The N2Y2 sessions have begun; this is Evonne Heyning blogging live from San Jose for NetSquared Innovation spotlights. I will be liveblogging from the detail sessions later today but first, an intro on why this gathering is unique.

The future of organizing networks and activist media will be redefined by many of these 21 innovating social ventures presenting here at N2Y2. Here are a few of the culture-shifting approaches that these groups are pioneering:

Participatory systems: Genocide Intervention Network does not wish to speak for others; they seek to amplify the voices of those who are out in the field making an impact around the world. Many N2Y2 projects such as Nabuur and Taking it Global are based on participatory networks where value is built by the community building new opportunities. Global Women's Leadership Network tackles programs at the bottom of the pyramid to build a community of commitment.  Building local, organic food systems connecting communities brings Family Farmed to N2Y2.

Open source systems: The Miro/DemocracyTV/Open Source Video community speaks often about open source, open standards as the future of media distribution. The open source movement directly takes on the control of information as a public right. Farmer2Farmer developed the simpatico open software system for improving communication and farm management. Social Source Commons allows users to create their own toolboxes and useful kits to empower each other. Freecycle established a user-generated community to help people share resources with easy P2P groups, keeping tons of junk out of landfills and in public use.

Geomapping: GIS to save lives? Mapping for social good in crisis care? Location-based services require us to know where we are in many languages at any time. HELP focuses on telemedicine and satellite information for disaster logistics in remote regions.

Effective sustainable networks:  Grassroots.org utilize available resources in new ways to connect innovators and resources beyond NetSquared while Wiser Earth has over 100,000 organizations searchable and ready to move beyond beta. Yankana (meaning tool for work) from Fundapi in Ecuador helps nonprofits benefit from social web tools and create their own networks while MyKenyanSpace helps start microenterprise social networks in Africa and Kabissa offers tools for tech-activism in Africa and beyond. MapLight spotlights money in politics and offers transparency and trackability on politicians, causes and bills.

Youth Empowerment:   YouthAssets is preparing to use cell phones to end isolation amongst youth-led families in Africa.  Taking It Global activates thousands of youth through  Big Brothers Big Sisters has built an internal AIM system to help connect mentors and service providers for the 10 million underserved here in the US.  The Innovatorz media team energizes the dialogue on social venture stories to lead the next generation of leaders while Stop Family Violence is focusing on the 16-24 year old internet-saavy users who need safe solutions to escape abusive situations.

Thank you to all of the presenting innovators and social venture leaders for sharing their work with us here; now let's find great ways to improve all of our work together!