Session II: July 18-22, 2011

22. Linking Social Justice and Intercultural Communication in the Global Context Kathryn Sorrells Globalization has catapulted people from different cultures into shared and contested physical and virtual spaces in homes, relationships, schools, neighborhoods, and workplaces, resulting in new forms of misunderstanding and conflict as well as unparalleled potential for intercultural alliances. This workshop offers a critical, social justice approach to intercultural communication, providing theoretical frameworks and process models for developing dynamic, multicultural communities committed to a more just and equitable world.

Designed for Objectives Learning Activities Kathryn Sorrells Amer Ahmed Educators and trainers as well as organization and community leaders who want to gain proactive approaches to effectively link social justice and intercultural communication in the global context. Participants will have the opportunity to: Gain knowledge for understanding the complexities of intercultural alliance and resource building for social justice Gain theoretical frameworks and process models for developing dynamic, multicultural communities committed to equity and justice Translate theory into practice by engaging in and reflecting upon processes and practices for building socially responsible intercultural communities Learn from case studies that exemplify the success and challenges of linking intercultural communication and social justice work Learn pedagogies and practical methods for addressing intercultural conflict and building intercultural alliances Develop resources and connections among participants for intercultural partnerships committed to social justice Structured learning experiences will include: Lectures and discussions on social justice and intercultural communication paradigms Experiential activities and discussions on the role of power, privilege, and social responsibility for intercultural communication in the global context Presentation and discussion of case studies and site-based community action projects for developing intercultural alliances for social justice Small group and experiential activities to experience, reflect upon, and develop strategies for intercultural community building for social justice   Dr. Kathryn Sorrells is a professor in the Department of Communication Studies at California State University, Northridge. She teaches undergraduate and graduate courses in intercultural communication, intercultural training, cultural studies, and feminist theory. Kathryn has also designed and taught classes on communication and globalization, as well as global peace and justice. She has been instrumental in developing the Center for Human Relations and Social Justice, a center dedicated to teaching, research, and community action at California State University, Northridge. Kathryn has facilitated change processes for individuals, groups, and institutions in the areas of diversity, gender, and intercultural conflict. She is also a potter and artist, and she brings her creative interests into the classroom and scholarly work. Kathryn founded and directs the Communicating Common Ground Project, an innovative community action research project that develops creative alternatives to intercultural and interethnic conflict. She is the author of Globalizing Intercultural Communication and has published a variety of articles related to intercultural communication, gender, and social justice.   Amer Ahmed, the associate director of multi-ethnic student affairs at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, is an individual with eclectic personal and professional experience. He is a Hip Hop activist, spoken word poet, diversity consultant, and college administrator, channeling his diverse experiences into work geared towards facilitating effective intercultural development. Amer’s education in anthropology and Black studies, his extensive global experiences, and his role as co-chair for the Board of Directors of Hip Hop Congress support his efforts to address issues of social justice that continue to face traditionally marginalized communities.