#Winning at RootsCamp

How to make the most of an unconference

Jamie McGonnigal

@mcbenefit

AgendaWhere did RootsCamp come from?Defining an unconferenceGetting StartedWhat Makes a Great SessionGetting in front of the roomQ & A

Where did RootsCamp come from?

Science Fiction Conventions in the 1930s

Where did RootsCamp come from?

Term “unconference” first used in tech world in 1993 Early 2000’s unconferences became popular in blogging and programming communitiesNOI’s founders attended and decided to create one for organizers…RootsCamp

Why RootsCamp?People at all levels are discovering amazing innovations in organizing

We’re using technology to make a differenceAdapting digital habitsImproving on long-existent techniques and practicesCreating new tools to better organize outreach, data and analytics

RootsCamp puts us all on a level playing fieldSometimes the most exciting innovations are being done by folks working out of their parents’ basement

The Rules of RootsCamp1. Don’t be shy and don’t be intimidated

1. If there’s someone you want to meet, go say hi!2. The only way to get through RootsCamp is to speak

up and participate.

2. Lead a session!1. Take a chance. Don’t see something in the agenda

you want to talk about? Put it on the Wall. 2. You don’t need to be an “expert.” We all have

something to teach, we all have something to learn.

The Rules of RootsCamp3. Vote with your feet

1. Not every session is for everyone.2. Don’t stay to be polite, find another session that fits

you better.

4. Be butterflies and bumblebees3. Go from flower to flower and pollenate. Take what

you’ve learned and share with others at home.4. But don’t be afraid to venture from the hive – use

RootsCamp to meet new people. Ask someone you don’t know to lunch, dance with someone new at a party. Break out of your silos!

The Wall

The physical space where we set our collective agenda

How The Wall WorksAcross the top are the room numbers and down the side are session times.It’s up to us to fill over 200 sessions with the most valuable information and sharing we can.Each morning we fill out session cards and during the first pre-seeded session, turn them in to our Wall moderators and the Wall is built.By the end of the first session, the day’s agenda will be complete.

Peer-to-Peer Interaction

Sessions are led by your peers. This is where we will learn from one another’s

successes and mistakes.

Open Dialogue

You’re in a safe space with a constant feedback loop. In one session you may be the teacher, and

in the next, the student.

Getting StartedWhat do I present on?

How did _______ campaign work?What’s the best way to _______?How do I build/create__________?

Who has ideas about _____ problem?

Types of presentationsPresent key learnings or new conceptsBuild solidarity around an identity, issue or problemShare best practicesLaunch a new ideaGet feedback from the communityMistakes & failuresSuccesses

What makes a great session?

Great titleAttention grabbing, but not misleadingClear, specific, conciseNo lingoNo acronymsI’m talking to you LGBTQISLFA Community

What makes a great session?

It’s specificInnovationsCampaignsChallengesStrategiesCase studies

What makes a great session?

It’s Interactive (20 – 70 – 10)20% talking/presenting/showing videos/presenting your case70% discussion, activity, Q&A, doing a reading, participating in an action10% next steps

What makes a great session?

Acknowledge the experience in the room

What makes a great session?

Be flexible

What makes a great session?

Be relevant

What makes a great session?

Your session should be oriented towards a solution

Identify the problemIdentify ways to improve and advanceTry to push towards a resolution

What makes a great session?

Stay away from accusations and blame

What makes a great session?

Utilizes social mediaCreate and share a hashtagUtilize #roots12 to promoteEncourage pics and tweets to flickr and facebookBut create a safe space

What makes a great session?

STAY ON TIME!

What makes a great session?

Utilize visuals appropriatelyOnly use if necessarySimple and compelling imagesHandoutsNot too text heavy

What makes a great session?

HAVE FUN!!!

You’re in front of the room, now what?

SMILE!

Big Bear!

OMG MY HANDS!

Hold the ball!

SMILE!!!!

Thanks for taking part!

See you at