It began two months ago, tomorrow.
In the wake of a June 12 election in which the Iranian government carried election-rigging to surreal new heights, the Iranian people did not quietly stand down. With creativity, with passion, with determination, and in staggering numbers, they took to the streets with the color green, and one powerful question:
Where is my vote?
Tomorrow, August 13, it is my distinct pleasure to moderate an "in-world" Second Life panel that reflects on what has happened over the last two months, and looks to the future of online and in-world activism for nonviolent change.
More below the fold.
So by now, you've probably heard about a little shindig going on in Pittsburgh this week. You may even have read a diary recently talking about something a bit more obscure called Netroots Nation in Second Life, such as Hypatia Rizing's Free Ticket to Netroots Nation earlier tonight.
Our primary purpose in organizing NNSL is to stream live events from the brick-and-mortar conference into Second Life for people who can't make it to Pittsburgh this year. But in addition, we're very pleased to be presenting in-world-only panels and documentary screenings, as well as dances and other social events.
Few of these are more personally satisfying for me as moderating tomorrow's in-world panel "First They Ignore You": Organizing Online for Human Rights and Nonviolent Resistance in Iran, which takes place at Netroots Nation Arena tomorrow at 10:45 AM PDT. I'll be joined by three in-world activists, Siri Vita, millay Freschi, and Cotton Thorne who were among the most dedicated in-world folks organizing last weekend's PeaceFest, and whom I have come to know recently through activities in-world in support of the people of Iran and other events centered around Amnesty International, Peace Train, and other like-minded organizations.
It's my honor to now be able to call Siri, millay, and Cotton my friends, and my delight to hold a conversation with them exploring online and in-world ways of activism to support principled, nonviolent resistance, especially in Iran.
Netroots Nation in Second Life continues until our closing beach party Sunday afternoon. Along the way, we're also screening an episode of Brave New Films' In Their Boots, a repeat screening of Marshall Thompson's A Soldier's Peace, and a screening of Mike O'Connell's Mountain Top Removal with an interview with Mike to follow.
If you're not going to be in Pittsburgh, we hope you'll join us!