Fusion RiseUp: Full Agenda of Events
LatestAt a time of profound upheaval in our world, RiseUp is gathering leading young global activists, artists, technologists and political leaders to explore how to transform rising tides of protest into a positive wave of social progress.
This one-day event will feature conversations, provocations, and deep insight into global youth protest movements and the ascendant power of technologies and people to inspire and improve lives.
8:45 AM – 8:55 AM
WELCOME
Jorge Ramos, Fusion, introduces Marcus Brauchli, Chair, RiseUp
8:55 AM – 9:00 AM
Opening remarks by John Cho, Emcee
9:00 AM – 9:45 AM
OPENING CONVERSATION: THE CHANGE IMPERATIVE
Cory Booker, Senator (D-NJ) in conversation with Alicia Menendez, Fusion
9:45 AM – 10:45 AM
THE MOMENT
A conversation with activists on the front lines. What inspires action and propels someone to get involved? What factors must align for a movement to coalesce: frustration, the possibility of change, the right tools?
Speakers
Yon Goicoechea, opposition activist, Venezuela
Wei Liulin, founder, “White Shirt Army,” Taiwan
Chernor Bah, global youth activist, Sierra Leone
Gisela Perez de Acha, 132 Movement, Mexico
Moderator – Jorge Ramos
10:45AM – 11:00 AM
STORYTELLERS’ STAGE
Throughout the day, Storytellers’ Stage showcases compelling personal stories about creativity, protest, failure, and persistence, told by today’s leading young activists, artists and innovators.
Speakers
Sofia Campos, Board Chair, United We Dream
Wael Ghonim, Internet activist
Viraj Puri, founder, Bullyvention
11:00-11:10
BREAK
11:10-12:10
RYOT HOUR: EARTH IN THE DIGITAL AGE
So, you want to save the world (literally). How do you use the tools of the information age to spread the word on environmental and animal welfare causes? How can people reconsider their relationship with animals, and the consequencesof that relationship? Speakers discuss the new tools of activism, how to marshal collective action, and forging connections between diverse audiences and the natural world. (Jointly presented with Ryot)
Speakers
Jo-Anne McArthur, animal rights activist and subject, “The Ghosts In Our Machine”
Madison Stewart, ocean/shark conservation advocate
Nico Ibarguen, Fusion
Moderator – Molly Swenson, COO, Ryot
12:15 PM – 12:45 PM
Samantha Power, U.S. Ambassador to the U.N., in conversation with Jorge Ramos
FUSION LAB/LUNCH
The lab starts with several lightning-style talks with people creating new platforms and channels for activism. Attendees then break out into clusters to meet with speakers over lunch and discuss their own solutions to thorny social and political challenges like human rights abuses or poverty.
Lab Leaders
Benjamin Knight, founder, Loomio
David Keyes, Movements.org
CL Kao, founder, g0v.tw
Eileen Guo, Impassion Media, Afghanistan
Aliya Rahman, director, Code for Progress
Moderator – Felix Salmon, Fusion
1:45 PM – 2:45 PM
TECHNOLOGY: PROMISE AND PERIL
Activists around the world are trying to unleash the productive power of technology without falling afoul of repressive regimes. This debate-style session examines how technology is affecting the distribution and exercise of power, highlighting competing views and drawing lessons from the past to better understand where things are heading. (Jointly presented with Brigade)
Speakers
Sascha Meinrath, founder X-Lab, New America Foundation
Baglan Nurhan, Revenue Chief, AnchorFree
Gayle Karen Young, Chief Talent and Culture Officer, Wikimedia Foundation
James Windon, President, Brigade
Marc Rotenberg, founder and executive director, EPIC
Moderator – Alexis Madrigal, Fusion
2:45 PM-2:55 PM
STORYTELLERS’ STAGE
Throughout the day, Storytellers’ Stage showcases compelling personal stories about creativity, protest, failure, and persistence, told by today’s leading young activists, artists and innovators.
Speakers
Mike Kim, North Korean refugee activist
Ala’a, Syrian American activist, subject of “#ChicagoGirl”
2:55 PM – 3:15 PM
Nadya Tolokonnikova and Masha Alekhina of Pussy Riot, in conversation with Alicia Menendez
3:15-3:17
Message to RiseUp attendees from Reince Preibus, chair, Republican National Committee
3:15 PM – 3:30 PM
Movie clip, Spike Lee interview clip, introduced by Jorge Ramos
3:40 PM – 4:30 PM
Attendees have a choice of:
1- MAKING PROTEST MATTER
How do you hold on to progress and make it last? Are there ways to change the system from within? Conversation in the round with experts from the worlds of advocacy, journalism and government, focusing on the best ways to lock down gains and push a movement forward.
Speakers
Dante Barry, Executive Director, Million Hoodies Movement
Michael Tubbs, Stockton Council Member
Maria Ressa, CEO, Rappler
David Burstein, Founder, Run for America
Paula Recart, North America Leader, Ashoka
Moderator – Nando Vila, Fusion
2- SURMOUNTING THE SETBACK
The truth is, most movements experience numerous setbacks. When you’re pelted with stories of success, getting there doesn’t always feel real or achievable. What lessons are learned from setbacks? How can you move on to achieve your goals?
Speakers
Cansu Yapici, Taksim Solidarity
Walid Al-Saqaf, Cyber activist, Yemen
Marvin Ammori, SOPA legal activist
Emily Jacobi, Founder, Digital Democracy
Moderator – Felix Salmon, Fusion
3- WINNING FRIENDS AND INFLUENCING PEOPLE
What can we learn from small movements that have achieved global impact? How can you reach multiple audiences, and what advocacy strategies work best – especially on a shoestring budget? What are the best ways to leverage technology?
Speakers
Naomi Hirabayashi, CMO, Dosomething.org
Caitria O’Neill, Founder, recovers.org
Nyle Fort, Activist, Ferguson October/Black Lives Matter
Robert Munuku, Activist, Mtaani News Bureau (Kenya)
Moderator – Anna Holmes, Fusion
4:45 PM –5:15 PM
RYOT HOUR – SPOTLIGHT: ACTIVISM
How do you use the spotlight to raise awareness around important causes? Our panel discusses strategies for using celebrity to achieve impact.
Speakers
Dawn Olivieri, Actor and Environmental Activist
Nikki Reed, Actor and Environmental Activist
Iris Andrews, Greenpeace
Moderator – Bryn Mooser, Co-founder, Ryot
5:15 PM – 9:00 PM
DOWN TIME
9:00 PM – late
RISEUP AFTER PARTY
Featuring live performances from rising young artists and DJs, including
Jon Batiste
Juan Fonseca
DJ Stiletto
Cucu Diamantes
Music Director: Andres Levin