Opportunity to Make Global Connections
The 2nd Annual Global Activism Expo takes place
by Adriana Gallardo
Chicago Public Radio's, Worldview has transformed a weekly segment on their daily show into one of the largest gatherings of international activism in Chicago.
On April 25, over 100 local Global Activists will come together at the second annual expo hosted at Northeastern Illinois University.
For the last six years, the Global Activism series, which airs every Thursday at noon, has highlighted the exceptional initiative of locals taking on issues outside our borders such as access to medical treatment, women's global education, the development of fair trade markets and after-school programs in developing countries.
Jerome McDonnell, host of Worldview and the expo encourages those who are not involved in global activism to join the expo and discover the individuals behind the projects presented on the show.
"People always tell me that the Global Activists inspire them to think they can make a difference too, anybody who comes will see it's actually people just like them that are overcoming some of the world's greatest challenges," McDonnell said.
The projects featured on Worldview move beyond the targeted relief programs that most are familiar with. Dozens of organizations working in Latin America that have been featured over the years include: medical work with rural communities in Bolivia, hospices and orphanages in Haiti, leprosy clinics in Equator and vocational opportunities for the deaf in Nicaragua.
Aasia Mohammad, U.S. Coordinator for the Chiapas Media Project participated in the first Global Activism expo and found that the gathering allowed her to connect with fellow activist in new ways.
"I am looking forward to coming back. I appreciate the opportunity to request and add friends in the organizing community without the Internet. The Global Activism expo is a colorful way to link our energies for creating a stronger social fabric," Mohammad said.
The expo will feature local food vendors from authentic ethnic restaurants and a performance curated by Lethal Poetry, Inc. "Working with Chicago Public Radio and Worldview is a blessing - it's rare to work with a media source that so consistently tries to service the community through its programming. This is important to us because Lethal Poetry is a mission-based company," added Mojdeh, president and curator for the local arts and entertainment company. In the theme of Global Activism, Mojdeh focused the lineup at the expo to include Chicago artist and musicians who are either activists through their music or represent global communities in the city. Some of the featured acts are Guerra Freitas (Angolan music), Son Del Viento (Son Jarocho music), Rebel Root Music (Reggae music) and Ogundamasa (Afro-Cuban music). McDonnell sees the expo as a rallying point for the Chicago community and an extension of what media can do for people. "It reminds us of the power of broadcasting to make a contribution to people lives here and around the world," he said. Discussion groups and presentations by the Global Activist will also be held in the classrooms at Northeastern University. Adriana Gallardo works as a production assistant for Worldview, which airs on 91.5 fm WBEZ, Chicago Public Radio, Monday through Friday at 12 p.m.; Monday through Thursday at 9 p.m. Global Activism Expo 2009 Editorial [see original image archive of the article below]
Northeastern University: Sports Complex
April 25
Noon to 6 p.m.
chicagopublicradio.org/expo
by Adriana Gallardo
www.lethalpoetry.com
