ICCM
From MissionTechWiki
The conferences
The International Conference for Computing and Mission is difficult to describe, as it is quite unlike most conferences out there. First of all, there are multiple conferences that are all tied together, but yet, quite separate.
For Missionaries, By Missionaries
ICCM is "For Missionaries, By Missionaries." There is no real conference staff. All the speakers are attendees, and many of the attendees will one-day be speakers. The idea is simply this. Technology in Missions is a topic that changes every moment as new technology comes out and as the world changes. While there are many people who can teach about any given technology, the only people who can truly teach about the use of current technology in this current world, are those people who are applying it. And so the best people to teach are the missionaries themselves. They are the ones who also know what subjects need to be taught.
When a missionary IT guy starts out, they usually begin by learning what they need to learn. Then, as they progress, they will find themselves learning more and more advanced topics as they go to ICCM. Soon, they find themselves doing things that are unique, and that other people could benefit from hearing their stories.
Techno Consultants
While there are a number of missionary resources for technological consulting, there is also a lot of need for professional IT people to attend ICCM. They can:
- Keep the missionaries abreast of the current technological trends
- Help missionaries use technology correctly
- Learn the creative ways missionaries often use technology, for better or for worse.
- Be a contact to help missionary techies in the times between ICCMs.