2007 Practical Activism Conference at UCSC (10/27)

PRACTICAL ACTIVISM 2007

Schedule of the conference

workshop descriptions & titles:

session one: 1:00pm - 2:15pm

"Pass the Teargas: Student Activism at UCSC:"
UCSC Alumni and former UC Alumni Regent, Gary Novack, and History of Consciousness graduate student, Gregory Caldwell, will facilitate an interactive discussion about what it means to be a student activist in today's socio-political climate. This workshop will also cover the history of activism on our campus and effective ways to have your activism make a difference.

"Across the Border: A Critical Look at Immigration"
This workshop will focus on the impact of immigration on the US economy and other aspects of our society, while debunking myths about immigration. Locally, it will address the ICE Raids in Watsonville and also provide students the means to get involved in the community. Guest speakers include Latin American and Latino Studies professors Jonathan Fox and Jose Palafox in addition to Ramiro Medrano of MigraWatch in Watsonville.

"Transgender Prisoners: Trapped in a Gender Binary"
Rashad Shabazz, doctoral student in the History of Consciousness Department and prison abolitionist, will speak about the discrimination and hardships that transgender prisoners face in todayís penal system. Issues revolving around the gender binary, sexuality, and the prison industrial complex will also be discussed.

"Crimes Against Humanity: Hurricanes Katrina & Rita"
The mainstream mediaís representation of Hurricanes Katrina & Rita is quite possibly inaccurate, most notably in terms of the general understanding of the immediate rescue and relief given to New Orleans residents and the cityís current state. This workshop will provide a (re)education of government actions in response to the hurricanes as well as providing ways you can contribute to the recovery of New Orleans and itís citizens.

"Buyer Be-Aware: Being a Conscious Consumer"
This workshop will foster awareness and provide tools regarding our responsibilities as consumers in the local and global communities. Professor Dana Frank and student activists will discuss the global history of consumerism and address sustainable and social consumer movements.


session Two: 2:25pm - 3:40pm

"The Absence of Color"
This workshop focuses on the lack of an Ethnic Studies department at UC Santa Cruz, the only UC without such a program. We hope to promote awareness of and encourage a dialogue around the current academic atmosphere on campus. Guest speaker Paul Ortiz will engage the audience in thinking in terms of the current ìabsence of colorî at UCSC.

"Privatization of Water: Owning Water, Owning Life"
Is water a right or a privilege? Who has access to water and who does not? This workshop will delve into the issues lurking around water privatization, who it affects and how they survive within these conditions. Professor Ben Crow and student activists will show how complicated and difficult it is for some people just to have basic access to this necessity, and what you can do to bring awareness to others and make a difference.

"Defending Our Campus: Armed Students?"
James Armstead, Law of War professor at UCSC, will lead a discussion and Q and A session focusing on international gun control politics, specifically their relevance to college campuses domestically and abroad.

"Act for Change: Tools for Empowerment"
While not all members of our community have access to or a voice within the electorate system, this workshop will provide tangible ways in which individuals can work within this system to make change. Learn to write a bill, get involved in advising elected officials, and find your voice.

"Girl Fight: Challenging Racism & Sexism in the Media"
Popular culture is constantly affecting us in ways that we are unaware of. This interactive workshop featuring professor Francesca Guerra will explore the ways in which we are sold racist and sexist propaganda and will inspire you to look at the media with a critical eye.

http://activism.ucsc.edu