Social networking: agents of change bebo event

Yesterday I attended a conference hosted by bebo; examining how online social networking can and has been used to change how we listen and in turn speak to our consumer.

A diverse range of speakers included Alexander Rose, Rock Corps, Netsquared and The Princes Trust. High points of the day, for me, were talks and performances held by inspirational collective Urban Mission, who work with disadvantaged young people; plus an honest and poignant talk from young eating disorder sufferer, on behalf of the charity beat.

Throughout the day I was reminded of just how vital the issue of engaging with young people is if we are to help reduce the knife crime figures. Themes which came up in the workshop sessions helped reinforce several themes we have previously discussed;
- The need to engage young people through credible routes
- The power which enabling positive shared experiences can have
- The need for positive and accessible role models

The afternoon workshop session saw teams from a broad range of backgrounds (mental health charities, PR, online companies, youth workers and so on) working together to devise ideas for how the campaign can progress. Identifying key challenges, then devising solutions, the team ideas were:

1. Harness and unite people power - a coalition-funded pool of info available to all branded 'Help yourself'.

2. Engaging with disadvantaged young people - utlising our links with youth workers and other agencies to create a network of support and guidance for young people. To be hosted online but guide young people to those in their local area who can help.

3. Maintaining a balance between the need for credible communications to empower young people and our role as responsible adults. Branded 'See Change, Be Change' this idea saw a pledge from adults to young people for help and support.

4. Inspiring young people to value their lives. Direct and sustained communication with young people, (similar to the principles of Rock Corps) and fostering pride within their communities.

5. Finding the hook to engage young people. Incentivising with learning experiences, whilst inspiring them to also give in return.

6. Changing perceptions of knife carrying. Carrying a knife is not cool, it doesn't make you a real man.

7. Empowering young people to have realistic and positive role models. Branded 'Connect' this idea seeks to provide authentic and accessible role models for young people.

bebo will be writing up all ideas captured in the session, which I'll distribute once we receive them.