Today we’re bringing the passion to #BlogHer16 in Los Angeles with the introduction of our Heart & Soul track. We’re bringing together storytellers who use comedy, social good, feminism and advocacy to change the world.
It is our storytellers who help shape the way we see the world and ourselves. It is with our hearts that we feel for others and our souls that we realize we are all connected. Here’s what we’ll be exploring within the Heart & Soul track:
Dismantling the Patriarchy, White Supremacy and Other Outmoded Systems From the Inside and Out
Speakers: April Reign, Keren Taylor, Morgan Shanahan, Morra Aarons-Mele, Nicole Blades,Grace Hwang-Lynch - Moderator
We have systemic realities that lead to the oppression, marginalization, and erasure of whole groups of people, their voices and their lived experiences. But the way things are is not the way things have to remain, and our panelists are experts at working every angle to drive change. Sometimes radically from the outside; sometimes subversively from the inside. Always with an eye to the greater good, even as they practice self-care and building a livelihood. Find out how you can empower girls, women, including women of color, your LGBTQ community, those with mental illness, or any other group that needs to tear down the old ways of doing (or ignoring) things:
- Use your platform and social media to institute and champion positive change, and get the right attention for your actions
- Dismantle old structures and ways of thinking to level the playing field
- Create strategic alliances with others who share your passion for change
Comedy for Social Change: How Humor Brings People Together and Moves the Masses to Meaningful Action
Speakers: Jenny Yang, Akilah Hughes, Taz Ahmed, Zahra Noorbahksh and Luvvie Ajayi
In this conversation the panelists will share the benefits and challenges of using humor for social change on multiple online platforms. Influencers will learn:
- How to move the masses in real life using blogs, Youtube, podcasts, and more
- How to use creative and comedic video and audio content with social media to expand your reach and deepen the conversation
- How to use your influence to expand your platforms, shift minds and push for social change
#TheFWord – Feminism Across Generations
Bettina Sherick, additional speakers to be announced
In this conversation celebrating feminism's past, present and future, we explore how feminists can reach across divisions of time and place to unite as one. You will learn:
- What today’s feminists can learn from the triumphs, sacrifices and mistakes of our foremothers
- Fresh perspectives and methods the new generation of feminist activists bring to the table
- How we can best learn from one another in order to grow the movement
Keeping Friends During a Heated Political Season
Speakers to be announced
During a heated election year like this one, you may find it a challenge to maintain friendships across party lines. In this session, our panelists explore how to prevent strong disagreements from coming between you and your friends. You will learn:
- The simplest way to stay civil when politics comes up with your friends
- How to share your political differences with friends and find common ground on issues
- How to keep your political social media posts civil using facts, figures and humor
- How to decide when it is really time to block, unfollow or unfriend someone.
Allyship: How to Be There When You’re Not Really There
Speakers: Jasmin Singer, Jasmine Banks, Dior Vargas and bob McNeil
Allyship is not an identity. It is a lifelong, intentional process of building relationships with marginalized people. In this discussion, our panelists will explore how a person of privilege can operate in solidarity with people who are not often heard or listened to. We will explore:
- How to push for more inclusive and community building action for your chosen cause
- How to rise above the complacent nature of the “We have come such a long way” narrative
- How to be more than a self-proclaimed “ally” and remove yourself from the center of the debate
Stay tuned to see what our Writing & Publishing track looks like. We have an amazing group of speakers to address all of your writing and publishing needs.
Don't wait! #BlogHer16: Experts Among Us will take place from August 4-6, 2016, in Los Angeles, CA.
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Lucrecer Braxton
