Abriendo Brecha conference

[Noman Baig]

Dear all

I know some of you have shown interest in participating in Abriendo Brecha conference. In yesterday's planning committee meeting, I suggested to have a panel on natural disaster and US drone attacks in Pakistan. There were other themes as well which include Islamophobia, land struggles, incarceration, gender violence, etc. The planning committee is still taking suggestions so please feel free to send me your input. It would be helpful if you could recommend activists, organizations, intellectuals who you think are related or working on natural disaster, among other things. I have attached the document of what the conference committee is looking for. The suggestions are due by tomorrow and the proposal is due Nov 15th.

Let me know if you have any question.

Regards
Noman

Abriendo Brecha VIII

Eighth Annual Activist Scholarship Conference

 

Sponsored by the University of Texas at Austin Division of Diversity and Community Engagement Community Engagement Center

 

February 17-19, 2011

The Texas Union

 

Abriendo Brecha VIII calls for a renewed discussion on the meanings and practices of activist scholarship, particularly as it relates to solidarity between groups and overcoming power inequalities through alliance. In addition to an examination of multiple practices of solidarity, other themes for this year’s conference include: struggles over land, resource distribution, gentrification, prisons, cross-racial alliance, and immigrant rights. 

 

As always, Abriendo Brecha is an opportunity to meet, exchange knowledge and experiences, and create local and cross-border connections with others working at the intersections of grassroots organizing and intellectual production.

 

As we begin to plan Abriendo Brecha VIII, the planning committee needs input from supporters like you. Please take a few minutes to send us suggestions for speakers, panels, workshops, strategy sessions and/or themes.

 

·      Who are the authors, activists, intellectuals, and organizers that you would like to hear and learn from?

 

·      What movements/organizations would you like to be present at this year’s conference?

 

·      What are the issues, themes, or questions that you feel are pertinent to include this year?

 

We invite you to contribute your thoughts, visions, ideas and opinions as we begin the planning process. Please respond by replying to this email.

 

And please consider joining us for an open planning meeting on Tuesday, October 5^th at noon in EPS 1.128 to discuss this year’s Abriendo Brecha. We understand that schedules are tight. If you are unable to attend this meeting please send us your input via email.

 

We appreciate your time and contributions and look forward to working together as we plan Abriendo Brecha VIII.

 

Thank you.

--
Elizabeth Velásquez
Anthropology MA Student
The University of Texas at Austin
Dept. of Anthropology
1 University Station C3200
Austin, TX 78712-0303

--
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Help Save Pakistan Flood Victims.