Activism, Communication Ethics, and Social Justice Interest Group
Call for Papers and Panels
Central States Communication Association (CSCA)
Annual Convention-Cincinnati, Ohio
March 23-28, 2021
Inspire
We are living in a world that is increasingly defined by the isolation and distance necessary to combat the COVID-19 pandemic. Such isolation makes it difficult to carry on the work of social justice, and can potentially grind activism to a halt. Recognizing these enormous problems that face us today, our interest group seeks submissions that critically interrogate different ways that activists, advocates for social justice, and others in society inspire people in these unprecedented times. Explorations of such inspiration can help us to understand how people around the globe may overcome the distances (social and physical) that have left so many people feeling utterly alone, and communities on the fringes of society more vulnerable than ever before. We understand that inspiration can come in many different forms, and so we encourage submissions that explore, but are not limited to:
We also encourage submissions that explore inspiration in different sites around the globe:
Submissions that foreground the voices of marginalized groups, underrepresented scholars, non-academic activists, and public intellectuals are especially welcomed.
Paper Submissions
Papers may use any methodological or theoretical perspective (critical, rhetorical, qualitative, quantitative) and any formalized, consistent citation type (MLA, APA, Chicago, etc.). Paper submissions (including polished scholarship-in-progress submissions) are limited to 30 double-spaced pages (excluding references, cover page, abstract, and appendices).
Paper submissions must include a title and a brief abstract. The names of authors and all identifying information should be removed from the paper. Students should include the term “STUDENT” on the upper right-hand corner of the title page. If the paper will be a student debut, please type “DEBUT STUDENT” on the upper-right hand corner. To be considered a graduate student debut paper, the author must be a graduate student, the paper must have single authorship, and the paper must be the author’s first paper to CSCA. The division will make awards for the top paper and top student paper.
Panel Proposals
Panel proposals should outline a rationale for the panel, provide an overview of the goals of the panel, and describe the panelists. Panel proposals may follow a traditional discussion-based format, may involve performative elements, may involve local community members in a dialogue to understand and address issues of injustice, or any other creative format. There will be strong preference given to proposals that include panelists from multiple institutions and contexts.
Creative Works
To facilitate vibrant, generative, and robust dialogues and monologues, we also welcome independent or collaborative (e.g., panel proposals) submissions using creative, performance, artwork, crafts, poetry, or other embodied methods.
Technology requests for all papers and panels (or creative works) must be made at the time of submission. All submissions must be received by 11:59pm CDT, October 9, 2020. Please send submissions through the CSCA website (and create a profile on the CSCA convention webpage while you are at it!!).