The next Digital Citizens event is "Social Media for Social Good" – the subject was selected by audience vote.

Can social media really make a difference, or by becoming a ‘fan’ on Facebook or following a charity on Twitter, are we simply assuaging our guilt without actually creating change?

We saw Obama’s election demonstrate that social change can be enacted using online tools, but in the year since his inauguration, are activist campaigns seeing less and less response?  The Copenhagen summit is one example, where despite massive online campaigning and activity, no tangible offline result was achieved – are audiences already fatigued, and do leaders, policy makers and those in power really pay attention to social media? 

The evening will begin with an open discussion of “what’s hot on the social web” before presentations from our panellists.

Speakers include Karalee Evans, Mark Chenery, Nic McKay and David Hood, and will be moderated by Alan Jones.  The panel will each present a brief overview of case studies using new technologies and the social web to effect social change, and will then take questions and open the debate to the audience. 

Working as a communications and public relations professional for nearly ten years, Karalee Evans has developed successful communications models for the corporate and government sectors and most recently a not-for-profit organisation. Karalee has developed and delivered a successful social media and marketing campaigns for youth mental health NFPs (recently awarded Silver and Bronze at the 32nd International Caples Awards) focussed on advocating youth mental health issues.

Mark Chenery is communications manager of anti-poverty agency ActionAid Australia and former digital marketing journalist at AdNews magazine. He’ll be speaking about Project TOTO, ActionAid Australia’s attempt to give poverty a voice through social media tools such as Twitter and blogs, giving Australians an insight into the realities of poverty and to give poor and marginalised people the opportunity to tell their stories on the world stage.

Nic Mackay is currently the Managing Director of The Human Race, a social entrepreneur and a thought leader regarding the future of “corporate social responsibility”. He co-founded The Oaktree Foundation, Australia's largest and most successful youth-run aid and development organisation, founded an Australian/South African non-profit organisation called Key Change Music, which is creating positive social change through music. Nic recently received the Rotary Club of Melbourne and Sir Albert Coates 2010 Young Achiever Awards.

Digital Citizens is at the Burdekin on Tuesday, 13th of April. RSVP now.