For those of us internationals who care deeply about Palestine, it is hard to know just how to make a real difference. Probably the most significant way we can help is to change the foreign policy of our government (particularly if we are American). But while I keep trying on this front, I have come close to despair. I do sense some (too gradual for my taste) shifts in public opinion, but judging by all the political posturing at the AIPAC meeting this year, I feel fairly certain that the U.S. administration and -- especially -- Congress will be the last to change, and a loooong time from now.

SmartMeme is a non-profit training collective that works to empower and strength social movements through meme theory. They work with social justice movements to enhance story telling narratives and seep into dominant culture to change social attitudes and assumptions. SmartMeme works closely with youth and host a number of awesome resources for social movements on their website.

What's a meme?

As I write this article, world population has reached 7,146,021,283. No doubt when you read these words that number will be eclipsed by an amount equally mind-boggling. For me, this 10 digit number inspires nothing short of awe.

It also inspires a deep fear of the unknown. And mischievously twinned with that fear, I feel a tremor of excitement. This is the world I will (hopefully) grow old to breathe in, walk through, and experience as one among so many. Just think of the sheer weight of our collective humanity and its transformative potential.

Are you worried about changes in your city due to the 2010 Olympics?

Are you concerned about threats to the environment, arts & education and your rights as a young person in Vancouver?

What do you feel most strongly about?

This two-part workshop will be an opportunity to share your concerns, ideas, and visions of change, and to express yourself through collective art-making. You will also learn how to silkscreen, so you can print your
artwork by hand onto T-shirts, patches, and posters!

Absolutely NO previous art experience necessary.

Marginalized Youth and Contemporary Educational Contexts is part of a series of events focusing on collaborative community research as a systemic approach to changing front-line practice hosted by the Community Health Systems Resource Group (CHSRG) at The Hospital for Sick Children.