Social Media Engagement for People Without Internet
Channel: Access Now
Date: 27/04/2015

Social media and mobile technology have taken Asia by storm. But in many Southeast Asian countries, the larger part of its citizens are NOT online. Disasters, erratic internet connections, and controlled access to the internet are often part of life in this part of the world. How do you reach those who are offline and bridge the digital divide in emergency or critical situations? How can mission-critical information be trickled down to the people who need it most at the right time?

There are new forms of media platforms that allow citizens to reach across this digital divide, skirt the internet altogether, or engage with those who are offline to push crucial notifications, and seek important feedback. Audio, SMS, and other technology-based apps and platforms are surfacing and giving us alternative channels to communicate and disseminate.

This session will feature speakers who will recount actual stories of how their platforms were able to extend media reach to people who are offline or unable to connect to the internet. These stories will highlight how the different social media platforms aided information and news dissemination, public service, disaster rescue, and more. 

Session attendees will have a chance to ask questions of the speakers during an open forum. In turn, it is hoped these will inspire attendees to think about how these platforms can apply to their own countries’ situations back home.

Session Organisers
Blog Watch Philippines

Participants
Noemi Lardizabal-Dado, Co-Founder
Blog Watch

Jane T. Uymatiao, Co-Founder
Blog Watch

Rick Bahague, Project Leader, 
VoteReportPH

Lisa Kalenkiewicz, Customer Development Le
engageSPARK

Sameer Seth, Vice President
Bubble Motions Pte Ltd (Bubbly app)

Marina Azcarate - Head-Global Marketing
Open Garden Inc. (Firechat app)