DOC2.0: The Exchange Fair and Meet as the name suggests will be a multi-dimensional sharing centred around a national network of documentation centres called DCM. Over the last twenty years, we have met eleven times. Like web2.0, this event is to develop sharing technology, on a public platform. The programme is being organised for the DCM network by Akshara, Aalochana, and Centre for Education & Documentation(CED).

One component will be an exhibition of resources generated by documentation and resource centres, where we will invites concerned persons from civil society. In addition there will be a segment base interaction between the creators, other documentation centres alongwith a few special discussants specially invited for their specific interests.

The other component is a public discussion on Issues relating to knowledge in the current social and technological context. And the third segment is a sharing of our learnings on the newer documentation tools used by different centres.

The aim of IEC (Information, Education & Communication) is to enable knowledgeable participation of people in development. New Information Technology, though not a panacea for such empowerment, is an important tool. Documentation Centres and other Resource organisation have been bringing out a variety of products some form of literature, visuals, and music to highlight social issues, justice, atrocities, political perspectives. Information on these are easily available on the net. However there has been tremendous learning in these organisations, who have been finding solutions and methods. There is need to share these resources, knowledge on resources, and systems of knowledge creation, and methods and learning to use the resources.

2. Rationale for the Resource Mela.

At the last DCM Documentation Centres Meet in Khargar, Mumbai in March, 2010 , it was felt that all resource centres have been bringing out a variety of information products, and undertaking knowledge related process activity. This is an integral part of NGO work with youth, women or the community. Whilst the communities we work with benefit, those of us in the community of activists remain unaware of each other’s work and like islands remain unconnected to each other.

Further, the Internet and electronic media has enabled people become sophisticated in their approach to receiving information and ideas. How do they relate to information? An understanding of this is essential, if we are to be more proficient in our work. Can we share each other’s resources to do so?

This ‘Resource Mela’ has been designed to do this, by bringing together documentation and other organisations to share their material and debate different methods of communication.

3. Objectives

The purpose of the Resource Mela is three fold:

a) To exchange among us, about the methods and learnings on new ways we are doing documentation and generating alternative educational resources.

b) Showcase & share these resources, as well as discuss with the broader civil society the kind of issues that we as resource centres face.

c) Given the fact that new technology has enabled most organisations do some of the documentation and resource development themselves, to discuss the changing relationship between resource centres and civil society organisations.