CFP: Democracy and Technology: Canadian Citizenship in the Information Age

FYI …

Call for Presentations

Democracy and Technology: Canadian Citizenship in the Information Age.

DemTech 2009 will showcase cutting edge projects that use information technology encourage citizen access and foster democratic participation.

DemTech is a pre-conference of the 2009 Annual Conference and Trade Show of the Canadian Library Association, organized by Apathy is Boring, VisibleGovernment.ca and other members of the CivicAccess.ca community.

Date: May 29th 2009

Time: 9:00am – 10:00pm

Location: Concordia University

Registration Cost: free for speakers, $75 for participants (Need-based subsidies will be available. Please email info@demtech.ca for more info)

We are looking for presentations about projects, ideas, and actions that address one of the three DemTech Symposium themes.

Call for Presentations Deadline: March 15th 2009

DemTech 2009's Goals are to foster:

  • Citizen Engagement and Inclusion;
  • Government Accountability;
  • Accessibility to Government Data and Processes.

DemTech 2009's objectives are to:

  • Bring together diverse stakeholders: citizens, technologists, government officials and others.
  • Encourage a National Dialogue about democracy and technology;
  • Encourage grassroots initiatives and new innovative projects.

From the global theme “From Passive to Engaged Citizens,” DemTech 2009's themes are articulated as follows:

  • Consultation & Public Dialogue;
  • Public Policy and Legal Challenges to accessing government data;
  • Technologies to Enable Access.

Submission Guidelines

Proposals must be in English or French, Bilingual Presentations are encouraged;

Presentations will take two forms: Panel (15 min presentation, with 3 other speakers) or Lighting Round (5 min presentations);

Presentations must address at least one of the conference themes;

Participants selected to present will not be paid a per diem, honoraria, or expenses. However their registration fee will be waived.

Proposals Requirements: please send us the following information:

  • Contact Information (name, address, phone, email);
  • Organization or affiliation;
  • Presentation Title;
  • DemTech 2009 Theme Addressed;
  • Preferred Presentation Length (Panel or Lighting Round);
  • Presentation Summary (50 words max. – to be used for promotional purposes);
  • Abstract text (250 words max. – for selection committee only);
  • Presenter Bio (50 words max. – to be used for promotional purposes);  
  • Equipment needed for presentation (PowerPoint, internet, video etc.).
  • Proposals should be sent no later than March 15th 2009 to info@demtech.ca.
  • Presenters who have been selected will be notified by early April.

Any questions should be addressed to info@demtech.ca or call Apathy is Boring (514)844-2472.

To register as a participant, please access the website of the 2009 Annual Conference and Trade Show of the Canadian Library Association) to download the registration form [PDF] for the “P1” Pre-Conference, Democracy and Technology Symposium.

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