More than 46 million U.S. residents live in poverty. Income inequality has reached record levels. Yet poverty and inequality seldom galvanize the mainstream media or elected officials. This program will introduce students to foundational social and economic concepts related to poverty and privilege. We will examine issues though the lens of intersecting community problems, with particular attention to the historical dynamics of race, class, and gender. Linking problems to potential solutions, we will ask: How can writing and speaking be used to address issues of poverty in transformative ways? How can we reach across significant differences to open both minds and hearts?  What can we learn from the rhetorical strategies of past and present movements for economic justice? What are the available means of persuasion, and how do we choose among them?  How can advocates get their messages heard despite the constraints of corporate-dominated media?

Writing and Speaking for Change is recommended for students interested in affecting public policy and educating the broader public about complex issues. We will consider the elements of effective, content-based advocacy including communicating with elected officials and the media.  Special attention will be given to writing skills for print and online media and to public speaking skills for live audiences and radio. Students will learn introductory technical skills needed for social media, web publishing, and audio production.  During winter quarter, students will work on a substantial advocacy project that may be shared with the community in written or broadcast format.  This program satisfies communication requirements for selected Master in Teaching endorsement areas.