This is an example of how one can use social media to further personal, professional, and political discourse and engagement. It requires the ability to "listen" and "discover" versus troll and react. It is also not necessarily the norm in how folks use social media.
One of the conversations we had last night was about the role of social media in furthering pain and suffering in our world. Through storytelling, Nina Parks shared updates about Rashawn Williams, the 14 year old who was stabbed on Mission Street this past week. Cyberbullying and social media played a role in his death. It is a tragedy that his life was lost, and it is a failure of our society.
We discussed how we teach and cultivate ethics and morality between all generations. We recognize that technology and social media are tools. They are not necessarily moral in nature. The people who interact with them bring with them their values. Cyberbullying is an expression of values as well. And they are not values that promote understanding and compassion.
Our hope is that the tools and activities we are developing through ACTIVISM WITHIN AND WITHOUT help facilitate dialogue between generations, neighbors, and communities and build collective definitions of morals and ethics and values. We hope that this leads to more understanding and compassion.
It is a small drop in a huge sea. And sometimes small drops cause huge waves.
(Special shout out to Reza DregsOne Harris who is also a part of this series, but was unable to make the meeting last night.)
Cost is $150 for all three workshops.
To REGISTER, email Jason Wyman with the SUBJECT LINE: Activism Within and Without.