The Thousand Kites Team spent the last week at the Alternate ROOTS Annual Meeting: Rebirth of a Nation.  Artists and activists from the southeast and from around the country gathered to watch performances, attend studios and workshops, and think critically together about undoing racism and rebuilding our nation.

Thousand Kites led a panel discussion on media technology in arts and activist work. Moderated by Caron Atlas of Arts and Democracy, the panel consisted of Naomi Jackson from the Rockefeller Brothers Foundation, Linda Paris-Bailey from Carpetbag Theatre Company, Amalia Anderson from the Main Street Project, and Nick Szuberla from Kites. They discussed how  art and social justice practitioners are utilizing innovative technologies to explore new forms of production, communication,  outreach, community building and organizing. They spoke about digital storytelling, digital mapping of neighborhoods, and story-gathering using new media tools. 

The session explorde the power of using media and communication strategies to expand who is included in creative and organizing efforts and how to address challenges to participation.  The interactive session featured online examples, media clips and a resource list.

ROOTS participants from diverse backgrounds attended this panel discussion. Check out the websites of these organizations to learn more about their media and advocacy tools and experience. 

Thanks to Alternate ROOTS for another great Annual Meeting!