Social Justice Camp DC

Dear SoJuCa Friends,

On MLK weekend 2010, a community of activists, artists, idealists and technologists gathered in the collaborative pursuit of social justice. It was Social Justice Camp DC. It was never about creating an annual event, but we’ve been hearing the question “Is SoJuCa happening again on MLK weekend 2011?” all year. So finally, we’re excited to announce:

Yes! Social Justice Camp DC 2011 is happening!

You can register now: http://sojuca2011.eventbrite.com

You can also invite anyone who you think might be interested. Follow us on Twitter @SocJustCampDC and use the hashtag #sojuca.

We know you’re doing great work. We know you need something, and we know you have something to offer. Maybe you have an idea and you need help. Maybe you have a problem and you need to brainstorm with some new people who can offer fresh input. Maybe you’re burned out and you need encouragement. Maybe you have an answer that someone else has been looking for. We’re not here to tell you what you need, but we want to offer a place and a time where you can say what you need and meet people who have the resources you’re looking for.

At the first event in Jan 2010, we had a broad theme of social justice, technology and the arts, bringing together people working in theatre, visual arts, homeless activism, AIDS awareness, just to name a few. Technology and the arts were themes that everyone could relate to their work–from thinking about how to make your cause by telling a better story to how to improve your website or use social media.

This time we want to start out with the same wide-open event, with the first day being dedicated as a full-day unconference, just like the all-day Saturday unconference in Jan 2010. We’ll be at a new location, MLK Library in Chinatown. It’s across the street from the Gallery Place Metro, there’s plenty of room, and we’ll have free wifi.

But for 2011, we’re also excited to be adding a couple of related events. The next day, Sunday, Jan 16, we’ll be back at MLK Library for an afternoon of workshop style sessions in order to focus on projects that can continue throughout the year.

Then the next weekend, we’re having another two-day event, spearheaded by the amazing Regina Holliday (who you’ll remember from last time). This event will take place at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church near the Van Ness Metro. This second weekend will focus on bringing together the two circles of social justice activism & health/information technology/patients’ rights. We’ll use the hastag #sojuca2 specifically related to this weekend. Friday evening, Jan 21, we’ll have Ignite presentations (the same format as last year’s Ignite event). Saturday, Jan 22, will be a full-day unconference, again focused on social justice & healhcare.

You can register for the second weekend here: http://sojuca2.eventbrite.com/

All of the when & where specifics are on the Eventbrite sites. Please email us at socjustcampdc@gmail.com if you have any questions, ideas, or want to volunteer or sponsor these events.

We’re looking forward to seeing you all soon!

Sincerely,

Aaron, Ben, Jenn, Kelli and Regina

The SoJuCa Organizers