In a networked world, weak social ties, not close relationships, are the ones that often lead to new opportunities and spark innovative ideas. Social media and other technologies help bridge geographic and cultural boundaries more easily than ever, but being connected alone is not enough.

How can we use the connections afforded by technology to build trust among diverse audiences? Across sectors, today’s young leaders are using online platforms to strengthen offline communities. During Digital Capital Week (DC Week) in November 2011, TN2020 hosted a lively conversation at the New America Foundation in Washington, DC, about the potential for technology to bridge online and offline communities. We were joined by panelists from the performing arts, government and local media, including one of TN2020’s own. Our stellar panel featured:

• Deborah Dignam, Consultant Digital Advisor for Arts, British Council
• Stephanie L. Schierholz, TN2020 member and Social Media Manager, NASA Headquarters
• Danny Harris, Editor, People’s District

Sascha Meinrath, Director of the Open Technology Initiative at the New America Foundation, and TN2020 manager Rebecca Zylberman gave introductory remarks, and Kara Hadge, Head of Digital Media for the British Council in the US, moderated the discussion.

The British Council thanks FutureGov for supporting this event.

Read a guest blog post from the New America Foundation on the intersection of technology and cultural relations.