The US Social Forum is a space and a process for movement convergence, movement collaboration, and relationship building. Therefore, the following guidelines are needed to ensure the sharing of space and the participation of as many organizations as possible in developing and presenting self-organized proposals.
- In order to submit a proposal, your organization must be registered and paid.
- Each organization may sponsor no more than two workshop proposals and one PMA proposal.
- There are four different types of self-organized workshop/activity proposals which your organization can submit:
- 2-hour workshop proposals must be sponsored by at least one organization.
- 4-hour workshop proposals must be sponsored by at least one organization.
- Artist and cultural performance proposals may be sponsored by individuals and organizations.
- 4-hour People’s Movement Assembly (PMA) proposals must be sponsored by at least four collaborating organizations. To find out more, contact Stephanie Guilloud – stephanie@projectsouth.org & Ruben Solis – grulla@swunion.org.
Guideline for Workshop Proposals
We encourage...
- the presentation of material in a manner accessible to all educational levels.
- the use of interactive and popular education formats. However, the final presentation format is up to the presenters.
- multigenerational presenters, to foster inter-generational continuity.
- the inclusion of action steps, skill building, visions and solutions in your workshops. We strive for a good mix of both issues-based and skill-share workshops.
- the inclusion of an artist or cultural worker in your event to foster alternative forms of facilitation and methods that address the multiple ways in which individuals learn and retain information.
- collaborating with other organizations in order to foster alliance and relations building.
Review Process
We seek diversity in approach, topic, perspective, and focus, as well as experience level and demographics of presenters.
Workshop proposals will be reviewed by the Program and Culture Working Group using the criteria listed below. Reviewers may also request additional information and/or ask sponsoring organizations to collaborate with another organization submitting a similar proposal. The criteria that will be used in the review process are:
- In line with the vision and goals of the US Social Forum: ussf2010.org/vision-and-goals
- Reflection of the USSF’s commitment to ensuring that people from poor, working class and oppressed communities are represented
- Depth of content and connection to USSF themes and tracks
- Interactive and engaging format
- Knowledge and working experience of the topic or struggle and movement building
- Visions and solutions, plans for action, and skill building
- Overall strength of submission
Notification of acceptance, acceptance with provisions (i.e. suggested changes or additions), or non-acceptance will be communicated to the contact person of the sponsoring organization no later than May 30th, 2010.
Sponsoring Organization and Presenter Responsibilities
- Register for and attend the US Social Forum.
- Cover own expenses for travel and lodging to and from the USSF.
- Provide up-to-date contact information leading up to the USSF.
- Make no substantive changes in content, format, names, or numbers of presenters after proposal has been accepted (without the prior approval of the Program and Culture Working Group).
- Agree that the focus of the workshop will not be selling products or services.
- Be inclusive and in line with the vision and goals of the US Social Forum.
- Contact the Program and Culture Working Group if the sponsoring organization is canceling the workshop for any reason.
- Submit any resources or materials presented during the workshop (handouts, links, etc.) to the Program and Culture Working Group immediately following the conference for posting on the USSF website.
- Ensure that any special needs are noted on your submission form. All needs may not be met but best efforts will be made to meet them.
- Bring your own supplies and equipment, such as butcher block paper, markers, projectors, cables, copies of handouts etc.
Download the Mail-in Workshop Proposal Forms
- There is no option to upload these forms back to the website. We prefer proposals to be submitted electronically using the online form. However, you may also submit proposals on paper at the following address:
Program and Culture Proposal Submission
US Social Forum - Detroit
PO Box 3551
Highland Park, MI 48203
Water Availability
Selling of bottled water is not allowed at USSF for conservation purposes, so all workshop rooms will feature water stations equipped with pitchers, ice and cups. Free water stations around USSF venues and along the march route will be identified clearly.
Disclaimer of Liability
The United States Social Forum reserves the right to amend any part of the USSF program or event at its sole discretion. By submitting this registration form, the registrant agrees to defend, indemnify, and hold harmless, the USSF National Planning Committee, its contributors, any entity jointly created by them, their respective affiliates and their respective directors, officers, employees, and agents from and against all claims and expenses, including attorney's fees, arising out of the event.
