This is an especially important time for anthropology. Today’s anthropologists are making remarkable contributions to human understanding and tackling the pressing problems that demand solutions in 2020 and beyond. We have a world of information the world needs to know, and now there’s an opportunity for you to add to the national and international conversations that affect all of us.
Due to the popularity of last year’s OpEd Project, the American Anthropological Association is once again offering up to 20 members the opportunity to take part in “Write to Change the World” workshops organized and facilitated by The OpEd Project – a think tank and leadership organization that accelerates the ideas and impact of underrepresented voices, including women. They are a community of journalists and thought leaders who actively share knowledge, resources, and connections with stunning results.
Programs are based on time-tested models of transformational learning. Games, high stakes scenarios, and live experiments challenge participants to think in new and bigger ways. You will explore the source of credibility; the patterns and elements of persuasion; the difference between being “right” and being effective; and how to think bigger about what you know—to have more impact in the world. Participants emerge with concrete results (op-ed drafts and more), and access to a national network of journalist mentors for individual follow up.
The Op-Ed Project’s virtual workshops are broken into multiple sessions and use interactive video to connect participants with each other (in pairs, in small groups, and as a cohort) via virtual chat rooms. All participants will have follow-up access to journalist mentors for individual feedback on their op-ed drafts. To make it easier for those with busy schedules, there are three different schedule options to choose from:
Option 1: One-day Sprint: Two x 3-hour sessions in one day (with long lunch in between)
Option 2: Two-part Intensive: Two x 3-hour sessions over two days (consecutive days, or not)
Option 3: Four-part Series: Four x 2 hour sessions over four days (approx. once per week)
Registration expenses for those selected will be paid for by AAA. In addition to the journalist mentors at the OpEd Project, AAA will also arrange for special “coaches/mentors” to provide participants with feedback on topics, drafts, and placement choices post-workshop. To be considered, please submit by July 30th:
Please send all information to AAA Director of Communications and Public Affairs, Jeff Martin using this form.
During this tumultuous time, it is important we publish our anthropological scholarship and expertise so that our leaders and the public get the information and ideas they need to make the best decisions. Op-eds aren’t the only answer, but they’re a great start to an increased public awareness of the important contributions made by our field. As the OpEd Project states, “We believe the best ideas, regardless of where they come from, should have a chance to be heard and change the world.”
