In recent years, both in Australia and abroad, we’ve seen young people finding new and innovative ways of communicating opinions and ideas, challenging traditional thinking and creating new methods of activism. In the wake of Kony 2012, the Occupy Movement and the Arab Spring, are we bearing witness to new cultures of democracy?

In support of this event, we’re also giving you the opportunity to engage in conversation – to be part of a new form of democracy. Deakin University and OurSay.org invite you to post and vote for questions to the panel. To contribute your comments and ideas go to oursay.org/new-media-democracy

Speakers include:

Mr Sam McLean, Deputy National Director, GetUp! Australia

GetUp is an independent, grass-roots community advocacy organisation which aims to build a more progressive Australia by giving everyday Australians the opportunity to get involved and hold politicians accountable on important issues.

Ms Jan Owen AM, Chief Executive Officer, Foundation for Young Australians

Ms Owen is a pioneer of the youth sector in Australia. She is a highly regarded social entrepreneur, innovator and child and youth advocate. She has previously held various leadership roles across the sector and currently serves on the boards of several youth, gender, health and social investment organisations.

Associate Professor Peter Kelly, Principal Research Fellow in Social Science, Alfred Deakin Research Institute, Deakin University

Associate Professor Kelly is a social theorist/social researcher who has published extensively on young people, the practice of youth studies; social theory and globalisation.

Dr Perri Campbell, Research Fellow, Alfred Deakin Research Institute, Deakin University

Dr Campbell’s research interest lies at the crossroads of gender studies, critical social theory, media and youth studies, in particular, she focusses on the use of digital communication technologies in post-conflict zones, most notably Iraq.