The countdown is on for IDEA Exchange 2009!

This year’s Exchange will be held on December 12-13th at Goldsmiths University in London, with IDEA’s General Assembly preceding it on December 11th. This event invites university students and professors, debate activists, youth workers, and educators who work with debate. Hosted by IDEA, Goldsmiths University, and Debatewise, this annual event allows participants to exchange ideas and experiences, and work together in developing and learning about projects.

This year, the Exchange is also counting towards the European Year of Creativity and Innovation (2009), which is raising awareness of the importance of creativity and innovation for personal, social and economic development. Specifically, the Exchange itself is focusing on how new media can promote debate and dialogue, participation and social change. We encourage teachers and educators interested in new media, young promoters of online debates and communication, social entrepreneurs and activists, bloggers, journalists, video makers and website developers to apply.

To explore this topic, participants will gather to share and learn through discussions, demonstrations, and interaction with one another. Participants are encouraged to bring a presentation or workshop that will further the exploration of new media. This may include making individual or team presentations, organizing and participating in a panel discussion, showcasing a lesson, or offering workshop training.

The deadline for presentation/workshop proposals and registration is October 1st. For more information about this event, please visit the website.