Date: Mon, 31 May 2004 03:00:01 -0700 (PDT) From: "J.M. Adams" <ringfingers-AT-yahoo.com> Subject: [postanarchism] Renewing the Anarchist Tradition: A Scholarly Conference (Sept. 24-26 2004) RENEWING THE ANARCHIST TRADITION: A SCHOLARLY CONFERENCE September 24-26, 2004 Plainfield, Vermont CALL FOR PROPOSALS / LOGISTICAL DETAILS The Renewing the Anarchist Tradition (RAT) conference, cosponsored by the Institute for Anarchist Studies and Institute for Social Ecology,aims to provide a scholarly space in which to both reexamine and reinvigorate the social and political tradition of anarchism. RAT is meant as one contribution to the project of developing a more rigorous as well as contemporary theoretical framework for anarchism, and to assist in nurturing new generations of anti-authoritarian public intellectuals. Thus, as opposed to conferences that attempt to create anarchist organizations, statements of purpose, or focus on "lifestyle anarchism" or how-to workshops, RAT brings together anarchist and libertarian socialist scholars, activists, educators, writers, organizers, students, and others to explore how we make sense of our own tradition; how we understand anarchism in the context of our lives, movements, and present-day social conditions; and how the conceptual tools that the anarchist tradition provides can and need to be rethought. Anarchism has tended to be a dynamic theory and practice, and its influence in anti-capitalist struggles around the world has become keenly apparent of late. We are, as it were, inside history, and if anarchism is to continue to be relevant to this moment of global transformations, it must not only understand the present but also scrutinize its own internal taboos and tensions; it must not only be able to describe contemporary forms of hierarchy and oppression but also articulate openings for a radical reshaping of social relations and material conditions along ethical lines. The work that all of us attempt to do now, the ideas and values we struggle to put into words and practice, will have profound implications for how this historical moment structures the future. RAT is a modest addition to the grand anarchist project of the present to ensure a freer tomorrow for all. As in the past, we hope that RAT continues to raise difficult questions--questions ranging from the character of social change to the ongoing relevance of categories such as class, community, and labor; from the changing shape of the state and capital to emergent forms of both domination and resistance in a globalizing world; from anarchism’s relation to geopolitical concerns such as terrorism and war to its ability to grapple with issues of identity such as race, gender, and sexuality; to a host of other controversial, contested, or even uncharted subjects. Alongside a participatory weekend of presentations, panels, and debates in a supportive atmosphere, the beautiful rural Vermont setting affords the opportunity to meet other anarchists and radicals, relax around a campfire, or enjoy the fall foliage. RAT will also include a mini-bookfair, free literature tables, and possible film screenings. CALL FOR PRESENTATION AND PANEL PROPOSALS: DUE JULY 15, 2004 We are now accepting proposals for individual presentations and panels/panelists. People of color, women, those outside academia, and others often excluded from scholarly life--due to gender, sexuality, class, and so forth--are especially encouraged to send in proposals. We’re looking for individual presentations that attempt to analyze and/or critique current social relations and dilemmas; share work and ideas on anarchism’s relevance and potential as a political/social theory as well as a practice; grapple with and constructively challenge/build on standard anarchist notions in light of a radically changing world; and cover a wide variety of perspectives and scholarly disciplines. While you can also propose a full panel, including all panelists, please consider simply proposing yourself for a panel topic or two and we will put the panel together based on a diversity of viewpoints. Specifically, we would like to see panelist proposals for the following topics: globalization; the role ofanarchists in international solidarity work; the changing character of statism/anti-statism, capitalism/anti-capitalism, or class/labor today; movement building and anarchism’s relation to other social movements; anarchism and Marxism; anarchism and poststructuralism; anarchism and identity (in particular, race, gender, and sexuality); anarchism and ecology; anarchist responses to contemporary concerns such as terrorism and the "war on terrorism," new legal regimes and policing, war, the rise of fundamentalism and nationalism, or the U.S. presidential elections; and anarchism and its relation to its own history. Please feel free to propose other ideas, of course. Individual presentation and panel proposals should be no more than one typed page each; remember, you can also propose yourself as a panelist and let us set up the panel itself. Please include a presentation or panel title and brief description, a few sentences about yourself and/or other proposed panelists, and complete contact information (address, phone, and e-mail). Indicate if you feel comfortable having your presentation/panel audiotaped, and if so, if you would be amendable to postconference "publication" of such audio on a Web site or CD. Keep in mind that presenters are asked to limit individual presentations to about 30 to 40 minutes, and end by framing a question or two for the participants in order to facilitate another 30 to 40 minutes of discussion. Panelists should each prepare about 10 to 15 minutes of material, leaving time for discussion as well. Our intent with the panels is to stimulate lively, but friendly debate, so again, a variety of perspectives on each panel is encouraged. Proposals are due by July 15, 2004, and should be e-mailed to both co-organizers: John Petrovato at jpetrovato(at)hotmail.com, and Cindy Milstein at cbmilstein(at)yahoo.com. If you don’t have access to e-mail, mail two copies of your typed proposal(s) to Cindy Milstein, 19 French Street, Barre, Vermont 05641. We will inform you about the outcome of your proposal(s) by August 1. Please note: all presenters must also register and pay for the conference, and space is limited, so don’t delay. For more information: www.homemadejam.org/renew. Or send us your e-mail address and we’ll add you to our occasional RAT e-announcement mailing list. ===="Being at one is god-like and good, but human, too human, the mania Which insists there is only the One, one country, one truth and one way." - Friedrich Hölderlin, 1799 __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com
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