The Doing IT Better project is a 3-year social justice initiative of the
Centre for Community Networking Research,
Faculty of Information Technology and
the Victorian Council of Social Service generously
funded by a foundation.
More information about the project.
We apologise for the lack of content. The site is being rebuilt and it should all be up shortly.
Doing IT Better Project (nearly) one year on: What have we done, and what next?
You are invited to a conference day about the Doing IT Better Project, on Tuesday June 17 2008 from 9.30am-3pm.
The Doing IT Better Project began its work last year, and since then, we have conducted a number of assessments of the capacity of different community sector organisations to manage IT change.
In addition, its working group has met throughout the past year, and a reference group, under VCOSS auspices, is starting to think about how to carry forward the work of the project as an ongoing resource for the community sector in Victoria.
We would like to report to you on what has been achieved, and then work with you to offer guidance on a number of key issues that are of interest, including:
· A model for a shared or collaborative support or ‘circuit rider’ service to support the IT and information management needs of the sector.
· To strategize how partnerships can be developed with voluntary programs in business and industry to mentor and support community sector organisations in their IT endeavors
· To demonstrate how clients are directly supported by improved ICT capacity in agencies
To help get us thinking, John Davies of IT4Communities in the UK has been invited to give a keynote.
John is Programme Director of iT4Cin the UK . iT4Communities is the leading UK IT volunteering programme. Its main areas of activity include: introducing skilled, professional volunteers to VCS organisations looking for help with IT projects; promoting volunteering among IT Professionals and companies; building IT capacity in the Voluntary and Community Sectors (VCS) in the UK.
John is also closely associated with the ICT Hub in the UK . The ICT Hub’s mission is to create a sustainable environment within which voluntary and community sector organisations can practically take steps to use and benefit from ICT, supported at a local level.
We are also pleased to acknowledge the support for this event by:
· Centre for E-Commerce and Communications, University of Ballarat
Where: Monash University, Caulfield Campus. You will be advised of the precise location. The Campus is just next to Caulfield Railway Station and there are tram and bus links. If you have to drive, there is also paid day parking in the parking lot next to the small mall on Sir John Monash Drive. See detailed travel information and a map at
When: Tuesday June 17 2008, 9.30am-3pm
Cost: $27.50 (covers catering and includes GST). If your organisation cannot afford the cost, please contact Larry Stillman, but only a few concessions are available. If you are unable to make an online payment, please contact
How to register & pay: Go to the registration page.
Draft Program (subject to changes):
9am – Registration
9.30am – Welcome and Introductions
10am Keynote by John Davies, ICT4Communites, UK.
10.45-11.15 Coffee
11.15-12.30 Panel session on Doing IT Better with project participants
* Chris McDonnell, Victorian Association of Alcohol and Drug Agencies * Jinny McGrath, Springvale Community Aid and Advice Bureau * Jodi Willmer, Travellers Aid * Linda Beilharz, Women’s Health Loddon Mallee
12.30-1.30 Delicious Boxed Lunch from Mamdukes Cafe (meat/veg/other choices).
1.30-3pm (at the latest): Working session in ‘cafe’ format. Tables and moderators will be set up to help develop the key issues raised. Coffee/tea etc. will be available during this time. We will then report back as a plenary.
Please note, even though it is Monash University, the wireless network is not publicly accessible, but we will have a couple of laptops available for people to check their email during breaks.