Over the last couple of years,  most community groups and civic organizations, have realized the benefit of utilizing social media and online communications to reach their audiences. Through open source technology and relatively low cost media tools it's now possible for community organizations to reach constituents more efficiently, engage in more meaningful interactions and organize for real world action.

Social Media is changing the way we think and organize in our communities. But, of course, that's only if you know what you're doing.

While the tools are there, there's still some confusion on what exactly to do with them. We believe that the digital divide isn't based just around access to technology, but around how to use that technology more effectively.

With that in mind we're launching the Spring session of Oakland Local Academy, Oakland Local's social media and online skills training program. The 3 class program is designed to help non profits and community groups organize and tell their stories using the most effective online technology(click here to see the schedule).

Sessions begin Thursday February 17th and run through March 8th. The classes will focus on publishing your work online and structuring an online media campaign, using multimedia to engage your audience and how to run a website as a publisher including how to manage your online media workflow and measure the success of your website and online campaigns.

1st priority for the training goes to Food justice and healthy eating organizations located in East Oakland. We will allow others as space provides (please contact us if you have questions about eligibility).

Classes range from 2-3 weekly sessions and we're asking for $10 materials to cover our printing cost for those who can cover that (No one turned away for lack of funds).  We ask that all attendees have basic internet literacy and, if possible, bring a laptop to each hands-on session. There will be a very limited number of computers on site, so please contact us directly to reserve one beforehand.

Classs size is limited to 15-18 people and will fill up quickly. Pleaese follow the links below for more information and to register for classes.

Telling your story online: Web publishing basics course for food justice activists, organizers and allies (3 sessions) Thursday, February 17, 2011 at 4:00 PM (PT) Instructors: Kwan Booth, Jennifer Inez Ward, Tehea Robie

Using multimedia to engage your audience--for food justice activists, organizers and allies (2 sessions) Wednesday, February 23, 2011 at 4:00 PM (PT) Instructors: CB Smith-Dahl, Amy Gahran 

Managing and measuring your online presence (2 sessions) Thursday, March 03, 2011 at 4:00 PM (PT) Instructors: Susan Mernit, Tehea Robie

All sessions will be held at Tech Liminal, 268 14 Street, Oakland, CA between Alice and Harrison.

You will asked to submit information about your skill level, web site, Facebook page, twitter account etc as part of your registration.

A full list of classes is available on the Oakland Local Eventbrite page.

This program is made possible by the generous support of The California Endowment.

Have questions? For more information, email classes@oaklandlocal.com

About Kwan Booth

Kwan Booth is the co founder and Sr. Community Manager for Oakland Local. A West Oakland resident, Booth is also a creative writer, media consultant and cultural curator. He was recently a recipient of the Society of Professional Journalist’s Sigma Delta Chi award for a series on air quality and health issues in West Oakland. He writes at Boothism.com