Engage! Series: Information Literacy as a Tool for Social Change
"Literacy is more than just words — it’s a social justice issue."
Engage! is a dynamic series of events bringing together students, faculty, staff, and community partners to tackle complex social issues through education, dialogue, and action.
This year, we're focusing on one of the most urgent challenges of our time:
Information Literacy.
In an age of misinformation, AI-generated content, and media bias, the ability to critically navigate and trust information is becoming more and more challenging. Our events will explore how information literacy is a social justice issue in our communities.
Click here to view the Engage! Series on Mason360
All of the events are open to the public.
Upcoming Events
October 29 | 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM REGISTER HERE
Pink Slime Workshop – Fenwick Library, Room 1014A
Think you can tell real news from fake? In this hands-on workshop, librarians will guide attendees in identifying altered, AI-generated, or politically biased news sources — and give you practical skills to verify accuracy. Don't miss this workshop! It is vital that we equip ourselves with critical skills to recognize misinformation and make informed decisions in an age of AI-generated and biased content.
Bring your laptop!
November 18 | 12:00PM – 1:30 PM [Lunch 11:30AM-12:00PM] REGISTER HERE
Panel + Roundtable – JC, George’s (3rd Floor)
Students, faculty, and community members and community organizations are invited to hear from a powerful panel of students, faculty, and nonprofit leaders as they discuss how misinformation impacts marginalized communities, shapes mental health, and challenges equitable access to information. After the panel, stick around for lively roundtable discussions where attendees can connect, collaborate, and spark ideas for real-world impact where the university and community work together.
November 19 | 11:00AM – 11:45 AM REGISTER HERE
Community-Led Workshop – JC Room C (3rd Floor)
Join this workshop led by Webs Training Center, a local nonprofit empowering low-income communities, where attendees will learn how misinformation can impact access to essential services like tax preparation — and how reliable information supports social and economic well-being, especially for our most vulnerable community members.
Take Action: Volunteer for Tax Prep (January 2026–April 2026/Tax Season)
Volunteers needed! Take action and come volunteer to prepare taxes for our lower-income community members. Webs Training will be leading a Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Program at George Mason where volunteers will receive IRS training and certification to give back to our very community. No experience needed — just a passion for service and social justice. Stay tuned for more information!
Why This Matters
Through learning and engaging, the Engage! series helps build the real-world skills needed to critically evaluate information, challenge misinformation, and participate in meaningful change. Whether you're a student, educator, or community member — your voice matters. Learn more about information literacy here.
Email Shanelle Highsmith, Program Manager for Outreach and Partnerships, at shighsm2@gmu.edu for questions.