Social Justice Camp DC

I came into the planning of Social Justice Camp DC skeptical. Skeptical that a meaningful and worthwhile event could occur with seemingly little planning of topics or speakers. Skeptical that attendees would be brave enough to lead sessions and nervous that sessions would be irrelevant and uninteresting. Skeptical of how this will have any impact on how the DC community works towards achieving social justice.

After attending my first unconference – Public Media Camp – last October, I came away with my head buzzing from ideas discussed, stories shared, and people encountered. I went solely to experience the unconference format. As just a consumer of public media, I did not expect to have much to say. But I found that I really had more to offer than I realized and engaged actively in sessions (including tweeting – not a necessary activity at an unconference but a fun one!).

And from this one experience, I have come to the tentative conclusion that an unconference is as good as the people in the room. With a room of impassioned, tenacious individuals dedicated to social justice and willing to share their experiences and ideas, I expect a lot will be gained by participants, and if (when) the energy of that weekend is carried forward, and digital and physical spaces are created to continue the discussion, then the city’s residents will gain a lot.

Looking at the attendee list at the eventbrite site, I am excited. I am excited about the people I am going to meet. I am excited about the ideas and stories they will bring with them. And I am excited for the action that will emerge from the discussion that weekend.

~ @jimmiebean
Social Justice Camp DC Organizer

Tags: skeptic, unconference

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