Popular education is a concept grounded in notions of class, political struggle, and social transformation. The term is a translation from the Spanish educación popular or the Portuguese educação popular and rather than the English usage as when describing a ‘popular television program,’ popular here means ‘of the people.’

Sheroes: From Shaharazad to Hit Girl

Shaharazad, as well as the character Hit Girl, of Kick Ass fame, serve as symbols of what females can achieve when they set out to defy patriarchal norms.

We look at memorable characters that occupy different places on the feminist Sheroes’ timeline, from classic literature’s Thousand and One Nights to 2010’s Kick Ass. Different female characters have served as universal types that reflect the reality of women in that time and place as well as call into question how women and men perpetuate damaging stereotypes. Sheroes have employed techniques and knowledge that fall outside the patriarchal arsenal of brute force and appropriation; these seminal female characters have shown us a better way to be and a better way to do. Website presentations, and audience-centric activities will galvanize audience- driven conversations about the issues at hand.

Participants will leave the sessions having created figures to address the timeless issue of feminist identity in a society wherein internal and external conflicts are pervasive.

Keynote - Got Internet?
Fast-paced, visually appealing Keynote that provides general information on the effects of access or no access to the Internet. The information presented makes connections between Internet accessibility and economic infrastructure, educational infrastructure, the democratic process, and the impact to community services. The Keynote isdesigned to generate lively exchanges between community members and to address questions they may have on the role of the Internet in their lives.

Cyber Safety/Anti-Sexting
This workshop will provide tips on how to navigate cyberspace while maintaining privacy and integrity as a user.  All-ages approach that speaks to early adopters as well as to  digital skeptics. An additional component will address current anti-sexting bills that were signed into law here in Texas. This hands-on infoshop is currently in the design stage.

Art of Organizing Musicians: From Cause to Collaboration
Music can be a tool for social change and a process of community-building. The work of organizing musicians from different backgrounds and across various genres to build community and advance social justice is a work of art! This session will share success stories from a panel of experts in the art of organizing musicians.  We will discuss the questions, “How can music-based activism effectively support our visions for social justice at the grassroots? How have musicians organized against injustices historically? What are the challenges of organizing as musicians and how can we address them collectively? Whether you identify as a musician, music-lover, event-planner, or movement-builder, come join this conversation about how to transform the world through music.