ROWE — Mike Bonanno and Andy Bichlbaum, who make up “The Yes Men,” believe in using parody campaigns to draw attention to real social issues, a tactic they refer to as “laughtivism.”
Through this method, Bonanno and Bichlbaum get audiences to think about serious topics while using humor to keep them interested. They are hosting a weekend workshop called “Advanced Mischief for Activists, Artists and Troublemakers” at The Rowe Center from Sept. 16 to Sept. 18, where people can learn this tactic and how to launch activism campaigns.
“For the last 50 years, The Rowe Conference Center has been offering programs on a variety of areas including social justice, which is close to our hearts,” noted The Rowe Center’s Program Director Arthur Samuelson.
Activists who have hosted social justice workshops at the center in the past include Abbie Hoffman, Dr. Benjamin Spock, Ralph Nader and Ruby Sales. Samuelson thinks “The Yes Men” are the perfect people to add to this list.
“It seemed to me at this moment the causes we care about — whether it is anti-war, abortion or gay rights — they are all feeling despairing because the backlash has been so strong in all of those areas,” Samuelson said. “We needed a new way of getting the attention of the public.”
“The Yes Men” have been the subject of three feature films documenting the stunts they have done over the past 30 years to attract attention to social causes. They “have embarrassed nefarious entities using impersonation; created public illusions to suggest a better way forward; worked with impacted communities to get press and turn stakeholders into activists; destroyed brands with anti-advertising; and disrupted events to expose the weakness of the ‘powers that be’ and the depths of our illusions about them,” The Rowe Center’s website reads.
This weekend’s workshop will involve working with an activist partner; learning about the unique “laughtivism” technique; brainstorming sessions; planning a chosen project; creating timelines, deadlines and chains of responsibility; and recreational activities such as biking and kayaking.
The Rowe Center is about to celebrate its 100th anniversary as a camp and 50th year anniversary of workshops, Samuelson said. Aside from workshops about activism, The Rowe Center offers programs for people of all ages including the elderly and children. Focuses of the workshops range from spirituality growth, nature, communication and social change.
People travel from across the county and the globe to attend programs at the conference center, which increased its presence after the pandemic since many programs moved online. Samuelson said The Rowe Center doubled its email mailing list from 10,000 to 20,000 addresses.
Of the “Advanced Mischief for Activists, Artists and Troublemakers” workshop, Samuelson said, “We are hoping that we will reach activists, especially in Franklin and Hampshire counties, that are looking for a way to break through the roadblocks on issues as well as meeting each other to collaborate.”
To register, visit bit.ly/3L8TrYc. A $525 fee covers the cost of the program, meals and housing.
Bella Levavi can be reached at 413-930-4579 or blevavi@recorder.com.