Jan. 28,
2009
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Jacqueline Chan, Student Community Services
408-821-6253; changethestatusquo@gmail.com
Cal Poly to Host 'Change the Status Quo' Conference Feb. 27 and 28
SAN LUIS OBISPO - Cal Poly's Student Community Services office will host the seventh annual "Change the Status Quo: A Student's Role in Shaping Society" conference Feb. 27 and 28.
The conference is open to the campus community and the public.
"Change the Status Quo" is designed to educate participants on multiple issues, bringing together people who share a passion for making a difference in their community and the world. The conference encourages participants to challenge stereotypes, demand solutions and use education to make lasting changes, said organizer Jacqueline Chan. The theme - Educate, Motivate and then Activate - aims to give participants tangible tools to be effective advocates for social change.
Last year, nearly 300 students and community members took part.
This year's keynote speaker will be Spencer Brodsky, a 17-year-old Maryland student who started a project to send fuel-efficient stoves to women and families in Darfur. (www.stovesfordarfur.com).
Cal Poly clubs will present workshops highlighting global problems and possible solutions. Workshops include "The Organic Generation," "Rebuilding Schools in Myanmar," "Net Neutrality and the Future of the Internet," "Housing in the Golden State," "Confronting Masculinity and Homophobia in Traditional Male Organizations," "Empowering Activist Citizens through Media Literacy" and more.
Friday night, Feb. 27, will be a free kick-off event, serving as a preview for the Saturday conference. Workshop presenters will talk briefly about their planned presentations, and the evening will feature a spoken word poet.
Saturday, Feb. 28, begins with an optional yoga session at 8 a.m., and the conference runs 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Main gatherings and meals will take place at Cal Poly's Chumash Auditorium, with workshops held around campus.
Cost for Saturday is $10 for students and $20 for non-students and includes a t-shirt and local/organic breakfast and lunch. Registration begins Feb. 2. Register in the University Union at the Student Life & Leadership front desk, Room 217.
For details, e-mail changethestatusquo@gmail.com or visit the Student Community Services Web site at www.scs.calpoly.edu and click "Change the Status Quo."
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