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FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions

Who should participate?
• The eConference is intended to bring together different perspectives to discuss how ethical and responsible business can foster sustainable and lasting peace. This encompasses a wide range of stakeholders, and is also open to those who want to learn more. The eConference is intended for: Business Executives, International Development Staff, Students, Entrepreneurs, Academics, Investors, NGO Staff, CSR Professionals, Social Entrepreneurs, Business Association Representatives, Donor Agency Staff, and Researchers.

How do I participate?
• You can register for the eConference for free at www.Peace.BusinessFightsPoverty.org, by clicking on the "Register Now" link, filling out the simple sign-up form and creating a member profile for yourself. When the first week of eConference begins on March 23, you will receive a message inviting you to view that week's videos and join the discussion anytime during that week. The eConference will focus on a new Theme each week.
• Once you have signed up, you can return to www.peace.businessfightspoverty.org anytime and click on that week's discussion or 'Theme' to access videos, resources, interact with other participants, and add your views to the discussion.
• The eConference will cover nine themes over nine consecutive weeks, with a new theme opening each Monday. Participants can click on the current week’s theme to join the discussion. Note: Themes which have not yet begun will not be open until the dates indicated.

How will the eConference work?
• The eConference will cover nine themes over nine consecutive weeks, with a new theme opening each Monday. To find the current Theme of the week, visit www.peace.businessfightspoverty.org.
• For each week's Theme, participants will have several brief video presentations to watch, and discussion questions to respond to from moderators, other participants and the presenters themselves. The videos are brief presentations from international business and development experts, and are meant to initiate the discussion for each Theme. You are invited to watch and write your comments in response to the discussion questions and pose new issues or questions to consider. Each week’s presenters will also participate in the online discussion to address direct questions and give input.
• The videos are all drawn from presentations made at the Peace Through Commerce Conference held November 13-15, 2008, hosted by the Institute for Corporate Responsibility at George Washington University School of Business.

Participation requirements: Do I have to attend the 9 weeks or Themes? Can I join later? What if I miss any weeks?
• There are no minimum participation requirements. You are welcome to participate in the entire nine weeks, only one week, or just be an observer. If you join after the first discussion begins, you can participate in subsequent discussions.

Can I read the discussion postings after that week is over?
• Yes. After each week's Theme discussion has concluded, the videos, resources, and discussion will remain online if participants wish to read over, or bring up new questions. The moderators and presenters for that Theme will only be online for participation during the designated dates. To visit any week's discussion, visit www.peace.businessfightspoverty.org any time and click on the relevant Theme. Note: Themes which have not yet begun will not be open until the dates indicated.

Can we keep the discussion going after the moderation dates?
• Yes. You can continue to visit the space and discuss the topics with other participants, or begin your own discussion on Business Fights Poverty.

What is Business Fights Poverty?
• Joining the eConference is fast and free, and includes membership to Business Fights Poverty, an international professional network for those passionate about fighting poverty through good business. The network connects practicioners and experts around the world to form a global community of pioneers pushing the boundaries of how business can fight poverty. Membership of Business Fights Poverty is free and comes with a number of benefits. Learn more...