Documentary: THE SOCIAL DILEMMA and Social Media

Social media has been the focus of criticism in recent years. Following our review of Social Warming, we’re presenting a recent documentary about the hazards of social media. Although making its premiere on Netflix, The Social Dilemma is now available for viewing on YouTube. Catch the embed below.

(If you see only code, you can find it via direct YouTube link. It’s also a must-watch, especially for social media professionals).

As always, you’re welcome to join the conversation on our Facebook page or contact us via email.

And thanks for reading!

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November 2nd: Gun Violence Globally & Locally Film Festival

(Special thanks to Linda Stettler of Netsquared Chicago for bringing this to my attention) 

In current conversations around gun violence, from concerns about films to the usual decrying of “thoughts and prayers”, one critical conversation is often left out: the long-term impact of gun violence on its victims. Although the media may focus on incidents of gun violence, the voices of those impacted can often get lost especially from smaller, marginalized communities.

On November 2nd at 11:00 am, Docademia/StoryBolt and Humanity Rising are partnering to present the 3rd Annual Gun Violence Globally and Locally Film Festival at the Gene Siskel Film Center in downtown Chicago. Both organizations hope that the Film Festival organizes the wider Chicago community and inspire dialogue – and action – through storytelling and the arts.

Joining the Jury Committee for the Gun Violence Globally and Locally Film Festival will be Kim A. Snyder, the documentary filmmaker of Newtown which focused on the Sandy Hook school shooting. Kim Snyder will participate in a panel discussion moderated by David Cherry,  Senior Leadership Team leader of the All Stars Project, focusing on the issue of gun violence both within and outside of Chicago. (Other panel participants include Parkland survivors and other Chicago community activists).

Other highlights of the film festival include a screening of the winning documentary with the opportunity to speak with the filmmaker, and an art exhibition showcasing works created by elementary students from “O Block” who are addressing gun violence in Southside Chicago. Activists from organizations like March for Our Lives will also be participating in the Festival’s conversations about gun violence. Food will be catered by the Spirit and Soul Catering Company who specializes in “Southern Cuisine with that Midwest Swing”

One of the purposes of this blog is to highlight stories that need to be told, but also inspire people to take action. Media coverage of gun violence (both within and outside of Chicago) tends to focus on the immediate aftermath without discussing the long term impact. Although there may be a conversation about legislative efforts to combat gun violence, stories of people surviving the aftermath often diminish or (in some cases) get ignored. The Gun Violence Globally and Locally Film Festival is a great effort to bring attention, ensure those stories are heard and most importantly, encourage people to become active and advocate within their community.

We’re glad to highlight this event on the blog, and hope you can attend.  Tickets are available through Eventbrite until October 31st.

Please join us in conversation via the comments section below, or follow the blog on Facebook. If you want to contact us directly, please check out this blog’s About page.

And as always, thanks for reading!

Film Fun Friday Through Tuesday for Non-Bears Fans

So we’re all familiar with the news that the Chicago Bears trounced the Dallas Cowboys and will be playing the Dallas Cowboys….but for those who have an interest in socially aware events, there are some great events starting Friday – and ending on Tuesday – that will be of great interest.

“Visual storytelling” is one of the new hot terms in non-profit/socially conscious tech, with infographics and “viral videos” becoming the norm on channels like Pinterest. One really exciting event that you may want to check out to see how video is empowering individuals to document social change is this weekend’s Chicago International Social Change Film Festival, being held at the Showplace Icon Theater at 150 W. Roosevelt Road.

Despite being centered in Chicago, the CISCFF will be showing a variety of films from around the world. With increasing use of visual media by non-profits and other social change agents, this is a great opportunity to witness firsthand people deciding to make positive change…and more importantly, to document it.

You are also more than invited to attend the upcoming Chicago Net Tuesday meeting on October 9th. There, we will be focusing on several upcoming initiatives, including DexCon (a conference in late October focusing on digital excellence and digital literacy), the Chicago Broadband Challenge, and efforts to assist the Community Male Empowerment Project in their advocacy efforts. We’ll even have food and refreshments, and you’re more than welcome to RSVP via our Meetup site.

So for those of you who aren’t football fans – or even those who are, but want to learn more about some great local events that focus on tech & the social good – this has been for you. As always, please leave comments and questions below, or drop me a note via Linked In (just cite Chicago Now in your note) or my web site’s contact form.

And as always, thanks for reading!