Cal Poly to Host ‘Change the Status Quo’ Conference Feb. 26 and 27

SAN LUIS OBISPO – Cal Poly’s Student Community Services will host the eighth annual “Change the Status Quo: A Student’s Role in Shaping Society” conference Feb. 26 and 27.

The conference is open to the campus community and the public.

“Change the Status Quo” focuses on educating and connecting activists on a variety of issues, bringing together people who share a passion for making a difference in their community and the world. Participants are encouraged to challenge stereotypes, demand solutions and use education to make lasting changes. 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 speech will feature representatives of Invisible Children, Inc. (a Southern California-based nonprofit that makes films about the effects of war on children in Africa), along with a former African child soldier named Jacob, discussing how students can create lasting change.

Cal Poly clubs, professors and students will present workshops highlighting societal inequalities and possible changes and solutions. Topics include “World Hunger,” “SLO for Darfur,” “Child Exploitation in the Workforce,” “The Settlements and the Israeli-Palestinian Peace Process,” “Sustainable Rural Community Development,” “Plastic Pollution,” “Internet Media and Activism,” “Body Image and Gender Stereotypes,” and more.

The event begins Feb. 26 with a free kick-off event that will serve as a preview for the Saturday conference. Workshop presenters will talk briefly about their planned presentations, and poet Kat McGill will perform.

Feb. 27 begins with an optional yoga session at 8 a.m. The conference will run 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 Feb. 27 is $10 for students and $20 for non-students and includes a t-shirt and local/organic breakfast and lunch. Registration is under way now. Register in the University Union at the Student Life & Leadership front desk (Room 217).

For more information or updates, send e-mail to changethestatusquo@gmail.com or visit http://studentlife.calpoly.edu/scs/quo/.

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