Rhetoric in action

1. Rhetoric in action Presented by the Celebrate Student Success Committee With Contributions From: Nancy Lewis Marian Conklin Brittney Geil Brianna Jerman Haili Vinson

2. SOCIAL ACTION For Project 3, you will perform an action that could reasonably make an impact toward solving your social problem or injustice. Your social action should be effective and original, because if you simply repeat something that has already been tried, it probably won’t go far in helping your cause. This presentation has collected ideas from several FYC instructors and program resources to help you devise a unique and persuasive social action.

3. SOCIAL ACTION TOPICS To choose a topic that truly interests you, it’s helpful to explore your emotions, especially negative emotions like sadness, anger, frustration, etc. FYC has a useful presentation, courtesy of Jamie Cooper, for tapping into your feelings here called “Accessing Emotions.”

4. The action Once you have chosen a problem or injustice that is important to you, start thinking about ways to resolve it. You might have read suggestions like handing out informational pamphlets, writing a letter, or creating a Facebook page.

5. While these actions can attract an audience’s attention, such attention is usually short-term and usually doesn’t result in real change, as these mediums are so commonly encountered in everyday life. Facebook pages exist by the thousands. Pamphlets are easily thrown away. It’s also difficult (though not impossible) to reach someone via a letter who is both interested in and capable enough to help remedy your social problem. If you use one of these forms of media, plan to coordinate it with another type of action.

6. Course capstone Perhaps the best way to think about your social action is as a capstone to ENC 1102. You began by learning about the rhetorical appeals and how to use them; you then made your own argument in Project 2. Consider Project 3 as your chance to apply everything that you have learned about delivering an effective argument in writing toward new forms of media. As a capstone, your social action should require more time and creativity than you put into any earlier assignment.

7. agency The term agency as you have likely encountered it refers to the art of using writing to channel your voice and authority. Project 3 takes agency to the next level: using different forms of media to effect change. It’s important that you believe in the power of your own voice to make a difference, as the effectiveness of any social action depends partly on the confidence of its architect. Ultimately, you should be proud of the social action that you create.

8. Social action examples The next few slides feature some of the most creative and persuasive social actions from previous ENC 1102 students. Think about the different forms of media that these students use and what makes them particularly effective. • "A Stolen Fairytale” (PSA to stop child sexual abuse) • "Tomato Talk” (Interviews to raise awareness about modern-day slavery) • "Go Green!” (Ways to reduce an individual’s carbon footprint) • "Tampa Homeless Speak” (Interviews with homeless individuals)

9. Meet the recycle bot To demonstrate the increased need for recycling, a USF student retrieved recyclable items that had been thrown into the trash, and, after a short time, collected enough to build her own mannequin.

10. Flash mobs • A flash mob is a coordinated and spontaneous “mob” that seeks to bring attention to a cause or problem. This is a good example (not from USF) that celebrates recycling efforts, and here is a flash mob that encourages people to boycott Target stores.

11. Slut walks Check out these pictures of Susan Taylor’s students responding to those who blame sexual abuse on women’s revealing attire.

12. Group work • As you have seen, both individuals and groups are capable of creating memorable and persuasive social actions. When working in groups, develop a social action that requires multiple talents and contributions from several members. • For instance, if you were working on a flash mob, one person could handle the logistics of finding your location (this includes gaining permission when necessary), one member could record your activities, and all of you would participate in the mob and decide what your actions will consist of.

13. Service learning Volunteering your time is a great way to make a difference. Doing so allows you, in some cases, to interact directly with the group most affected by your social injustice. Check out the following links for more information about how you can donate your time. • The Coalition of Immokalee Workers (modern-day slavery) • Metropolitan Ministries (homelessness) • The Laundry Love Project • Food Not Bombs Consider writing a creative story about your experience, making a video about it, or putting together a collage of photos to accompany your service learning day.

14. RHETORIC IN ACTION DAY Each semester, FYC’s Student Success Committee highlights social actions for Project 3 at Rhetoric in Action Day, held at the Marshall Center. This year’s Rhetoric in Action Day is Wednesday, December 5. This is your chance to proudly display your work to fellow students and to FYC instructors. Watch the Rhetoric in Action Day video from last year here!

15. Student reflections

16. Words of empowerment

17. Finally, a little motivation The power of one person

18. Thank you! We hope this presentation has inspired you to create a visionary and moving social action that raises awareness about your chosen topic and encourages others to join your cause. Good luck, and we look forward to seeing you at Rhetoric in Action Day!