DR BLOG GOES DOWN UNDER

22-07-2009

Social media surgeries pioneered by Birmingham's own "Dr Blog" Nick Booth have attracted visitors from across the UK. And now, as Audrey Miller reports, they've also got a fan club Down Under.

Some months ago I drifted into a room at Birmingham Voluntary Service Council( BVSC )in Digbeth with a about a dozen people for various charities and community groups from across the city.

Two hours later with the help of some dynamic volunteers jdcbirmingham was born and I was hooked into blogging.

The tremendous energy of Nick Booth and the social media group was infectious and every month since they have been sharing their skills with others. Dozens of blogs have been generated, and more effective social action is being achieved by groups.

The Birmingham social media group have attracted visitors from across the UK to see how it works. The model is so simple and cost free. Just bring those who have something to teach together with those who want to learn and bang a life changing concept is off.

This Birmingham one is now going global in that the Mosman Council in Sidney Australia has adopted the concept This quote from the Mosman Library.

Birmingham’s social media surgeries are the model we’re working off. It’s an opportunity for neighbourhoods, community groups and local residents to help each other communicate, organise and just do things online.

If a library across the world can be taking on a Birmingham model I just hope our new library will also feature space for communities groups to come together. Sadly the BVSC no longer host this on a regular basis.

Now meeting move into other neighbourhoods which all adds to the dynamism of the concept.

Nick Booth must be nominated for Stirrer Of The Year if not Midland Journalist Of The Year and every other gong going.

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