Metaviews presents the first of a regular series dedicated to sharing insights into political participation — from running for office, to rallying around a cause, to engaging in punditry through all forms of media.

Sessions will consist of debating, dissecting and discussing best practices, strategies and the necessary steps to succeed in having a voice heard in the political arena.

Campaign School will look at the emerging issues in both government and society, evaluate what it takes for a candidate or issue to click with voters and review lessons learned from recent political history. Whether you have entertained taking a run at public office, or just want to be a more engaged observer, each session will have something different to offer.

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Canada is in the midst of a general federal election, and social media is amplifying all related political activity, creating an overwhelming volume of data to decipher. It is this torrent that causes many to ascribe to this process the title of social media election, in spite of the status quo reigning supreme when it comes to the level of interactivity and transparency practiced by the leaders and their parties.

Perhaps the greatest irony is the role of the leaders debate, which once again has garnered controversy by excluding the leader of the Green Party, done in a way that demonstrates the lack of transparency found throughout the process as a whole. Yet if this is a social media election, why have any debate at all? Rather the debate can be ongoing, and online, if only the leaders were capable of having a civilized discussion anywhere but under the hard gaze of television cameras.

Like a wildfire the influence of social media has spread across society causing companies and organizations of all sizes to assess how their world is changing. At the forefront of this change has been consumer facing brands that have had little choice but to adapt to the new market realities of consumer empowerment and mobilization. If you're customers are unhappy or dissatisfied they have the means and incentive to do something about it.

As these consumers come to terms with their new found powers, will these same individuals express that influence as citizens? Elections have had incremental, yet steadily expansive use of social media, however that has not yet translated into public policy participation.

Is there an opportunity for companies and organizations to employ social media as part of public affairs and influence of public policy? Are there leadership roles to be played by organizations who are willing to use social media to connect citizens and policy makers? What advantages do companies already engaged in social media engagement have when it comes to shifting from brand marketing to broader public initiatives?