In my recent interview with Ronak Ghorbani (part of a project exploring feminism and social media), she asked me about twitter as a tool of activism and the community of feminists I am connected with by my tweets. Can twitter help facilitate real change? Can it foster authentic relationships?

Yes and yes.

I’m teaching a new course in Women’s Studies this semester, WS 30: Women and Pop Culture, that explores the representation of women and feminists in pop culture while simultaneously examining the relationship between feminism and pop culture. But I didn’t think teaching a course on women and pop culture that merely examined these issues through text and lecture would be complete considering my experiences via social media and everything that is happening as a result of social media.

So, what have I done? I created a class blog that was built by the fabulous Anita Sarkeesian (click on the link, view her portfolio and you’ll see my class masthead in the center), allowing the class to learn hands-on blogging skills using Word Press, create a resource base and an opportunity to share their responses to assigned prompts in addition to optional posts that encourages them to share their observations, insights and experiences. This new class format has exceeded my expectations and the students are engaged and excited.  What’s not to like?

(more…)

Via Zoe Nicholson. Information posted on Facebook and cross posted here.

6th Annual Social Justice Summit @ Cal State University, Fullerton

Saturday, April 17, 2010 @ 800 N State College Blvd. Fullerton CA 92831

9:00am-5:00pm

The Social Justice Summit provides a forum for people to exchange ideas about improving the state of our communities, offers space to dialogue about the obstacles to creating effective change, provides effective tools for social action, and offers tangible grassroots solutions.

Learn about human rights issues, environmental concerns, inequality and oppression on a local, national and global level.

The Social Justice Summit is a FREE event, open to the public.

***Summit Highlights***

Empowering Workshops: Workshops will focus not only on educating participants, but also empowering them to bring about change in our community.

Resource Fair: The Resource Fair will feature campus and community organizations that provide attendees opportunities to get involved in social action.

Great music by: JAYAR

The Social Justice Summit is dedicated to providing a Green Summit through utilizing recycled and biodegradable materials, sweatshop-free apparel, organic and vegan food. The purpose of having a Green Summit is to encourage participants to make everyday choices based on environmentally conscious and socially responsible decisions.