iFOCOS UPDATE: Fellowships Available for 2007 We Media Conference

iFOCOS is brand spankin’ new, but the more things change, the more they stay the same …

Andrew and Dale continue their globetrotting. Two weeks ago, they were in Melbourne, Australia, to facilitate an internal conference for the Australian Broadcasting Corp. Read about it here. Then Andrew stopped in San Francisco to give a keynote talk at the Association of Alternative Newsweeklies, while Dale headed to Miami to prepare for the next We Media conference.

In other words, we’re moving. Forward. Relentlessly. Inexorably. How about you? Is your organization re-imagining its role in the connected society? Here’s how we can help: http://ifocos.org/services

Meanwhile, as I said, plans are under way for We Media Miami at the University of Miami, February 8-9, 2007, with major support from the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation. The dual themes will be connecting digital services to physical communities – and how to finance those digital services. From what I’m seeing, it’s going to be our best effort yet. If you’re thinking about joining us, I urge you to decide now and register early. Fees will climb as the event date approaches, and space in the conference center is limited:

Before November 15: $795
Before: January 3, 2007: $995
After January 3: $1,195

Register online here.

And I’m really happy to tell you that once again, thanks to the generosity of the Ethics and Excellence in Journalism Foundation, we are offering We Media Fellowships for independent, nonprofit or academic participants from any country to attend We Media Miami.

The fellowships cover the full registration fees for the conference, including conference meals and materials. Stipends for travel and/or lodging may be available.

To apply for a fellowship, send an e-mail to gloria@ifocos.org, with:

I. “We Media Fellowship Application” in the subject line.
II. Your name, title, organizational affiliation and contact information at the top.
III. A statement of no more than 500 words that includes:

1) What does “community” mean to you in a connected world?
2) How might communications and digital media services be used or improved to enhance real, physical communities?
2) What do you hope to get out of attending?

Applicants who do not conform to the above requirements will NOT be considered. And I mean it this time.

Applicants are solely responsible for acquiring the proper travel documents to enter the United States. iFOCOS does not provide support or assistance for travel visas and other immigration issues.

The deadline for fellowship applications is 12 noon Eastern Time (US – 5 GMT), Friday, November 3, 2006.

Pass this announcement on to anyone you think would qualify for and benefit from a We Media Fellowship!

As always, we’re here for questions, comments, compliments, snide but constructive remarks… No matter what you have to say, we want to hear it.