CHICAGO — Former U.S. Ambassador-at-Large for International Religious Freedom, Rabbi David Saperstein, and journalist, playwright, and commentator, Wajahat Ali, join an impressive line-up of speakers at the Religion Communicators Council (RCC) Annual Convention. Addressing topics headlining our nightly news such as Islamophobia and religious freedom, these speakers will address the roles of faith communities in our present political climate.
Weaving current issues and hot topics with hands-on skills training and professional development, the convention will provide a rich exploration of the theme, “Virtually Here, There and Everywhere: Faith Communications and Presence.” Held March 30 – April 1 in Chicago, IL, this multi-faith forum is designed to enrich, engage, educate, and empower professional communicators of religion and faith-based issues. All who are interested are welcome to attend.
A wide range of topics will be addressed over the three days. Presentations that reflect on the theme of presence engage current topics such as defeating anti-Muslim and anti-immigrant movements by Kalia Abiade and challenging sexism and religion in the media by Dr. Glory Dharmaraj and Karri Whipple.
Presentations focused on communication include learning how to write “one sick blog” with Jessica Mesman Griffith and to produce “podcasts that are addictive” with David Dault, producer and host of “Things Not Seen: Conversations about Culture and Faith” and Rev. Steven Martin, director of communications and development for the National Council of the Churches of Christ, USA. Workshops also offer expert media training advice from Anuttama Dasa, director of communications for the International Society for Krishna Consciousness, and crisis communications insights from Katherine Kerr, APR, Polaris Non-Profit Solutions, LLC.
Presentations that explore lived faith include a workshop on creating meaningful materials for youth presented by the staff of Brilliant Star and KidSpirit Magazines. Site visits to St. James Cathedral in downtown Chicago and to The Bahá’í House of Worship in North America offer participants an opportunity to experience different worship spaces.
A full list of plenaries and workshop presenters is available at RCC convention web page.
Secular media’s coverage of faith and positive values will be honored at the Wilbur Awards Banquet on April 1. The Wilbur Awards have a long and prestigious history of recognizing communications excellence in a wide range of local and national outlets from CBS and CNN to Slate and The Atlantic Magazine.
For more information on the convention, including hotel information and registration, please visit the convention registration website. Venue for the three-day annual event is the Crowne Plaza Hotel Chicago O’Hare. Special room rates are available until March 15. Full registration is $395 and includes all presentations, workshops, scheduled meals, and awards banquets. Spouses or partners may attend for $295. Students can attend for $200. Individual event tickets will also be available from the event registration site.
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About the Religion Communicators Council
The Religion Communicators Council (RCC), founded in 1929, is an association of communications professionals who work for and with a diverse group of faith-based organizations in the areas of communications, public relations, marketing and development.
