Protest to Podium: Teaching argumentation to advance advocacy from social media to city hall

Abstract

Online activism is a space of opportunity for students to encounter social justice issues, explore the possibilities of visual rhetoric, practice persuasive speaking skills, and actively contribute to the momentum of social movements. At the same time, digital activism raises concerns about slacktivism, limiting the necessary on-the-ground mobilization that turns the momentum of these movements into structural change. Protest to Podium meets this concern by merging digital activism, photojournalism, and public speaking, transforming the classroom into a space to engage with current social justice issues through the practice of persuasive speech. After being assigned a buzzworthy protest sign that has been photographed and posted on social media, students work to expound the argument alluded to on the sign and then role-play as constituents at a mock city hall hearing, presenting a persuasive speech to advance their cause. This experience encourages students to understand themselves as active members in the democratic process—virtually and materially—while appreciating evolving modes of activism and rhetoric. Courses Public Speaking, Visual Rhetoric, Social Movements, Advocacy, Argumentation. Objectives This activity will enable student to: (1) enact critical citizenship by interrogating issues of power and oppression from diverse perspectives; (2) demonstrate good research practices and informed media engagement; (3) construct and defend a sound argument using logic, reasoning, and persuasive argumentation strategies; and (4) assess the impact of rhetorical strategies in digital and visual communication for advocacy.