Workshop Session #4
Saturday, August 1st at 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Reaching Out to Uninvolved Youth: How you can stop 'preaching to the converted' and start getting your message out
Presenter: llona Dougherty
Tired of always having the same few people do all the work for your cause? Wish you could find a way of getting your message out to people who don’t already know about your work? This interactive workshop will give you the tools you need to effectively engage your apathetic peers in your work. Workshop leaders from Apathy is Boring will cover such topics as: Using technology; branding effectively; marketing with no money; tips on thinking outside the box; and how to reach out to your peers who seem like they don’t care. Apathy is Boring is a national organization that uses art and technology to educate youth on democracy.
llona Dougherty BIOGRAPHY
An activist and artist from an early age, Ilona’s diverse experiences range from being a Canadian delegate to the United Nations at 17 years old to producing major concerts across Canada. Along the way, she gained extensive and hands-on experience in band and artist management, workshop facilitation, and organizational strategic planning. In January 2004, Ilona co-founded Apathy is Boring, (www.apathyisboring.com) a national non-partisan organization that uses art and technology to re-engage youth in the democratic process. She has won numerous awards including the Vince Sirois Prize, the Yukon Women’s Award, and she was featured in the book "Notes from Canada's Young Activists".
Write to the Future
Presenter: Ted Kerr
How often have you found yourself away from your regular environment, full of great ideas and drive only to return home and somehow find yourself without the vision and passion that so soon before seemed so clear? During the GYA you will have a million ideas, make hundreds of new friends and feel hope surge through your being about yourself, your generation, and the planet. Write to the future is a workshop that is designed to help you keep the GYA momentum going long after you have returned home. This writing based workshop will provide you with an opportunity to begin thinking about how the GYA experience can impact your next project and hopefully how you live. Don’t let all the hard work you have done while part of the GYA and all the energy you have generated be left behind. Sign up for Write to the Future!
Ted Kerr BIOGRAPHY
Ted Kerr is an Edmonton based writer, practicing artist, and actionist. He writes a column for VUE Weekly as well as contributes to XTRA.ca. He was HIV Edmonton’s first Artist in Residence and was a founding member of Exposure: Edmonton’s Queer Arts and Culture Festival. He believes that art and culture are important ingredients in the new wave of activism.
A Life in Pieces: The Power of Words
Presenter: Lana Bouy
As a world population, it is proven that we pay little attention to the way in which we communicate with each other and describe each other. We assume that any word used to describe character, for example "bad" or "good", does not have a lasting impact on an individual. This way of thinking can be devastating for any child, youth, or adult. The goal of this workshop is to examine and experience word meanings through exercises and demonstration to stress how words affect, negatively or positively, development, self-esteem, and relationships. Lana Bouy demonstrates why we must be aware of character interpretation and suggests a complete shift in how we use words in order to change lives and communities.
Lana Buoy BIOGRAPHY
Lana Bouy has over twenty years professional and volunteer experience with children and youth, including those affected by attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder, oppositional defiance, sexual emotional abuse, and more. She has also worked with youth of diverse cultural and socio-economic backgrounds. Lana is the author of A Life in Pieces: A Piece-by-Piece Guide to Realizing Harmony in Families, Schools and Communities and the creator of A Life in Pieces Program. The main objective of both is to engage children and youth in realizing peace. For more information about Lana and A Life in Pieces visit www.alifeinpieces.ca.
Campaign Organizer Training
Presenters: Erin Harrison, Angelo Dicaro
Campaigns require organizers. This workshop is designed to equip participants with in-depth organizing and co-ordinating skills for any type of campaign. (This may include: a youth to youth campaign, community organizing campaign, and/or election campaigns) This workshop will impress upon participants the importance of campaign strategic planning and the steps required to develop such a plan to achieve a common goal. Focus is on strengthening skills in volunteer recruitment, leadership, problem solving techniques, coalition strategies, campaign organizing and getting out our support. By attending this presentation youth will gain a better understanding of the need for coordinated efforts around a common goal to achieve an end result. They will also gain a better understanding of how to run an effective campaign, and how to strategically do so.
Erin Harrison BIOGRAPHY
Erin Harrison is the National Youth Representative at the Canadian Labour Congress. She began her activism within her home union the Canadian Auto Workers at the age of 18. As a delegate from CAW local 222, Erin was quickly elected as the first Durham Region Labour Council Youth Executive Board Member at Large. She started to change the union demographics within her local by chairing and re- forming CAW local 222's youth committee, and ensuring youth were involved in all issues and campaigns. Through her labour council activism, Erin became one of Durham Region's CLC Municipal and “Better Choice” Campaign organizers. Erin was seconded to the CLC in March of 2008, where she is the liaison for youth within the labour movement, and works hard to insure that youth are involved in all aspects of the union movement.
Angelo Dicaro BIOGRAPHY
Angelo is a National Representative for the Canadian Auto Workers union, working in the Communications Department. He is also the union’s Youth Liaison, and is responsible for the development of the CAW’s Youth Program. Angelo is a founding member of the Canadian Youth Climate Coalition, and currently sits as a member of the Coalition’s Executive Council. Angelo holds a Masters Degree in Industrial Relations from the University of Toronto.
The Healing Power of the Circle: A Journey through the Inclusive Expressive Arts
Presenter: Marcus Fung
Through a fully experiential workshop, the participants will come to love and honor themselves and others through the interactive Healing Power of the Circle. The Circle is an expression of peaceful co-creation and expression. It's a place where all is honoured and valued, a place to find the peace and strength within before sharing into a place of harmony, joy, and compassion. The journey of the circle is transformed into insight and wisdom. Participants will experience using the circle as a micro-model of relevant issues. Bring your drum if you have one! The main objective at the end of my presentation is for all participants to have a rich, and moving experience to reflect their new understanding of the following points. The Healing Power of the Circle Their role, & participation in the circle Role and history of the circle in community and peace building The Power of Inclusive Expressive Arts/music Relevance of the circle and the World today How they can begin facilitating circles How to turn the circle outward.
Marcus Fung BIOGRAPHY
Marcus Fung is a dynamic local performer, teacher, and community music facilitator. Inspired by the capacity for personal and community transformation using the power of the expressive inclusive arts. He works in and around the city leading regular workshops and playshops. Some current projects of his are using and exploring music and circle at the Strathcona Youth Co-Op with at risk youth. Piloting the Peace Club afterschool program at Londonderry Junior High as well as the weekly Song Circle project. Marcus is always exploring new ways to employ the full potential of inclusive music making to inspire new joy, and understanding within and between people.
Yes! : Youth Empowerment and Skills and Life training Seminar
Presenter: Mark Fry
The Art of Living Foundation envisions a world that is both stress and violence-free. This workshop features their Youth Empowerment Seminar PLUS (YES! ) geared towards the issues and challenges that face youth today and has become a worldwide movement that aims to bring peace to the world and end violence. As a participant in this workshop, you will experience group games, fitness, and the powerful breathing techniques that energize and focus one's body and mind.
Mark Fry BIOGRAPHY
Mark Fry has been involved with the Art of Living Foundation for the past seven years. Mark strongly believes the value of the Art of Living as a way to teach others how to live a more fulfilling, stress-free life. His experience includes having taught and lived in India for 9 months, helping with relief work for hurricane Katrina in Houston and Austin, Texas, and teaching the Art of Living Prison Program in Canadian institutions. He currently teaches the Art of Living Part 1 and YES! courses throughout North America.
Leveraging Privilege for Social Change
Presenter: Ocean Robbins
What would life be like if we could unleash all that we have and all that we are on behalf of all that we love? Building on YES!'s hugely successful Leveraging Privilege for Social Change program, which has held 5 week-long "Jams" for groups of 30 privileged young leaders and held several intergenerational retreats and events, this workshop will provide an opportunity to explore values, dreams, and defining moments in our life journeys with a supportive community of peers. In this workshop we will explore the privileges and wealth that exist in our lives and how we can use them as leverage to have a bigger impact in making a positive social impact.
BIOGRAPHY
Founded in 1990 by two teenagers, YES! is a nonprofit organization that connects, inspires and collaborates with young changemakers to join forces for thriving, just, and sustainable ways of life for all. YES! is a vibrant and dynamic body of people – staff, constituents, and supporters – on a learning journey, seeking to live and work more consciously in alignment with our values. YES! has spoken to more than 650,000 students and organized more than 90 week-long gatherings for visionary young leaders from 65 nations.
Creating a Community of Diversity: Integrated Dance for Individuals with and without Disabilities
Presenters: Lindsay Eales, Harmanie Shairp
Presenters Harmanie and Lindsay were featured on CTV’s “So You Think You Can Dance Canada” where they highlighted the value of dance for individuals with disabilities. At the local level, Harmanie and Lindsay do this through iDANCE Edmonton (iDANCE), a dance program for individuals with and without disabilities that explores a variety of traditional dance forms and creative movement processes in an integrated, inclusive environment. This workshop will take the format of a performance, interactive workshop, and panel discussion on creating community through dance. Dance can include every BODY. Using interactive dance activities for participants, this workshop will demonstrate the many ways people can contribute to a community of diversity by getting involved.
Lindsay Eales BIOGRAPHY
Lindsay Eales (BSc. (Spec.) Psychology, BSc.OT convocation June 2009) is a 25 year old dancer, choreographer, instructor and soon-to-be occupational therapist. She lives with mental illness, and is motivated to challenge the stigma surrounding mental health in our daily lives. In the past, Lindsay has greatly enjoyed working with sexuality, sexual orientation, women’s rights and multiculturalism. Two years ago she began creating integrated dance performance for dancers with and without disabilities, combining her passion for dance and advocacy. Further, she has lead workshops in various healthcare settings to advance health care providers’ role in using creative medium to expand concepts of wellness and inclusion in our society.
Harmanie Shairp BIOGRAPHY
Harmanie Shairp (BA Drama, Arts and Cultural Management Certificate) believes that art has the power to give people the voice to change and strengthen their community. Dance is her voice. Harmanie, after struggling with disability in her early twenties, has learned to use dance to increase her love for life. Evidence of Harmanie´s efforts in disability advocacy include dancing to promote the Adult Spina Bifida Clinic Opening. She has also worked with mixed ability dancers from the UK in 2007 and 2008. Additionally, she has worked with Youth Action Project 2007, facilitated at the Global Youth Assembly 2007, and appeared in the GYA 07 documentary produced by John Humphrey Centre.
If I Can't Dance, it's Not my Revolution
* This is a workshop that is offered every day to build upon concepts learned in the previous session. Newcomers are welcome at any stage.
Presenter: Sara Martin, Aliya Jamal
This workshop is your daily dose of dance and sharing about your experience at the GYA. You'll see the same faces every day for one hour as you explore the usefulness of movement in fostering personal strength, human connection, and resistance to oppression. First time and experienced dancers welcome!
Sara Martin BIOGRAPHY
Sara Martin has been involved in both the dance communities in Edmonton and Montreal. She has explored dance as both a performer and a choreographer and is inspired by the idea of dance functioning to enrich the community and foster creativity. In 2008, Sara performed under Helen Husk for LeGroup in Ottawa for the University of Alberta's dance collective, Orchesis. She has been working with "non-dancers at women's shelters for the past two years to bring women back to their bodies in a safe way.
Aliya Jamal BIOGRAPHY
Aliya Jamal brings the following formula to GYA: Aliya = feminist and anti-racist theory and activism group facilitation work with youth and kids involvement in the immigrant and settlement sector creative work in theatre, dance, visual art, animation and music. She co-founded and worked for the University of Alberta Women’s Centre; co-founded the Media Working Group of the Anti-Racism and Decolonization Network (U of A); acted, directed, and was a stage tech in various community theatre and dance projects including Dance Motif (Orchesis, U of Alberta dance collective), The Vagina Monologues (Medical Students for Choice, U of A), The Conference of the Birds (Ismaili Religious Education Board), Kalila wa Dimna and Mirror Game (Ismaili Council for Edmonton). She is currently working at an immigrant service organization doing addiction prevention programs for kids and youth, which includes a strong art/drama component.
Art Can Move Mountains: The Power of Creative Expressions
* This is an extended workshop that runs from 2:00 PM to 4:30 PM
Presenters: Henry Vanderspek, World Vision Youth Representative
This workshop will equip participants to use creative expression in building community understanding and inspiration for action on social justice issues. Three “Ps” will be stressed in this workshop: Participation, Processing, and Power. Participation: Allowing everyone to share in creative response to an issue is both community forming and affirming. Processing: Creative expression initiatives provide healthy ways for people to both digest and reach deeper understanding of difficult issues. Power: Creative expression can unify a community around an issue and help prepare them for meaningful social action. After exploring dynamic examples of such creative expression, participants will take a hands-on approach to responding to a particular social issue using creative means such as music, posters t-shirts or other methods. Youth will share their creative outputs, which will provide deeper understanding of the particular issue. The model applied in this workshop will be shared as a method that youth can use in their own region to mobilize local communities to action.
Henry Vanderspek BIOGRAPHY
Since September 2004, Henry Vanderspek has worked as the “Youth Animator” in World Vision Canada’s Education and Public Engagement department. Henry is passionate about encouraging youth, and adults, to learn and take meaningful action on global issues. World Vision runs a number of programs, including a Youth Ambassador cross-cultural exchange, leadership retreats, and Youth Empowered leadership conferences, all of which engage youth from across Canada. In 2008 these programs won a Canadian Award for International Cooperation for excellence in communication. To learn more about our programs visit www.worldvision.ca/youth. Henry also has a long-time interest in cross-cultural communication. After completing an undergraduate degree at McMaster University Henry lived for a year in Tunisia, studying Arabic, and returned there several times with student groups. Prior to his current position at World Vision Henry worked for close to four years as the Program Coordinator for Matthew House, a refugee shelter in downtown Toronto. In this role, he helped welcome and support newly arrived refugees to Canada as well as oversee the daytime operations of the shelter.
Fearless Expression
* This is an extended workshop that runs from 2:00 PM to 4:30 PM
Presenters: Jaya Chauhan, Troy Taylor & Naomi Kennedy
The Old Strathcona Youth Society believes that each one of us has a unique journey in life but that we have one purpose--to be free from all that enslaves us and endeavour to regain and build self-worth. This workshop is designed to share the best practices of the OSYS, to inspire youth to explore and empower themselves. This is a hands-on workshop that includes lots of music, and arts and crafts.
BIOGRAPHIES
Jaya Chauhan has worked as the Program Coordinator for OSYS since December 2007. She has worked with youth in different capacities as an educator in the broadest sense of the word, starting out as a Food Scientist and a Social Scientist and then retrained as a high school science teacher with over 10 years of teaching experience from England and the USA. Troy Taylor aka Ambiguous has a keen focus on community development, organizing and spearheading community awareness across Canada, from east to west coast. More recently, he completed a project with the youth of Old Strathcona Youth Society, producing a commercial video, raising awareness on the issue of making positive choices in and around drugs for the National Addictions Awareness Week, and won first prize for BEST OVERALL MESSAGE. Troy (Ambiguous) is also developing a six lesson social program which he teaches at OSYS. Ambiguous is currently working with three time Juno winner Moka Only, as well as SONY BMG artist, Classified who will be guests on his album. This young man has met many obstacles, as well as accomplished many goals and dreams, and plans to inspire other youth to do the same! Naomi Kennedy is her name and art and music is her game. Naomi has been the youth support worker at OSYS since September 2008. Since she was a small child she has used art and music to sooth and calm herself or to generally get her message across. She strongly believes in the healing powers of art and musical expression.
Advocacy and Youth Engagement through the Arts
* This is an extended workshop that runs from 2:00 PM to 4:30 PM
Presenters: Rebecca Jules & Two Youth Facilitators
Join the Knowledgeable Aboriginal Youth Association (KAYA) for games, public speaking training, and an opportunity to express yourself on issues that matter to you through photography, art, spoken word, and more. This unique interactive session encourages advocacy, mentorship, and innovative models of youth engagement. Participants will build their capacity to take action and have their voices heard!
BIOGRAPHY
Rebecca Jules is from the Adams Lake Band in the Secwepemc Nation. Rebecca has just completed the Criminology Honours Program at S.F.U., with an extended minor in Psychology. As a youth, Rebecca was inspired to get involved in the youth work field. Rebecca has coordinated various Aboriginal youth cultural and leadership programs that focus on empowerment, rights and advocacy, traditional governance, proposal writing, peer support, life skills, sexual health, violence prevention, urban arts and cultural awareness. Rebecca is at the GYA representing knowledgeable Aboriginal Youth Association’s (KAYA), whose mandate is to advocate for aboriginal youth voices, representation and participation in all levels of decision‐making processes. KAYA advocates for greater recognition of the concept of a peer‐to‐peer, youth‐led process that embraces youth voice through diverse mediums as a key contributor to community cohesion, well-being and development.
Beatboard - DJ & Rap Workshop
* This is an extended workshop that runs from 2:00 PM to 4:30 PM
** This two-hour workshop is offered on both Thursday, July 30th and August 1st
Presenter: Mike Sheehan
Participants will have an opportunity to experience a hands on approach at developing skill sets involving the latest dj equipment and dj performance techniques. It’s natural to be a dj. Music plays a significant role in EVERY culture. Youth will experience live demonstrations, and a series of easy, engaging and fun rap activities that flow into creating a meaningful group rap chorus with verses about what people want to create in their lives and their community. Then the group will film a live rap video on site. All welcome. Experienced rappers and 1st time rappers will enjoy this workshop.
Mike Sheehan BIOGRAPHY
Mike Sheehan has been active in the field of leadership for 14 years. Through a genuine comfort interacting with diverse groups and through a social justice lens, Mike's use of games, activities, and exercises have created highly dynamic and meaningful experiential learning environments at international conferences, school assemblies, residential programs, and youth detention centres. Mike is the founder of Beatboard, a youth leadership, new media, and contemporary arts education organization based in Vancouver and Victoria, British Columbia. Beatboard is committed to effecting positive change in communities through delivering leading-edge experiential education programs that value diversity, inclusion, and solutions for healthy living.
Participatory Video for Sustainable Community-Based Development
* This is an extended workshop that runs from 2:00 PM to 4:30 PM
Presenters: Jean-Sébastien Marier, Christopher Pearsell-Ross
This workshop aims to introduce the delegates to the production of a participatory video, and present them with a methodology to efficiently assess community development issues. Participatory video can be a powerful tool to empower individuals – especially youth – to work towards the sustainable building of their own communities. Since it is community- based, participatory video is in itself culturally sensitive and relevant.
Jean-Sébastien Marier BIOGRAPHY
Jean-Sébastien is a 4th year International Studies student at York University, Toronto. He has been an active member of the Rights & Democracy Network since 2006 and took part in its two-week field mission in Colombia last summer. In 2004-2005, after a year studying TV production in college (Cégep), Jean-Sébastien was among the first group of participants sent to Benin as part of a program created by Journalists for Human Rights and Canada World Youth. In 2003, he co-directed Aux arbres citoyennes! for the National Film Board of Canada's Parole Citoyenne! web portal and, in 2005, was a finalist in the documentary category of Vidéaste Recherché.e for Les petits esclaves, a 13-minute film on child trafficking in Benin. Upon completion of his undergraduate degree in June 2009, he is planning to pursue a Masters of Journalism at Carleton University. Jean-Sébastien is fluent in French, English and Spanish, and has an Attestation of College Studies in Community Development & Cross-Cultural Relations from Cégep Marie-Victorin.
Christopher Pearsell-Ross BIOGRAPHY
Christopher is a 4 year International Studies student at York University, Toronto. In 2006-2007, he was Vice-president of the Glendon College Students' Union. Chris is currently the Ethical, Equality & Diversity Advisor of the Rights & Democracy Delegation at Glendon College. He has also been involved with the Roots & Shoots environmental committee at Glendon and is a don in residence. His interests range from human rights to environmental sustainability. Last summer, Christopher was an Intern at the United Nations Office of the Recovery Coordinator for Aceh and Nias, in Banda Aceh, Indonesia.
From Inner Acceptance to Social Inclusion: The Identity Kaleidoscope
* This is an extended workshop that runs from 2:00 PM to 4:30 PM
Presenters: Alvaro Bengoa, Mauricio Betancour
This workshop explores cultural, sexual, and ethnic identity and diversity using different techniques to facilitate the expression and acceptance of different identities and diversity. It combines personal growth activities and improvement of intercultural communicating abilities, tolerance exercises, and team work that enhances leadership capacities and participation in the development of just, harmonious and sustainable societies. Participants are invited to dance, meditate, act, write, paint, and express themselves through specially designed techniques and fun surprises. Facilitators will create an atmosphere that fosters understanding, respect and self-respect, tolerance, and acceptance of differences between human beings. Take this opportunity to get in tune with yourself and with others by participating in an authentic experience of diversity.
Alvaro Bengoa BIOGRAPHY
Alvaro Bengoa is a 24 years old-Psychology Student from Uruguay. Alvaro has been working as a volunteer for social and religious organizations for almost 10 years. For the past 4 years, Alvaro has worked in red zone neighborhoods with 78 kids and their families. He is part of an interdisciplinary team that implements various human rights projects and programs. Skilled in acting and body expression, guided meditation and photography, Alvaro incorporates these arts into his workshops. He enjoys traveling and experiencing different cultures.
Mauricio Betancour BIOGRAPHY
Mauricio Betancour, a 25 years old Psychology student who holds a degreed in Sexual Education, is from Uruguay. He has participated in an exchange program between Canada and Uruguay from the Canada World Youth organization, and became fascinated with intercultural exchange programs that allow youth to discover personal passions and skills as they work to create a more sustainable society. Mauricio's experience got him interested in social work, local and international development, and intercultural relationship building. He now facilitates workshops that combine these interests and his experience in critical psychology, sexual education, and community development.
Media Activism
* This is an extended workshop that runs from 2:00 PM to 4:30 PM
Presenter: Jaro Malanowski
Learn how to reach more audiences through media activism. This workshop highlights the importance of storytelling and using media to build community. Jaro Malanowski of Avatar Productions takes participants through an informative and hands-on session in which they reach a better understanding of what the "creative commons" is and how to develop their own media projects for ACTION. Media is an important tool of expression and change. Find out why and how to get started!
BIOGRAPHY
Avatar Productions provides a full assortment of media services including, international HD documentary film production, cinematography, writing, HD post-production facilities, location scouting, directing, soundscape recording and multimedia web development. Avatar Productions maintains values of sustainability, biodiversity and community building while sharing stories that explore the world around us. Avatar strives to produce media that will empower, educate and serve as a catalyst for action to build healthier surroundings for all. The team at Avatar begins with good questions and discovers realities and ideas while linking together with other people to help create stronger sense of community. See www.avatarproductions.com for more information.
Oops, at least I tried...When trying to help make things worse
* This is an extended workshop that runs from 2:00 PM to 4:30 PM
Presenter: Marc Beaudin
This workshop focuses on the impact that well-meaning people often have when trying to do the right thing properly without being informed of the situation. In both the international development and environmental movement, activism and action has sometimes led to making a situation worse. This workshop will help you think critically of current situations and making informed decisions to achieve impact rather than doing something to feel good.
Marc Beaudin BIOGRAPHY
Marc Beaudin is an graduate engineering student at the University of Calgary studying how to add more wind energy to the current system. He has been extensively involved with residence life and Engineers without Borders (EWB). Marc was the 2007 chapter president of the University of Calgary EWB. In 2008, he worked with Shad Valley, a (magical) summer camp focused on business, entrepreneurship, science and innovation with amazing students from across Canada.
Communication sur le combat des jeunes pour la scolarisation de leurs pairs a travers l'art tout en perennisant les valeurs traditionnelles de leur milieu
* This is an extended workshop that runs from 2:00 PM to 4:30 PM
Presenter: Koffi Mawuli
Cette présentation permettra aux participants à la rencontre de comprendre que les valeurs traditionnelles peuvent être mis au service du développement si ils savent comment s’en servir comme le cas de ces jeunes de l’UNION CHRETIENNE DE JEUNES GENS ( U.C.J.G/YMCA Togo) qui en récoltent les fruits grâce à leur imagination.
BIOGRAPHY
Union Chrétienne de Jeunes Gens « U.C.J.G/ YMCA- Togo. L’U.C.J.G/ YMCA-. Togo est un mouvement de Jeunes qui vise à mettre en pratique les principes chrétiens à travers l’exécution de programme pour un développement intégral de l’homme et des communautés. Il a pour but d’améliorer la qualité de vie des populations par l’éducation, la formation et le service. Les projets en cours de réalisation : Assistance judiciaire et réinsertion des jeunes détenus. Projet sur le Sida, la paix et l’entrepreneuriat.
Hip Hop-ular Education: Tools for Expression
* This is an extended workshop that runs from 2:00PM to 4:30PM
Presenters: Vladimir Gomez, Rodrigo Loyola & Julio Garcia
This presentation and hands-on workshop will involve performances, video, breakout groups, and loads of expression. Participants will not only learn about the history of hip-hop music and culture, as well as its role in raising awareness about socio-economic issues that marginalized communities face all over the world, they will also learn how to use hip-hop, spoken word, poetry, etc. as for change. Everyone welcome!
BIOGRAPHY
The People's Poets are three Edmonton emcees and one DJ who rap about social justice issues, local and global. Representing their Latino refugee roots from Chile and El Salvador this hip-hop colectivo mix rhymes about life experiences with social and political commentary. Combining music and action for social change the People's Poets are committed to building and networking at a community and global level. These RAPTIVISTS are involved in a variety of issues and movements such as affordable housing, labour education, and youth empowerment. The People's Poets recently released their first album entitled NO LIFE WITHOUT ROOTS