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The Spectator
A New Take on Activism
by Katrina Rabeler '12Features Writer
November 06, 2009
There have been several interesting lectures in the past two weeks at Hamilton. Topics have included Carcinogous fire retardants in furniture, mountaineering expeditions in Nepal, "Sex and Sustainability" and Jennifer Lowe-Anker's memoir about an avalanche killing her husband and the climbing school for Sherpa she founded in memory of him.
Hamilton's campus has been buzzing with inspirational speakers who have generally stressed the same points. Every one of these lecturers mentioned the need for environmental sustainability, the connection between environmental and public health, social justice issues and the urgency of making a difference in our society.
This Friday, Nov. 6, one event aims to tie it all together. "Soul Purpose" consists of a workshop called "Awakening the Dreamer" and a band from Boston called Melodeego, followed by The Tetris Effect, an on-campus band.
Open to all students, faculty and members of the broader community, the "Awakening the Dreamer Symposium" takes everything we know academically and puts it into a more emotional context. Through music, reflection, interaction and videos featuring speakers such as Desmond Tutu, Majora Carter and Julia Butterfly Hill, the symposium suggests the possibility of building a just, meaningful and lasting society.
The symposium was designed by the Pachamama Alliance, a coalition of Americans and the indigenous Achwar people of Ecuador, who came together to preserve the Amazon forests. Specifically, the "Awakening the Dreamer Symposium" aims to accelerate the emergence of an environmentally sustainable, spiritually fulfilling and socially just human presence on this planet.
While presenting factual information, the symposium puts these issues at a personal level: putting the emotions back into the academic. Participants are inspired to reconnect with their deep concern for our world, and are empowered to make a difference. Volunteers Judy Leaf from New York City and Greg Reinauer from Boston will be leading the symposium.
Seven students from Hamilton, most of them graduates of the class of 2009, attended "Awakening the Dreamer" at PowerShift, an environmental conference in Washington, D.C., last spring. The students were so inspired by the workshop that they decided to bring it to Hamilton.
Will Thoreson-Green '12, who attended the symposium, said, "'Awakening the Dreamer' helped me explore the emotional and spiritual connection I have with nature, allowing me to understand environmental issues on a whole new level." Thoreson-Green admits that the symposium sounds a bit weird to people who haven't attended: "I only ended up going by chance and I was skeptical at first but it ended up being my favorite part of the PowerShift weekend," he said.
Following "Awakening the Dreamer" is Melodeego, a high energy rock, funk and soul four-man band whose lyrics address the same issues as the symposium. PowerShift 2009 described Melodeego by saying, "It's like Mick Jagger & James Brown had a baby and picked Al Gore to be the godfather." People who have attended a Melodeego concert predict contagious dancing and inspiration all in one night.
A testament to its diversity, "Soul Purpose" is sponsored by HEAG, the Dean of Students Office, the Womyn's Center, the Chaplaincy and Amnesty International. Participants are encouraged to arrive at 4 p.m., since the symposium is a journey that is best experienced from start to finish. The first 50 people to arrive will receive free hand-woven bracelets made by indigenous women of the Andes. Additionally, HEAG will be handing out free mugs at the event.
Will Gowen '11, who attended "Awakening the Dreamer" at PowerShift 2009, said, "'Awakening the Dreamer' is an awesome symposium that pushes you to... realize the issues facing us in this world today. Effectively using tools such as digitial media, group discussion, music and meditation, it leaves attendees invigorated and motivated to push for positive change in the world."