)