Participation Type
Workshop
Session Title
How to Connect Academics and Activists
Session Abstract or Summary
At the ASA Steering Committee retreat this past summer, a key question was asked: how can traditional scholars and local activists more deeply support, and mutually benefit from, each others' work? Some champions and strategies emerged at the retreat, but this movement could benefit from a broader discussion and more on-the-ground experimentation. During this workshop, academics and activists will discuss 1) why this question is important to ASA's future, 2) what might be achieved through greater academic-activist collaboration, and 3) concrete steps for how greater mutuality might be achieved. Alternating between small group dialog and whole-group debrief, insights will emerge that allow participants to brainstorm and commit to small experiments they might undertake in their own work. In the end, the sum-total of individual actions will be observed for larger strategic insights. Steering committee members are encouraged to attend so they might update everyone on their own experiments, but the session is open to everyone with an interest in this issue. The session will ultimately inform both ASA leadership regarding long-term strategy, and inspire individuals to take action and learn more about what is possible from the academic-activist relationship. Importantly, the workshop facilitation design is itself a teaching point for how to engage people in collaborative work; i.e. attendees will experience how great conversations are designed so that they can use this model to connect academics and activists in their own communities.
Presentation #1 Title
How to Connect Academics and Activists
Presentation #1 Abstract or Summary
Same as above -- there won't really be a "presentation", as this is essentially a discussion about future possibilities for ASA through a dialog model that can be used to get things done back in our communities.
At-A-Glance Bio- Presenter #1
For 15 years Jeffrey L. Stec, J.D., has facilitated the building of productive alliances for communities and non-profits, and between governments and their constituents (especially school districts). He recently worked with Cincinnati's Urban Appalachian Community Coalition, and facilitated the ASA Steering Committee annual retreat.
Conference Subthemes
Diversity and Inclusion
How to Connect Academics and Activists
Same as above -- there won't really be a "presentation", as this is essentially a discussion about future possibilities for ASA through a dialog model that can be used to get things done back in our communities.
