Sessions at SXSW Interactive 2012 about Health and Social

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Friday 9th March 2012

• Build. Community Is Easy, Saving the World Is Hard

  by Kesah Schmitt, Mark Himmelsbach, Colin Wallis, Dave Dobbins and Scott Orn

  Passion for social issues has been an American ideal from the start. For hundreds of years, foundations and nonprofit organizations have been forming groups to provide support, comfort, and solutions to some of the world’s biggest challenges. Dialogue and subsequent action happens when dedicated people rally together in communities - live or virtual - to impact health issues, advance social causes, and make the world a better place.

  With the ever-changing landscape of new digital community-building platforms, these socially responsible groups are taking advantage of new technologies to reach and engage their audiences. The panel will uncover the organizational strategies of community building, maintaining engagement over time, and uniting a group of people who may have never met face-to-face. From helping people quit tobacco to establishing support groups for rare diseases and supporting healthy lifestyles, each organization approaches community engagement in a unique way. Come hear the successes and set backs of community building that strive to bring social issues to the forefront and address them in modern ways.

  • Activism
  • Charity
  • Community
  • Health
  • Social
  • Social Media

  At 5:00pm to 6:00pm, Friday 9th March

  In Room 6AB, Austin Convention Center

  Coverage audio clip

• Funder vs. Funded: Fireside Chats with…

  by Geoffrey Rutledge, Jen McCabe, Andy Donner and Stead Burwell

  Funders vs. Funded... The Rise of Pharma VC's: A discussion with Pharma about their new VC funds. The Funded: A discussion with recently funded health tech startups. This session is sponsored by Edelman.

  • Funding
  • Health
  • Social
  • Startups

  At 5:00pm to 6:00pm, Friday 9th March

  In Salon A, Hilton Austin Downtown

Monday 12th March 2012

• Social Networking: Giving Cancer Patients a Voice

  by Brandon Lee

  Their Story Is Our Story (TSOS) is inspired by witnessing my dad’s fight against cancer. Sharing our experiences helps keep his memory alive, and hopefully, provides comfort and support to those in similar situations. Each cancer journey is unique and deserves to be told. Their stories are our stories.
  My project aims to support those affected by this horrible disease. They can connect with others in similar situations through a website where they will be able to share their cancer stories and their loved ones’ story while giving and receiving support. Think of it as a “Cancer Facebook.” A TSOS Profile allows cancer patients and their loved ones to share status updates, pose questions and post inspirational quotes. Individuals can further their relationships and stories by creating groups and forums. Getting involved with TSOS online is simple and quick.
  In addition to an online and print presence, TSOS’s goal is to become a pillar in the community by holding cancer awareness events and providing college scholarships.
  TSOS will host community events such as cancer walks, concerts and sports competition fundraisers. These ideas would raise cancer awareness in the community and bring the community together for the cause.
  My dad will always be an inspiration to me. Through TSOS I can continue his story and maintain the connection that I’ve had with him. His story will live on and as TSOS grows we will all contribute to a story that will all be ours.

  • Cancer
  • Health
  • Networking
  • Social

  At 3:30pm to 4:30pm, Monday 12th March

  In Room 8A, Austin Convention Center