Afloat in the Wireless Pond

Saturday, March 1, 9:00-4:00

from Minnesota Coalition on Government Information

All you really need to know:
Email your name and affiliation
Pay at the door for lunch and materials ($20)
Reservations due February 25 

Details – More than you even want to know about the conference:

“Afloat in the wireless pond” is the whimsical theme of a unique conference set for Saturday, March 1, in St. Paul.  Strategically scheduled just after 2008’s Leap Day, the conference offers a constructive use for that extra time, a convenient venue and an invitation to Minnesotans to spend some serious time reflecting on “living in digital days.”

Events at MN COGI

Funded in part by the Minnesota Sesquicentennial Commission the conference recognizes the social and economic challenges posed by the Internet.  Focus of the day is on the power of technology to expand access to the stories, the people, the changes in the land, and the prospect of enhancing Minnesotans’ participation in the decision-making process.  Open discussions will range from transparency in government to information literacy, the right to know,  privacy,  the balance of individual rights and the public good facing Minnesota’s legislators, regulators and voters.

Keynote speaker for the day is Kenneth Brusic, journalist and editor of the Orange County (CA) Register.  Brusic represents an industry struggling with technology in a very public way.  Laura Waterman Wittstock, CEO of Wittstock and Associates, will remind attendees of the Indian legend of the seven generations that live in everyone.

The day includes personal reflections on the theme from the perspective of a poet, a teacher, an historian and others.  Creative individuals who have used technology to expand access and participation will demonstrate the Minnesota Digital Library, the West Broadway Alive! Project  in Minneapolis, historical maps of the state and the synergy between geography and history.  Student participants in History Day will describe how they have delved into Minnesota archives and public records to uncover and share unique stories.

“Afloat in the Wireless Pond” is Saturday, March 1, 9:00-4:00 in Northwestern Hall,  Luther Seminary, Como and Hendon in St. Paul.  $20 to cover lunch, treats and materials is payable at the door.  Sponsors are the Minnesota Coalition on Government Information and the Minnesota Independent Scholars’ Forum.   

Additional information: lucy@brusic.net or 612-860-2495 or mtreacy@onvoymail.com or mncogi@gmail.com