Park Scholars Participate in Book Review of Clay Shirkey's "Here Come's Everybody: The Power of Organizing Without Organizations"

Michele Maciejewski, 2/22/2009  ·  0 comments

By: Meg Loftus '09

Park Scholars gathered Saturday for the book review of Clay Shirky’s Here Comes Everybody: The Power of Organizing Without Organizations.

      “This book speaks to all of us, regardless of major,” said Matt Fee, director of the Park Scholar program.

      Shirky’s book is a sociological perspective on the changing ways people are meeting and connecting, a useful tome for communications students.

      The day started off in small group discussions. Dean Dianne Lynch, Jack Powers, Kim Gregson and Fee moderated the talks, which gave Park Scholars the chance to share their thoughts on the book and debate scholars across class levels.

      “It was nice to get together one last time before I graduate and get to discuss an important societal issue with my peers,” said senior journalism major Andrew Zivic.

      After the lunch break, the scholars reconvened for video screenings, utilizing new technology to talk about new technology. Clay Shirky made an appearance, albeit digitally, to talk about some of his ideas. Scholars also watched presentations from Oscar Morales, founder of One Million Voices Against FARC, and Egyptian bloggers. Both videos talked about leveraging new technologies to create social change.

      Senior Caitlin Castle, an integrated marketing communications major, said the experiences of Morales and the bloggers was inspiring. “To be able to learn about how these technologies impacted social movements and made a real difference in the world was moving,” she said.

      Started four years ago, the book review has become a staple of the Park Scholar program. “It’s really important for us to get together to debate and discuss ideas,” said Fee.