A CALL FOR RADICAL DIALOGUE:
Inspiring and participating in social change from inside and outside the
university
30th Aug - 1st Sept 2006, London
Called by: Paul Chatterton, Jenny Pickerill, Stuart Hodkinson, Michael
Leyshon
Context
Many of us are committed to social change; in our workplaces,
communities and on the streets. People inside and outside universities
have been proposing and promoting possible alternative worlds, which has
often brought together social movements, trade unions, community groups,
progressive non governmental organisations and those in the alter/anti
capitalist movements.
The notion of autonomy - literally to self-legislate - has become an
important theme here: a desire for freedom through connection,
self-management, mutual aid and solidarity. Many have taken their
inspiration from visible global groups like the Zapatistas and
protesters at Seattle as well as more everyday resistances in social
centres, and the places we live and work. It is the powerful mix of
spectacular protest moments with everyday resistance that gives autonomy
its energy and potential to transform.
What
This session will occur in 2 concurrent sessions of 2 hours each and
aims to bring those inside and outside of universities together for
dialogue and discussion about the tactics, strategies, successes and
pitfalls of working towards autonomous social change.
In the first part of the session we are calling for 10 short
interventions of around 10 minutes. We encourage presenters to use a
variety of styles (video, activities, music, talks, interventions, web
sites, images) in order to generate discussion and interaction.
In the second part we want participants to focus on questions,
discussion and planning. Through a focus on a number of propositions:
* What are the core ideas of autonomy?
* How do they compare across different contexts?
* How is autonomy made real in everyday situations? And how is
autonomy translated into action for bringing about change?
* How is autonomy negotiated between boundaries - between the
idealism of autonomous projects and the compromises of everyday life?
* What tensions and possibilities emerge from interactions between
traditional social movement groups, such as left parties and trade
unions, and more non-hierarchical and/or anti-capitalist groups?
There will be a social afterwards.
Where/when
The session will take place in central London near South Kensington
between 30th Aug - 1st Sept 2006 during the annual conference of the
Institute of British Geographers.
Who
We call for anyone interested in, and engaged with, autonomous projects
(academics and non academics alike) to offer contributions.
Cost
Academics have to pay a registration fee. See www.rgs.org
Participation is free for non academics. (but not travel
oraccommodation)
What next?
You need to register an interest in participating by 31st Jan 2006 with
one of us below:
Paul Chatterton [log in to unmask]
Jenny Pickerill [log in to unmask]
Stuart Hodkinson [log in to unmask]
Michael Leyshon [log in to unmask]
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