[Image description: a card on a lanyard reading “VidCon” in large letters, and above that, reading “In observance of the Sabbath, this attendee is not required to use their wristband at RFID locations from Friday, July 12 at 5:00pm through Saturday, July 13 at 11:59pm.]
This is so incredibly important. Religious Jews who keep Shabbat (the Jewish Sabbath) can’t use electronics (among other things) from sundown on Friday until nightfall on Saturday. As someone who used to keep Shabbat, it was so hard to participate in so many things. Simple things like electronic hotel door locks — or, in this case, RFID wristbands, can mean an event isn’t accessible to those who keep Shabbat. So, even though I’m not at VidCon myself (I’ve never been and I’m on the opposite side of the country!) and I don’t keep Shabbat anymore, I’m incredibly grateful and moved that they did this. This isn’t just a kind staffer waiving a rule for an individual, this is a convention-wide policy and system that allows observant Jews full participation in the con. This is what inclusion looks like. This is what welcoming diversity looks like. This is what making sure your space welcomes Jewish people looks like. Thank you thank you thank you.
(Non-Jews can definitely reblog this!)
I was wondering what to do on Shabbat if I ever went to VidCon, thinking of maybe trying to create some kind of special event for Shabbat (prayer services or a kumzitz or something), but I was always worried about getting around the facilities on the day.
This, if this is official, and not just made by the person who took the photo, is really cool.
Our director Adele is going to be representing us at VidCon 2018! Not only that, she’s going to be moderating a panel on EduTube Beyond the Sciences, looking at humanities education on YouTube. Other participants include John Green from Crash Course, Sarah Urist Green from the Art Assignment, Danielle Bainbridge from the Origin of Everything, Cory Arnold from 12tone, and Betty from Articulations. We’re really excited - it’s going to be a great panel!
If you happen to be attending VidCon, go check out the discussion, and say hi to Adele, too!
I am working on my panel outlines, and I want to know from community members what you want addressed, answered, and/or discussed during such a public forum. Either reply to this or send me an ask. | Original video
