Wells College presents the 16th annual Activism Symposium, a day-long event to promote social and political engagement and awareness. The theme for the 2017 Activism Symposium is “A Choir of Voices: Our Time, Our Voices, Our Revolution.”
The schedule is below. Please note that this information is subject to change. Check on the day of the event for the most accurate information.
Thursday, March 30
Mona Eikel-Pohen & Wells German Club: “Look Who’s Back” film screening 6:30 p.m., Stratton 209.
“Look Who’s Back” is a German 2015 satire depicting the “return” of Adolf Hitler. The movie includes many scenes where the actor dressed as Hitler went into streets and town squares and tested people’s reactions, many of which were shockingly positive. Come to the session on Friday afternoon to discuss the film and alternative approaches to confront racism.
Friday, March 31
Session one | 9:00 – 9:50 a.m.
Lynx Sainte-Marie: “From Inclusion to Collaboration: Disability Justice as Praxis.” de Witt Lecture Room (106), Zabriskie Hall
Disability justice is a movement that centres the bodies, histories and stories of the most marginalized of Deaf/disabled/chronically ill/mad folks, acknowledging the need for all of us to build together for our collective liberation. This presentation will discuss how participants can utilize a disability justice framework in their activism and work in solidarity with disabled people.
Querencia: “Student Activism in Latin America.” Art Exhibit Room, Macmillan Hall
This presentation will focus on student-led activism in Latin America. We will challenge preconceived notions of students participating in demonstrations, strikes, and other forms of social disruption as both students and global citizens.
Session two | 10:00 – 10:50 a.m.
Charlie Greene: “Spiritual Ecology.” de Witt Lecture Room (106), Zabriskie Hall
Our responsibilities as members of the watershed and ecosystem and our present ecological crisis is calling to us. This is not a problem to be solved, because the Earth is not a problem but a living being in a state of dangerous imbalance and deep distress. There is action to be taken, but it must come from a reconnection with the sacred. Read about a recent project by Charlie.
Richard Kegler, Heather Buechler & Book Arts Center: “Print Your Voice.” Book Arts Center, Morgan Hall (10 a.m. to 12 p.m.)
Freedom of the press is guaranteed only to those who own one. —A. J. Liebling. Why use sharpies and cardboard when your message can be printed in clear, well designed letterforms? Stop by the Wells Book Arts Center and harness the power of the printed word. Set and print a poster with the slogan of your choice. Speak your mind! Print your passion!
Session three | 11:00 – 11:50 a.m.
William J. Ferguson II: “Art as Activism.” Art Exhibit Room, Macmillan Hall
As Executive Artistic Liaison for Garth Fagan Dance, Bill negotiates with artists and representatives to arrange events; plans and controls production logistics and budgets; and much more. He has been an instructor at the Garth Fagan Dance school since 1990 and Artistic Director of the Garth Fagan Dance School Ensemble since 2000.
Wells Spanish Program: “Activism in Latin America.” Center for Sustainability and Center for Business and Entrepreneurship, 2nd Floor, Zabriskie Hall
This poster session is a glance into the very prolific activism around Latin America. It offers an eclectic array of perspectives and trends by which Latin Americans have risen their voices for what they believe in. Be it music, demonstrations, boycotting or civil disobedience there have been innumerable accounts that stand out through time.
Richard Kegler, Heather Buechler & Book Arts Center: “Print Your Voice.” Book Arts Center, Morgan Hall (10 a.m. to 12 p.m.)
Freedom of the press is guaranteed only to those who own one. —A. J. Liebling. Why use sharpies and cardboard when your message can be printed in clear, well designed letterforms? Stop by the Wells Book Arts Center and harness the power of the printed word. set and print a poster with the slogan of your choice. Speak your mind! Print your passion!
Session four | 1:30 – 2:20 p.m.
CANCELED: Mukoma Wa Ngugi: “The Disconnect Between Africans and African Americans.” Art Exhibit Room, Macmillan Hall
Assistant Professor of English at Cornell University and the author of the novels Mrs. Shaw, Black Star Nairobi, Nairobi Heat, and a book of poetry, Hurling Words at Consciousness, will speak about the disconnect between African and African Americans. There will be a discussion after, so please come with questions!
Turbovote information table: Wells is implementing a voter registration and engagement toolkit. Come to the Grind in Zabriskie Hall to learn about this new program and how you can sign up for easy-to-understand voting information and election reminders! Info will be available between 1:00 and 3:00.
Session five | 2:30 – 3:20 p.m.
Mona Eikel-Pohen: “Look Who’s Back – Acting out Responses to Critical Situations.” Art Exhibit Room, Macmillan Hall
“Look Who’s Back” is a German 2015 satire depicting the “return” of Adolf Hitler. The movie includes many scenes where the actor dressed as Hitler went into streets and town squares in Germany and tested people’s reactions, many of which were shockingly positive. Come to the session even if you have not seen the movie to discuss and enact how to encounter scenes of racism, discrimination, and aggression.
Evening Keynote | 4:30 – 6:00 p.m.
Winnie Wong: “Beyond Resistance: Building a People Powered Movement.” de Witt Lecture Room (106), Zabriskie Hall
Keynote speaker Winnie Wong is a prolific digital strategist who inspires others to use the internet as a powerful tool for organizing toward direct democracy, equality, and justice for all. She co authored the Women’s March on Washington Guiding Vision and Definition of Principles that centers intersectionality at the front of the work; is co founder of People for Bernie Sanders, a national grassroots organizing community; and her team created the viral political hashtag: #FeelTheBern. She facilitated the launch of the Occupy Sandy disaster relief effort, served as a founding organizer of Occupy Wall Street, and helped to launch Ready For Warren. Read more.
Information Tables
Stop by the Grind in Zabriskie to talk with representatives from:
Friends of the Earth: Outreach focuses on a letter writing and phone calling campaign targeting Congressional reps in advance of the budget votes, alerting people to the projected 31% budget cut for the EPA.
Ithaca Democratic Socialists of America: Through campus and community-based chapters, DSA members use a variety of tactics, from legislative to direct action, to fight for reforms that empower working people.
The same week, we’ll also welcome multimedia journalists Natalia Muñoz and Mary Patierno (12:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 28) and economist, author, and two-time VP candidate Winona LaDuke (12:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 29).
