Blogging and Policy Organizations: Influential Channels for Social Change

24 April 2007

There are now nearly 60 million blogs and the number is doubling every six months. As the influence of traditional journalism outlets decline, blogs are increasingly important channels for promoting ideas and shaping debate. Surveys show that well-educated, high-income influentials are enthusiastic blog readers. Prominent journalists read blogs and blog themselves. Surveys suggest that that 91 percent of Capitol Hill staff read political and policy blogs as well as many of their bosses — the members of congress themselves.

Senior managers at policy and advocacy organizations must understand the important role that blogs can play in promoting their agendas. They need to understand how and where to use blogs as part of communications strategy to further their missions and serve their users' needs.

In our latest Web Executive Seminar, we'll discuss the strategic and tactical elements of blogging and present several case studies where blogs have helped organizations further ideas, motivate key audiences, and promote action. We'll also cover best practices for getting started with blogs and mitigating any possible risks. We'll also discuss latest journalism trends and how blogs can steer, supplement, and even supplant traditional media outlets.

Our speakers are:

Kevin Carey, blogger for Education Sector's The Quick and the Ed.
Michael Edson, technology chief and director of the Smithsonian American Art Museum's Eye Level blog.
Christine Gorman, veteran journalist and former blogger for Time's Global Health Update (now writes the blog Health Media Watch).
Ginny Simmons, ONE Campaign's ONE Blog.

As with all of our Web Executive Seminars, the event will provide strategic, pragmatic, and high-value ideas in a concise session, along with opportunities for networking with other managers from leading policy-focused organizations.

Price: $90 ($75 before April 16). Space is limited. Fee is fully refundable prior to April 16, not refundable after (but admission is transferable).

This event targets issues facing public policy organizations, but is widely applicable to other sectors. Everyone is cordially welcomed!

For more information, contact Andrew Cohen at acohen@forumone.com.