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Let's be friendsDiscussions
Make sure you get stuck into the lively and energetic discussions.
If you would like to facilitate one of these sessions please email Harry
- Session 1: Saturday 14.00 - 15.30
- Session 2: Saturday 16.00 - 17.30
- Sunday Morning Fringe: 09.15 - 10.45
- Sunday Morning Fringe: 09.15 - 10.45 - DIY Campaign Discussions
- Session 3: Sunday 14.00 - 15.30
Engaged students discuss
Image © Chris Davy
Session 1: Saturday 14.00 - 15.30
Climate Camp and beyond — how viable is anarchism as a way of social organising today?
Facilitated by Helen (Corporate Watch)
Leading environmental campaigner and journalist George Monbiot states that: “Anarchism is a great means of organising a self-elected community of like-minded people. It is a disastrous means of organising a planet” (Comment is Free, August 2008). Are non-hierarchical power structures a realistic alternative to the political status-quo? Come and discuss.
Discussion — Gender Issues in Development
Facilitated by Hannah Greenslade
Following on from the “Gender, Inequality and Development” campaign proposal at the Forum 2008, this discussion will look at the prevailing issues of inequality which women face across the globe. Issues such as the pay gap and violence towards women exist in all societies and affect a massive proportion of the global population. Up for discussion will be issues such as the garment industry and HIV/AIDS, giving participants the opportunity to learn more about the issues as well as thinking about how to campaign on them.
Is the People & Planet network too white and middle-class?
Facilitated by Emma Cockburn (FE/HE Outreach Officer
The climate change movement is often accused of being middle-class and not ethnically diverse. To build a force for social and political change, a broad spectrum of society needs to be directly engaged. Does People & Planet hinder or assist this movement?
Session 2: Saturday 16.00 - 17.30
PANDA - People & Planet’s Associated Network for Direct Action
Facilitated by Emma Hughes (previous intern and Management Committee and Alex Wood (Management Committee)
Are you interested in all forms of non-violent direct action from ‘Yes Men’ shenanigans to ‘Die-ins’ and ‘Lock-ons’ but not sure where to start or who to take action with? Would you like to join with other P&Pers to take part in exciting direct actions? Come along to the PANDA session and meet like minded P&Pers from across the country. This session will give you an introduction to the workings and happenings of the mysterious PANDA and the chance to discuss possibilities for the next PANDA action - so please bring along any action ideas you have.
Sunday Morning Fringe 09.15 - 10.45 - discussions
The Olympics: a celebration of mankind or a human rights travesty?
Facilitated by Sophie Lewis (Regional Rep)
The Olympic games are hailed as symbol of humankind, building a better and more peaceful world. However, the Olympics has been responsible for the forcible removal of 20m people over 20 years and 1000 more are set to join them, due to the 2012 games. Bring your thoughts and comments to a lively debate.
Religion and the secular movement — can these forces work together to build a vehicle for activism?
Facilitated by Ellie Smith (Intern)
The role of religion in politics is contentious. Whilst some point the finger towards religious groups as the cause of much international turbulence, it can be argued that historically political activism as a movement for positive change has been shaped and driven by religion. How important is religion to activism today? Come along and discuss.
Has credit crunched for good? Capitalist solutions Vs. anti-capitalist solutions
Facilitated by Kate Evans (RR) and Joe Greenwood (previous Intern)
With financial markets in turmoil and rumours of an imminent recession, voices of dissent against the neo-liberal capitalist agenda are starting to be heard. Are there realistic alternatives to capitalism and how can these be addressed? Come along to this session for a lively debate.
Sixth Form skill and knowledge share
Facilitated by Matt McMullen, Group Support Volunteer
Having problems getting your head teacher to Go Green? Canteen won’t stock Fairtrade products? Don’t know were to get the funding for that event you’re planning? If you’ve got campaign problems that you need to discuss, ideas that will benefit others or a solution that you wish to share - then please come along. You will be able to share and discuss your campaign skills, knowledge and tips with other sixth formers from across the country
Sunday Morning Fringe 09.15 - 10.45 - DIY Campaign Discussions
DIY campaigns
Note: A DIY network campaign is run by a number of P&P or associated groups and coordinated nationally by student volunteers with minimal support from the national support office.
DIY Campaign - Ethical Investment discussion
Facilitated by Mark Todd (Liverpool uni P&P) and Georgina Rannard (St Andrews P&P)
Come discuss how to challenge universities to use their investments as a force for good with P&P’s EI campaign. Meet other student campaigners who are lobbying their universities to disinvest from abusive corporations and to invest in environmentally sustainable and socially responsible projects. This session will help novices and experts discuss the direction of this network-led campaign.
DIY Campaign - Treat Aids Now discussion
Facilitated by Beth Coventry (Regional Rep)
This session is aimed at students who wish to find out about TAN and shape the structure of this DIY network campaign. Come to discuss how groups should coordinate actions for World Aids Day. Make sure the UK government fulfils its promise and leads an international commitment to provide treatment for all by 2010.
DIY Campaign — Redress Fashion & Redress Education discussion
Facilitated by Becca from Redress Fashion and Alex from Redress Education
This year the Redress campaign has been run by the Redress Working Group as a DIY campaign. DIY campaigns need open spaces to share ideas, tactics, messages, skills and contacts. This is that opportunity if you have been or want to be involved in this campaign. The campaign has inspired many local and national actions already this year in Scotland and England. How can we take this momentum to make the education sector sweat-free too?.
Session 3: Sunday 14.00 - 15.30
Is People & Planet democratic?
Hosted by the People & Planet Management Committee
We often hear that People & Planet is student run and democratic but how democratic do you feel like it is? How much more democratic could it be? And how can we improve democracy in People & Planet? These are questions which this facilitated discussion will be attempting to answer. Come along and get involved in shaping P&P.
