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Learn New Tricks at the RCC 2017 Annual Convention in Chicago

February 17, 2017

Combatting fake news and debunking fear-mongering media headlines on religion around the world is a responsibility we all share. 
In fact, it’s a pillar of the Parliament’s mission to engage the media, one of the most influential of guiding institutions. This means not just correcting bad coverage, but of creating good coverage, too. 
And – if the interfaith movement can prove more adept in this arena by helping convince and equip the media to produce more accurate, more positive, and more people-centered stories featuring diverse faith- and cultural-perspectives, won’t living in harmony for more peaceful, just and sustainable world become more achievable? 
Yes! But this requires learning new skills and becoming even more clever about doing “outreach.”
That’s why the staff at the Parliament of the World’s Religions is excited about the Religion Communicators Council Annual Convention meeting this spring in the City of Chicago – here in the birthplace of the global interfaith movement and the city we call home. 

There we’ll see familiar faces to the Parliament in keynotes from Rabbi David Saperstein and Inner-City Muslim Action Network (IMAN) Founder Dr. Rami Nashashibi and hear from current mainstream media personalities like Wajahat Ali. 
And, across breakout sessions, participants will sharpen their skills in using social media, publishing online, building a more engaged audience, plugging awesome work through public relations – and making sense of the world of media relations (…always new tricks to learn).
The theme, “Virtually Here, There and Everywhere: Faith Communications and Presence,” is a timely take on both the obstacles and availability of fresh resources found today at the intersection of religion and communications – a space we all tend to congregate, but one that we can map out a little better, and maybe even start to manage like pros. 
WHAT ELSE IS SO COOL ABOUT #RCC2017CHICAGO: 
Download the Brochure, Including Registration Form and Program Details HERE and read for yourself, or consider these fast facts:

Convention Attendees can take day-trips and night outings to explore the entertainment scene and some sacred sites around Chicago.
Chicagoland locals can register for evening programs only, like the DeRose-Hinkhouse Awards (honoring communications talent) or the Wilbur Awards (honoring religious media). 
Attendees can sign up as new members of RCC and pursue PR certification.
5 Plenaries & 10+ workshops over 3 days means close networking with presenters and fellow participants.
Participants work for media outlets and faith-focused organizations from across North America and additional global regions.
Religion Communicators Council Annual Convention 2017 is being hosted with the support of volunteers across Chicago, including your friends at the Parliament of the World’s Religions.

 
If this sounds like an event that might benefit you personally, professionally, or even spiritually, do think about joining us March 30 – April 1. Take in some sessions, make new contacts, and enjoy spring in Chicago! When you’re ready to sign up or check out more information, visit ReligionCommunicators.org.  We also invite you to join us in supporting this excellent organization and helping people of faith and our religious institutions communicate 2017-style by simply sharing an announcement with your networks. 
Registration is open now and offers several schedule-based fees to work well with your calendar and pocketbook.
Let the Parliament and your friends know you’ve registered by posting a public social media post with the hashtag #RCC2017CHICAGO. 
Why I’m going: 
By harnessing the tools offered by the program and experts of 2017’s Religion Communicators Council convention, I believe we can unlock the power of storytelling, and hopefully inspire more of our fellow humans to become curious about looking outside their own faith- and cultural- boxes to innovate solutions to serious issues.
And, if you, like me, believe media should become a more invested partner to interfaith movements in bettering relationships among communities, instigating new collaborations, and making the world a more peaceful, just and sustainable place, I’ll see you in Chicago in late March!