June 2022, Design Justice Newsletter
Dear DJN Members, Signatories, and Friends,
This last month held a lot. As we continue to move forward with a shared alignment of design justice we encourage all members to make space for restoration. In whatever way that makes sense for you. Our collective mission is rooted in a sense of abundance, possibility, and joy. This sits in relation to providing connection, care, and community for others and ourselves. There has been both a lot to grieve and celebrate this month. So we offer this as a reminder to pause, process, and pour into yourself, when you can.
We have some important updates this month. The Allied Media Conference kicked off today. As many of you know the AMC holds a special place in DJN’s history and offers us a space to connect in person. This year Principles at Work Group will be putting on a virtual session called Fold, Talk and Paste: Toward Liberatory Practices at Work tomorrow morning. You can find more information below.
Principles at Work has also released a new zine called, from the From the Desk of Designers and Researches bringing Design Justice Principles to Work. This was a large effort by coordinators of PAW Zine working group and features member contributions. You can download the zine for free here. You can support by spreading the word. It's an amazing resource!
Next we have an announcement in regard to the Steering Committee. We are sad to share that Denise Shanté will be stepping down this coming July. Sad because they will be missed but excited to see what the next chapter has in store for them. They have poured so much into the network. You may be familiar with the Care Circle, which is an initiative cultivated by Denise Shanté but they also help in many other ways. You will find a note from Denise Shanté with more details below. We are deeply grateful for their support, visioning and our time together.
In alignment with shifts, there are some big shifts happening among staff. Over the past few months we have been working on restructuring our positions to better meet the needs of the network. We are now ready to announce that we will be moving into new positions starting July 1st. Victoria will be the network's Node and Working Group Manager; to build resources, systems and support. Taylor will be the network’s Special Projects Manager, supporting member benefits and programming. We will be sending a follow up email soon with more details.
Last thing we want to share is that our next network pause will be from August 28th – September 11th. During this time Staff and SC will be making intentional space for rest and wellness. We invite you to join us on this pause in whatever way works for you.
Taylor Simone and Victoria Barnett, International Network Coordinators, Design Justice Network, and the DJN Communications team!
Email: designjusticenetwork@gmail.com
Instagram: @designjusticenetwork
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/designjusticenetwork
Twitter: @design__justice (double underscore)
Web: designjustice.org
"Mainstream design is upholding the status quo in India right now. Trying to find places and spaces where these conversations are happening, definitely there are pockets and these conversations are happening. So building on these conversations, taking them to different places, to different people, and learning from them as well. Because again, we're not gatekeeping, so learning what design means to them or what the process is for other people, that is something that is definitely something we're looking forward to.”
- Bhawna Parmar
Bhawna and Rubina are the cofounders of Barabar Design, an Indian social design collaborative.
Bhawna is a social designer, researcher and an artist with varied experience across disciplines trying to find meaning at the intersections of co-design, research and social justice. Rubina is a social designer and artist. Rubina trained in law as well as design, which shaped her journey in rights-based social justice work for the last ten years.
This is an interview with Rubina Singh and Bhawna Parmar & conducted by Lydia Hooper.
Here is a link to read Rubina’s and Bhawna's full story/interview.
The end of this coming July will be the closing of my role as DJN Steering Committee Member. My attention and capacity will be tending to the seed of care that we've committed to as a network and us envisioning futures "where design is used to support care, healing, liberation, joy, and deep sustainability." I want to reflect on our Care Circle sessions so far, be in conversation with our members about what it means to take care within design justice, and bring in funding that can support deeper work around us no longer compromising ourselves or our bodies for movements.
Leaving my current role will allow me to redirect my energies from what feels like a struggle to maintain within the day-to-day workings of the Steering Committee and give that care and attention to a dedicated effort. I've so much love for what's possible and everything DJN has brought into my life since discovering the network in 2016. I want all of these visions that each of us have been holding to unfold and for us to be catalysts for transforming the way design justice movements move and function in the world — hopefully from a place and space of care with strategies that grow and deepen and liberate. I believe it can be so.
-Denise Shanté
Find events happening this month or go to designjustice.org/events for more. If you have ideas on how our events can be more accessible, please send us an email.
Wed. July 6th, 9:00 am – 10:00 am EST: Welcome to the Design Justice Network Session
Tue. July 26th, 5:00pm PST: Vancouver DJN Monthly (Book Reading)
Wed. July 27th, 3:00pm ET: DJN Instructional Design Working Group - Book Club
Wed. July 27th, 8:00pm ET: DJN Instructional Design Working Group - Book Club
Translate to your timezone using thetimezoneconverter.com or timeanddate.com.
All of our current nodes and working groups are listed on our website. If you’re thinking of starting your own, learn more about how to organize a local node and read our local nodes zine that was created to support and give guidance to local nodes. (much of it applies also to Working Groups).
If you know of any upcoming opportunities, please email us or share directly in the Design Justice Network #opportunities Slack channel. Wishing you luck as you look for your next opportunity!
Design Justice Network opportunities
Would you be willing to share your experiences with the Design Justice Network? There are no prerequisites (including a traditional design background), and past stories have featured members working in a variety of fields such as social work, community organizing, and handicrafts. We make the process easy for you (no writing involved!) and will only share what/how you consent for us to. We are particularly interested in hearing from members outside of Europe and the North American East Coast. If you have questions or interests, please contact Lydia at designjusticenetwork@gmail.com.
If you’re new to the Design Justice Network, welcome! Here are some resources to help get you started. As we continue to build these resources we welcome your questions and feedback.
Read an overview on how to get involved
Watch one of our Welcome to the Design Justice Network meeting recordings (Nov. 30, 2021 session is now uploaded)
Check out our YouTube channel
Read about our membership benefits
Receive care in our Design Justice Network Care Circle (a benefit for DJN Members)
Review our finances.
Check out some DJN activities (NEW - these resources are being built)
Manage your subscription
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