May 1, 2009

MEDIA CONTACT: Nick Massella
202-994-3087; massella@gwu.edu

THE ROLE OF TECHNOLOGY IN CREATING SOCIAL CHANGE AND TRANSFORMING COMMUNITIES
MAY 4, 2009

EVENT:  

Individuals of all ages, from all walks of life are turning to their computers, the Internet, their PDAs, anything they can get their hands on to stay connected. Leaders of all facets of the American social sector will discuss leveraging this connectivity to enable individuals to find opportunities for service and to spur social change. The common element: technology - the role it is already playing in social innovation and where it will take us.

WHO: 

David Gergen, director of the Center for Public Leadership at Harvard University, will deliver the keynote. For a complete list of participants, visit www.aseconference.org/#overview.

WHEN:  

Monday, May 4, 2009; 8 a.m. - 6 p.m.

WHERE: 

The George Washington University
Marvin Center, Cafritz Conference Center, Second Floor
800 21st St., NW, Washington, D.C.
Foggy Bottom - GWU Metro (Orange and Blue lines)

MEDIA: 

Registration for audience has closed. Members of the media wishing to attend should contact Nick Massella at 202-994-3087 or massella@gwu.edu.

BACKGROUND:

Exploring the ways social entrepreneurs are using technology to break down traditional barriers to change is a key focus of the third annual conference. In addition to plenary sessions and keynote speakers, conference attendees will choose breakout sessions that best fit their background and further their own professional development. The conference will also be simulcast to Hampton Roads, Virginia - using the Old Dominion University TELETECHNET Network.

Participating social innovators hope to leverage individuals' near-constant connectivity to enable them to find opportunities for service and to spur social change. Reflecting President Obama's commitment to national service programs, the conference mission has been elevated beyond its earlier focus on Virginia as a leader of the social entrepreneurship movement.

Attendees will gain practical, cost-saving tips for using technology to further their social mission, explore ways technology is improving education, health care and the environment, and gain an understanding of the latest trends in the field of social entrepreneurship plus a glimpse of what the future may hold.

The conference is sponsored by The Phoenix Project and The Corporation for National and Community Service. Co-conveners include The George Washington University, Lex Mundi Pro Bono Foundation, Root Cause, Community Wealth Ventures, Old Dominion University and American University's School of Public Affairs.

For more news about The George Washington University, visit www.gwnewscenter.org.

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