Alberta Social Forum 2008
February 29, March 1 and 2, 2008
Red Deer, Alberta — Red Deer College
Leap Forward to Action
Civil Society: The New Superpower
The Event: A weekend festival to create a space for all Albertans searching for just, sustainable, humane and peaceful alternatives on a local, provincial, national and global level. It is also an opportunity to identify common goals and to develop strategies for concerted action around the province. The guiding spirit of the Alberta Social Forum is rooted in diversity, participation, inclusiveness and pluralism.
The World Social Forum is an open meeting place where social movements and civil society opposed to a world dominated by any form of imperialism can come together to pursue their thinking, to debate ideas democratically, formulate proposals, share their experiences freely and network for effective action. Since the first World encounter in 2001, it has taken the form of a permanent process seeking and building alternatives to policies of neo-liberal globalization. These policies stress only market solutions to societal problems and downplay the importance of the citizen and the common good in favour of the consumer. Two Alberta Social Forums have been held already (in Edmonton in 2003 and in Calgary in 2005). The Third Alberta Social Forum will be held in Red Deer from February 29 to March 2, 2008.
The Proposals: The Steering Committee of Alberta Social Forum 2008 invites organizations, community groups, NGOs, activists, artists, members of civil society and other progressive people to submit proposals for workshops, events, cultural and theatrical activities, panels, music, dance, etc.
Visit the Alberta Social Forum website: http://www.albertasocialforum.ca/ and submit proposals that reflect this spirit and respect the principles of the World Social Forum, found on their website: http://www.forumsocialmundial.org.br/main.php?id_menu=4&cd_language=2
Here are some topics suggested at a recent Forum Planning Meeting: Role (effect) of Mass Media, Effect of Power Elites, Energy/Nuclear Power, Fair Taxation (Citizen’s Budget), Affordable Housing, Erosion of Democracy, Seniors Care, Health Care, Poverty, Labour, Environment, Water, Energy, Alberta Youth, The Right to Public Space, Rural Alberta, and Naming Our Place, Halting War and Violence, Forgiving International Debt. Please use your imagination.
Proposals can be geared to groups of people from 10 to 100 persons in 90 minute blocs. All events are self-organizing and self-funded with open admission to those registered and community guests. Space is available on a first come first served basis. The Steering Committee reserves the right to screen all proposals to ensure they respect the Charter of Principles of the WSF.
The Steering Committee Alberta Social Forum 2008 will organize the venue and promote the event.
To Submit Proposals: Proposals should be written/emailed, on a single page, provide a title, brief description, including target audience, anticipated size. Indicate contact person, email, phone and Canada Post address.
Email proposals to Janet Walter [email protected] (Phone 403-347-0660) by January 25, 2008. Subject line should read: “ASF proposal (your organization’s name.)” RR1, Site 6, Box 2, Red Deer AB T4N 5E1.