Here is the schedule of workshops for the 2012 Richmond Zine Fest!!!! The Richmond Zine Fest is Saturday October 6th from 11am to 6pm at the Gay Community Center of Richmond (1407 Sherwood Avenue). The Zine Fest and all workshops are free and open to the public. Over 40 people/groups will be tabling, selling their zines. And we have 6 workshops scheduled for this year!
12:00pm- Radical Mental Health – Mind(ful) Liberation Project – Description: This workshop will introduce folks to the idea of mental health from a radical, community-supported model, that encourages both proscriptive and prescriptive action to maintain mental wellness on individual and community levels. This workshop will be of use to those feeling burnt out, isolated, depressed, overwhelmed, in life, in work, in activism, as well as those just curious on radical alternatives.
Background info: Mind(ful) Liberation Project has brought a much-needed radical activist approach to mental well-being in RVA. We work tirelessly in destigmatizing and speaking out about differing mental health concerns, termed “mental illnesses” or “disorders” by the Psychiatric Industrial Complex. We were founded in 2010 with the idea that we can empower ourselves and our communities to candidly and openly talk about mental health and alternatives to mainstream mental health services. We work to create options and choices that are available to all.
Our principles include working beyond the medical model of mental health, educating ourselves about alternatives, balancing wellness and action, non judgment and respect for diversity, non-hierarchy and anti-oppression, nonviolence, and transparency.
1:00pm – Journaling As Art – Anya Lynn Garten – I will define artistic journaling and then share examples. Students will be asked to write and each student’s work will be workshopped in a group setting.
2:00pm – Introduction to Liberate RVA – Kal Molinet – Liberate RVA is a freedom movement against the occupation of violence in our community. If you’re curious about how to achieve real freedom in our lifetime, please join us in an active discussion and introduction in understanding what this freedom movement is all about!
3:00pm -Creative Writing: Short Fiction – Robert Mitchell – What makes a good short story, and how do you tell it in limited space? Sit down with your fellow ‘Zinesters and talk about the art of writing short fiction. Get and share tips and tricks, and learn to avoid the traps and pitfalls.
4:00pm – Teen Worker’s Rights – The Richmond Industrial Workers of the World – The Richmond branch of the Industrial Workers of the World seeks to empower young workers by educating them about their rights as employees in Virginia. These include many special rights, restrictions and exceptions regarding pay, hours, safety and benefits. We want to share our idea of solidarity unionism and show that all workers, no matter what their age, have the right to stand up and defend themselves and their fellow workers.
Participants will leave with a better understanding of their rights and detailed pamphlet and work journal.
5:00pm -Practicing Good Consent- Robin Leach – A brief workshop designed to create a space through which we can discuss how to deepen our practice of consent in relationships. We will be discussing how to assess our own boundaries and desires, and how to maintain consent and accountability. Whether you are curious about learning how to practice consent or want a place to check in with your own boundaries and methods of communication, this is a safe space to do so.
