The Backbone Campaign is Coming to Rochester

The Backbone Campaign will be in Rochester from April 23-25 for workshops and a "Procession for the Future", which is a creative organizing tool to inspire, educate and train students, youth and concerned citizens to be more effective activists in this critical time.

What is the Procession for the Future?
The Procession for the Future is a touring parade, using high production value art and spectacle to animate our aspirations and deliver a compelling progressive vision for the country. The 20+ plus giant puppets and inflatables portray a set of progressive policy priorities such as:

* Fair Trade, Living Wage Jobs & Healthy Local Economies
* Climate Stabilization, Ecological Sustainability & Renewable Energy
* End of War, Dismantling of Empire & the Military Industrial Complex
* Election Integrity & Renewal of Democracy
* Housing, Education and Health Care for All
* Humane & Fair Immigration Policy
* Celebration of Diversity & Elimination of Racial Disparities
* Governmental Accountability and Transparency

Art Is an Instrument for Social Change
Bertold Brecht wrote, "Art is not a mirror with which we reflect reality, but a hammer with which we shape it." We know that art can help shape the political landscape in this country. The Backbone Campaign believes that this artistic project is an antidote to powerlessness, and division. It communicates that the issues we care about are connected, that a progressive vision for the future is beautiful, and that participating in a movement can be fun!

Workshops will include Creative tactics and Art for Social Change, Drumming for demonstrations, sick screening, freeway banner making and puppet making. Go to the Backbone Campaign's website for dates and times of events.

For more information contact Susan at 663-7881 or at backboneinrochester (at) yahoo.com.

Susan
Schedule:
Main event: Saturday April 25, 2009
Noon at St. Joesph’s House of Hospitality 402 South Avenue1:00pm parade up South Avenue to Lutheran Church of Peace at 125 Caroline Street
Rally, Music and activist training to follow

Free Workshops:
Thursday April 23, 2009
6:30-9:00 pm at Lutheran Church of Peace 125 Caroline Street
Arts for Social Change and Drumming for Demonstrations

Friday April 24, 2009 from 5:00pm to 8pm at Lattimore 201 University of Rochester
Creative tactics and arts for social change, DIY silkscreening, freeway banner build and more