Clay ShirkyClay Shirky was his sparkling, brilliant self at SXSW yesterday. I would go so far as to say just his one hour talk made my first day of the festival worthwhile. I’ve heard him speak before, though had never heard his views on global politics and social media. Citing Tunisian, Egyptian, and Libyan examples, he explained the 3 basic tenants of why we should not be surprised by social media’s effect on the global political landscape:
1.) Social media gives us the ability to synchronize across small and great physical distances 2.) Social media provides an avenue to coordinate our efforts to achieved shared goals 3.) Social media provides a way for all people to document and share the circumstances happening around them
In short, social media is the stage that political revolutions have been waiting for. The very best part of the talk was his closing in which he gave us his take-aways about how all of us can have a profound impact on global politics with the help of social media:
1.) Take the long view, not the weekend warrior approach. Pick a country you care about, and start following the social media buzz around the happenings in that country. Retweet your findings on a regular basis to find others who care about the politics happening in that country.
2.) Volunteer remotely. Many organizations now give us the ability to help a cause right from our couch. UN Volunteers, Radiofreenet, Ushahidi, and Global Voices are 4 examples of organizations that provide us with this opportunity for action.
3.) In our own backyards, protect the religious freedoms of all people, particularly those who practice Islam. There is currently a witch hunt underway against American Muslims, and it cannot be tolerated if we are truly to become an evolved society.
To top it off, Shirky is a remarkably down-to-earth guy. The man sitting next to me at Shirky’s talk pointed out that his blog, Shirky.com/weblog, has a a generic WordPress theme. No fancy design or catchy name – just really fantastic content. Despite his fame, talent, and tremendous intellect, seemingly none of that has gone to his head. He’s rare. A lot of people of his caliber and influence, particularly in the interactive space, have egos so large they barely fit inside the Austin Convention Center. By contrast, Shirky is a class act and I feel honored to have had the chance to hear him speak.
IN BRIEF
Author, journalist, digital product manager, and licensed New York City tour guide. Creator and host of NYC's Secrets and Lies. Alumna of the University of Pennsylvania (BA), the Darden School of Business at the University of Virginia (MBA), Arizona State University (Biomimicry), and the University of Cambridge (MSt in Sustainability Leadership).
I build digital media platforms, report on urban climate resilience and biodiversity, and produce live narrative experiences that connect communities to history, nature, and place.
THE DEEP DIVE
My work centers on a single thread: building systems and stories that foster deep connection to our shared world. Across digital streaming, environmental reporting, and live civic storytelling, I design experiences that help people understand complex ideas and the environments around them.
DIGITAL PRODUCT STRATEGY & MEDIA LEADERSHIP
At Carnegie Hall, I serve as Digital Product Manager, leading product strategy, operations, and technical delivery for the video streaming platform Carnegie Hall+. I translate artistic mission into scalable, high-performance streaming architecture that reaches audiences globally. Previously, I led agile product and delivery teams across operations and compliance at American Express, managed Broadway theatrical productions and national tours, and guided strategic initiatives across cultural institutions.
ENVIRONMENTAL JOURNALISM & AUTHORSHIP
As a freelance journalist, I investigate how living systems, urban infrastructure, and human culture intersect. My reported features on urban decarbonization, biodiversity, coastal resilience, and biomimicry appear in publications including Smithsonian Magazine, The Washington Post, Mongabay, Natural History Magazine, and Foreign Policy Magazine. In fiction, I write the Emerson Page young adult novel series, alongside upcoming historical fiction and nonfiction works on New York history, mythology, and human resilience. I also write Togetherhood, a LinkedIn newsletter focused on urban ecology and community restoration, and co-host the podcast Frameworks in the Wild.
LIVE EXPERIENCE & CIVIC STORYTELLING
As a licensed New York City tour guide and live event producer, I transform urban landscapes into shared narrative encounters. I created, produce, and host NYC's Secrets and Lies, an interactive live storytelling series staged across cultural landmarks including the New York Transit Museum, the South Street Seaport Museum, and the historic tall ship Wavertree. I also design and lead site-specific walking tours exploring coastal ecology, food history, and neighborhood evolution, often with partners at Climate Week NYC and the Natural Areas Conservancy.
DOUBLE OR NOTHING MEDIA
Through my independent production studio, Double or Nothing Media, I develop ventures across media, ecology, and public history:
Digital Products & Strategy: Architecting scalable digital platforms, streaming experiences, and operational models for mission-driven institutions.
Environmental Reporting & Publications: Delivering long-form reporting, books, and newsletters grounded in climate resilience and regenerative design.
Site-Specific Live Storytelling: Producing immersive live shows and educational walking tours that engage public audiences in community history.
CONNECT
Website & Production Hub: doubleornothingmedia.com and christaavampato.com
Newsletter: Togetherhood on LinkedIn - linkedin.com/newsletters/togetherhood-7273771832221089792/
Instagram & Threads: @christarosenyc
Emerson Page Novels: emersonpagebook.wordpress.com/
View all posts by Christa Avampato
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