Press Release: Prescott packs an online punch

The former Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott will today join Operation Black Vote (OBV) to talk about his on-line campaigns. Titled ‘Representation 2.0’, this event will allow Black Minority ethnic (BME) communities to gain knowledge and access to use new technology in the same way that Barack Obama did with his successful presidential campaign.

The internet is constantly evolving and campaigners like OBV need to be up with the latest internet trends and technology in order to be inclusive and effective.

To do this we are collaborating with website gurus, blog experts and general web-based enthusiasts.

On the Panel:

• Rupa Huq- Lecturer at Kingston University and blogger
• Bill Thompson – co-creator of The ‘Guardian’ website, BBC Technology
• Sunny Hundal – founder and editor of ‘Liberal Conspiracy’
• Dave Hill – novelist and blogger
• Tom Steinberg - director of ‘mySociety’

Topics discussed will include:

E-Campaigning – How can Party Officials register and engage voters before the next European, Local and General Election.

Website Enhancement –How can Faith Groups can gain support and funding by having an online presence.

Social Networks – How individuals can be empowered to create high impact campaigns through social networking, blogs and other innovative web-based technology.

Simon Woolley, OBV director said: “OBV has campaigned assiduously for over a decade to ensure that the rights of BME communities are heard. This event seeks to explore on-line campaigning methods to enhance equality in all our democratic institutions”.

John Prescott said: “Campaigning online is revolutionising how parties communicate and connect with people. As we’ve seen with Obama, new media can herald in a new politics – empowering people with the confidence and the tools to campaign and take control. That’s why Operation Black Vote’s ‘Representation 2.0’ event is so important – to encourage more and more people from the BME community to find their voice both on and offline.”

The event will take place on Thursday 16th April 2009, 18:00 – 21:00, Rich Mix 35 – 47 Bethnal Green Road, London, E1 6LA.