BarCamp Diaspora is an event that seeks to bring together people in the Diaspora to talk about doing business in Africa, share ideas on Africa's development, partner to do awesome things and learn about other opportunities, projects, businesses that are already in place. The theme "Investing our talent where it counts" basically talks about using our resources, skills, networks and relationships to build a better Africa and African community for all. Think of it as a physical discussion forum. A lot of times, we go to conferences to be 'talked at', but we go to BarCamp to 'talk'.

Some of you may have heard about this event already. BarCamp Diaspora is inspired by the spirit of BarCampAfrica (which was held in Google last October) and BarCamp Ghana (held at KACE-AITI last December). I was part of the organizing team for BarCamp Ghana and it was a success which has inspired us to organize one for people who live in the US. I already blogged about that experience at this link.

Register/RSVP today and share your interests. We are hoping to have an event that would be a valuable experience for everyone. If you have an idea that you've been brainstorming and planning, this is an event where you can get more help. If you have an awesome African-related business or one that you want Africans to know about, this is the event for you. Support us by spreading the word, especially to those around the DC, Maryland and Virginia area.

Here is a draft that you could email to friends to help publicize this event.



On December 22, 2008, over a hundred young Ghanaians met in Accra for BarCamp Ghana '08 to exchanged ideas on entrepreneurship, innovation and development for a rising Ghana. This summer, the conversations move to Washington, DC to bring together the African Diaspora to exchange ideas on doing business in Africa.

Join us at BarCamp Diaspora '09 , under the theme "Investing our talent where it counts".

When: July 25, 2009 from 12pm - 6pm Where: Kenney Auditorium, School of Advanced International Studies - Johns Hopkins University 1740 Massachusetts Ave., NW Washington, DC

You may participate online at the conference websiteif you are not close to the Washington DC area.

A BarCamp is an ad-hoc gathering where attendees meet for discussions, demos and networking. Unlike a typical conference, at a BarCamp everyone is both a speaker and a participant. The content is provided by all attendees based on their interests, unified under the theme.

BarCamp Diaspora ’09 is a FREE event for anyone who is interested in using their skills, talent, and resources to benefit Africa. It will provide a great opportunity for the African Diaspora to network and collaborate on projects.

Register/RSVP today at the BarCamp Diaspora website http://www.barcampghana.org/barcampdiaspora09/register

Help spread the word about BarCamp Diaspora '09 by grabbing badgesand support us by donatingto keep the participation costs low. You may also contact us for sponsorship opportunities.

See you there!

Written by the MIghTy African - http://mightyafrican.blogspot.com/