View Larger ImageObama Town Hall 
The Vote Obama/We Caucus Town Hall is a dynamic collaborative tool for political online community development and social networking. This technology allows participants to engage with a speaker, view film clips and video, view slides and other print material and speak using web cam video and text capabilities. This platform creates a rich environment for debate, social networking and community growth and a strong appetite for online interaction. The participants easily connect with the topic speaker and quickly build relationships with the other users.
In a live setting, a speaker introduces a political topic and starts a presentation approach to the issue. With film and other video capabilities, the subject matter is expanded beyond a linear approach. Participants are inspired to relate and interact, creating an environment for a rich social and collaborative experience. Communication takes on a multi-layered approach. Simultaneously, individuals listen to a speaker or other users or film video clips, view slides or print material and follow a text chat dialogue. This multiple medium format allows for rapid absorption of information and an enhanced social experience. The users connect immediately with the material and each other, and expand their communication fulfillment exponentially. Participants find that they exchange ideas and viewpoints freely; polarized opinions easily come together within a greater level of understanding. A cooperative inter-relationship is quickly established.
For eight weeks during the Presidential Campaign, the Obama Town Hall conducted nightly online sessions giving various groups and individuals working the campaign an opportunity to collaborate and speak out on the issues. A different topic was reviewed and discussed each evening, along with live participation during the three debates. The room was accessible via Facebook, at WeCaucus.com and conferROOMS.COM. Over 40,000 visits were recorded and 11,000 members became fans on Facebook.
The goal of this technology is to expand and grow an online community base and social environment for the users within a forum of discussing political issues. Success of this technology relates to its unique ability to inspire the participants to engage, interact and understand one another. Users find they learn from the speaker and each other, and experience support from others within the group. They enjoy sharing their individual life experiences. This is the measure of success for community development or online social opportunities.
Does it engage the individual and create goodwill and positive relationships? We found that many sessions extended well beyond the time allowed. The participants become completely connected to the social and conscious event. Their fulfillment level is increased beyond previous online experiences and the viewers take part in the creative process of social interaction. The sessions flourish and come alive with activity. The user appetite for this technology has been strong; online communities are easily formed and solid relationships are established. For many, it becomes a support group for political activism. For others, it is an opportunity to relate and experience a social environment in a non threatening atmosphere. For all, it is a positive and worthwhile adventure towards greater awareness and understanding of others.
September 2008-November 2008
Add a Review
Overall Rating: |
My Rating:  |
Share this entry:
Reviews
For once in my life I felt connected...
Reviewed September 2, 2009 by sonya woodman
For once in my life I felt connected with a wide range of people across the country. We shared our interests and concerns in Amercan politcics. We felt like we had power to stimulate progress for our nation. I will never forget my nights listening and com
Report Inappropriate Review
