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A study evening introducing Martin Luther King’s philosophy for nonviolent conflict reconciliation as a historical example. This session explores how nonviolent strategies awere at the heart of Dr King’s vision of social justice. With Yehoeshahfaht Israel (Institute for a New Humanity). Suggested donation £5. |
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This is an opportunity to develop your NVC skills in the area of mediation. Anna and Daren have 8 years experience in the field of mediation, and have been using NVC in their mediation practice and teaching for the past 6 years. Over the course of this weekend they will share with you the fruits of their practice, outlining the key elements of the NVC approach to mediation. The weekend will be orientated towards practice. |
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For anyone who wants to develop their ability to be present for, and a supportive listener to, other people. A process-oriented and participative day, drawing out the inherent experience of participants in a structured and supportive way. This will include giving and receiving feedback as a listener, exploring stories of great listeners, listening to Beethoven as a model for all listening, and sharing practical techniques for enhancing your listening skills. With Simon Keyes. |
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A wonderful evening of entertainment, celebrating Manchester's creativity and diversity. |
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Under the expert guidance of Marian Liebmann, art therapist and former Director of Mediation UK, this fascinating weekend will explore conflict through the visual language of art – letting the pictures do the talking and learning from them. The art created during a series of carefully designed exercises (done alone, in pairs and as a group) will provide participants with new ways of looking at and talking about conflict as well as insights into how to work with conflict. No artistic skill needed, just a willingness to have a go! |
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| Mediation UK Approved training course 5-9 February. Spaces available. Apply to Peaceworks for more details and application pack. |
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Young mediator's conference:
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The Conferences are an excellent opportunity for delegates to inform and influence the Integration & Cohesion agenda and the thinking of the Commissioners from the Commission on Integration and Cohesion Each of these Conferences will provide delegates with an opportunity to meet key professionals who have helped shape the integration and cohesion agenda in recent times The Conferences will encourage debate and discussion that will enable delegates to develop their understanding and knowledge of the key issues around integration and cohesion The Conferences will inform and equip delegates to successfully meet the challenges of integration and community cohesion in the 21st century Delegates will have the opportunity to share experiences and good practice through interactive seminars and workshops looking at –
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'Reflections On War, Peace and Politics'.
by Lancaster University, Richardson Institute for Peace Studies
Date: Thursday 7 December 2006
Venue: George Fox Lecture Theatre 1, Lancaster University
Speaker: Mr Martin Bell OBE
Time 6.30pm-8pm
To read a bio-sketch of Mr Martin Bell OBE please click here.
Visit the Richardson Institute for Peace Studies for more information by clicking here.
Zahid Mubarek - a legacy of change
National Conference by
Date: Friday 1st December 2006
Time: 9.30 am to 4.30pm
Venue: Logan Hall, Institute Of Education,
University of London, Bedford Way, London, WC1H 0AL
Contributors Invited:
- Mr Justice Keith - Chair of the Zahid Mubarek Public Inquiry
- Bobby Cummines - Chief Executive of Unlock
- Baroness Scotland - Home Office Minister
- Phil Wheatley - Director General of HMPS
- Anne Owers – HMCIP Chief Inspector of Prisons
- Sir David Ramsbotham – Former Chief inspector of Prisons
- Baroness Stern - Head of Commission on Human Rights
- Imran Khan - Mubarek Family Solicitor
- Professor Gus John - Consultant
- John Sentamu - Archbishop of York
- Imtiaz Amin - Uncle of Zahid Mubarek
- Dexter Dias – Human Rights Barrister
- Beverley Thompson, - Head of REAG, Prison Service
- Suresh Grover - Director of The Monitoring Group
For more information, please visit The Monitoring Group, by clicking here.
memory, narrative, and forgiveness:
reflecting on ten years of south africa’s truth and reconciliation commission
Conference to be held: Wednesday 22 – Saturday 25 November 2006
University of Cape Town
South Africa ’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) brought the concepts of forgiveness, apology, and reconciliation after mass atrocity to the attention of scholars across the globe and across disciplines. In the ten years since the TRC’s establishment, the work of the TRC has been replicated in more than a dozen post-conflict settings globally. This interdisciplinary conference will include, among others, scholarship in the arts, psychology, literature, and historical fields to reflect on research and practice done on truth commissions and peace building with a special focus on the following themes: trauma, memory, narrative, apology, forgiveness, and reconciliation. The conference will be opened by Archbishop Desmond Tutu, with a keynote address by Professor Vamik Volkan. In his 75th year, the conference will celebrate Tutu’s life of commitment to peaceful justice and reconciliation. Papers that seek to address the complex nuances linked to the conference themes are invited.
Abstracts should address the following and other related themes:
- Is the language of apology and forgiveness appropriate in societies that have suffered mass atrocities?
- Do apology and forgiveness have a role to play in ensuring that today’s victims do not become tomorrow’s perpetrators?
- What are the obstacles that might hinder dialogue between children of victims and children of perpetrators, and how might these factors inform our understanding of the nature of trans-generational conflict?
- Do forgiveness and reconciliation have a role in healing of past traumas?
- What is the role of real-life narratives and literary narratives in historical understanding of, and working through trauma?
ABSTRACT GUIDELINES - DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSION 31 MAY 2006
- Centre the title in capital letters at the top of the page
- Thereafter state your names & affiliation (upper/lower case)
- Thereafter type the body of the abstract, using single spacing
- If possible, please use Times New Roman, font size 12
- Please leave 2.5cm margins on all sides
- Abstract should be no more than 1 x A4 page long.
- Pse state preference - oral or poster presentation
On a separate page please let us have your full name, title, address, telephone, mobile, fax and email
Please email your abstract as an attached file in MS Word to Janet Sirmongpong (jsirmong@curie.uct.ac.za)
A provisional programme, registration and accommodation booking forms will be sent to you in June 2006.
Convenors: Pumla Gobodo-Madikizela & Chris van der Merwe, Faculty of Humanities, UCT
Coordinator: Deborah McTeer, Conference Management Centre (deborah@curie.uct.ac.za) Tel +27 21 448 6263
Date: Monday 27 and Tuesday 28 November 2006
Location: Queen Elizabeth II Conference Centre, London SW1
Cost: See http://www.raceconvention2006.com/
This year the Commission for Racial Equality - established by the 1976 Race Relations Act to lead the fight against discrimination and to promote good race relations - celebrates its 30th anniversary.
To mark the occasion, the CRE is convening an international race convention - the first of its kind in the UK. It will be a landmark event with high profile speakers, up-to-the minute debate, practical workshops, a host of cultural activities and fantastic networking opportunities.
The Race Convention 2006 will:
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Engage politicians, community leaders, academics, media commentators, artists, and private and public sector leaders in debate of some of the most critical issues facing the UK, Europe and beyond
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Provide a range of practical learning experiences including workshops, roundtables and seminars, which will enable participants to share
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Be a forum for debate on the key issues including integration, identity, equal opportunities, migration, diversity, the role of business in promoting equality, community relations, inter-faith relations, racism, extremism and free speech
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Offer a unique networking experience with up to 1000 colleagues and peers
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Outline how business, local organisations and government can promote integration and equality, in response to the challenges posed by demographic changes in communities caused by migration and
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Discuss legal and procurement matters relating to the duty to promote race equality, and the importance of promoting racial equality for employers
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Provide a platform for an impressive and diverse range of prestigious keynote speakers, including Trevor Phillips, chair of the Commission for Racial Equality, and leaders in the international race debate
For more information, please visit the official conference site by clicking here.
Strengthening Policy and Practice
Dates: 20th - 24th November 2006 and 16 - 20 July 2007
Location: Birmingham
A one week course designed to meet the needs of staff working in international, national and governmental agencies with advisory and management responsibility for relief, development, rights and peace-building programmes.
For more information, please click here.
Healing through remembering: the Northern Ireland experience
Date: 22 Nov
Location: St Ethelburga's, London
Cost: Free
Andrew Rawding, a member of the Healing through Remembering project and leader of the Gullion Project reports on latest ideas on truth recovery in Northern Ireland.
You can reserve places by visiting the St Ethelburga's Centre for Reconciliation and Peace website, by clicking here.
National I Power I Anti-Bullying Conference for Young People
Date: 20th and 21st November 2006
Location: South West
Bookings are now being taken for the National I Power I Anti-Bullying Conference for Young People:
http://www.bully.org/advanceconfnotice1.pdf
CALL FOR PAPERS: IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO PRESENT A PAPER OR A WORKSHOP AT THIS YEARS CONFERENCE. PLEASE WRITE A 150 WORD OUTLINE and e-mail it back to andy@actionwork.com. Themes for workshops and presentations must be on any of the following topics: dealing with bullying, youth participation, the role of the bystander and positive empowerment. We welcome suggestions from creative artists and other fields.
In addition to showcasing best practice of youth participation and intervention in the field of anti-bullying, this year we will be introducing an international element with contributions by young people from abroad, and the new International Anti Bullying Festival for Young People. Further programme details including surprise guests will be announced shortly. It promises to be a fantastic, energised and positive celebration of young people and programmes run for young people.
Last years event was very popular and sold out very early, to avoid disappointment please contact us to reserve your free place/s.
This event will take place on the first 2 days of anti-bullying week (20th and 21st November 2006).
For more information please see www.bully.org or ring Ade, Pen or Andy on 01934 815163
Translation and Conflict II
Date: 17 - 19 November 2006
Venue: University of Salford & University of Manchester, UK
Following the success of Translation and Conflict, the international conference hosted by the University of Salford in November 2004, Translation and Conflict II aims to respond to increased interest in the important role played by translators and interpreters in situations of violent, armed conflict; in shaping perceptions of events and cultures in the run up to such conflict; and in dealing with its aftermath. The conference will consist of presentations by invited speakers, individual presentations in panels, and a series of workshops, and will address the following themes:
- Armed conflict: the nature and extent of interpreter and translator involvement on the ground
- Mediating in the aftermath of conflict: translating and interpreting for asylum seekers and refugees
- Trainers and trainees: integrating the ethical dimension in translator and interpreter training
- Interrogating scholarly discourses on conflict and neutrality
- Mediating conflict in mainstream and fringe news media
- Mediating multi-modal representations of conflict
- Translating and interpreting for Human Rights organizations
- Translating and interpreting in the process of conflict resolution
- Activist communities of interpreters and translators
- Personal vs. professional ethics
Click here for the official conference website.
Art and Conflict: Exploring Conflict/Cooperation in an Interactive Way
Date: Friday 17 November - Sunday 19 November
Location: Woodbrooke Quaker Study Centre, Birmingham
Cost: £ 138.00
Who is the Course for?
Those who want to follow on from a previous ‘Art and Conflict’ course which explored personal conflict and anyone who would like to use art materials to explore conflict/cooperation in an interactive way.
The Course
A weekend of using art materials to work on simulated and actual conflicts in an interactive way. There will be a variety of exercises in pairs and groups designed to reflect on different aspects of conflict and cooperation. Some will be light hearted, some will be more serious; hopefully all will provide a stimulating way to approach conflict issues. No artistic ability needed, just a willingness to have a go.
What can I hope to gain?
A weekend of interaction, getting to know other people, some fun, some thought-provoking experiences, and some insights into aspects of conflict.
Click here for booking information.
Exploring Facilitation: From the Inside Out
by St Ethelburga's Centre for Reconciliation and Peace
Date: Sat 11 Nov 10.00am - 5.00pm
Location: St Ethelburga's, London
Cost: £40 (includes lunch)
This one day workshop will focus on the Facilitator’s role within a group working context. Reflection on our own unique inner dialogue as Facilitators and how this impacts this has on group work will be balanced by an exploration of the outer dialogue, drawing upon a range of facilitative approaches. Led by Circleindigo.
Places are limited and advance booking is essential. You can reserve places by visiting the St Ethelburga's Centre for Reconciliation and Peace website, by clicking here.
Developing Mediation Skills (3 day course)
by 
Re:solutions First
Dates: 9th, 16th, 23rd November
Location: Manchester
Cost: Various (see website)
Objectives
This course will:
- give you an understanding of how people think, feel and act in conflict,
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give you an understanding of the core principles of mediation and when it can be used,
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introduce the skills and qualities needed to mediate conflict,
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give you the opportunity to develop and practice mediation skills in a supportive environment,
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give you an understanding of cross-cultural aspects of mediation and how to respond to peoples’ diverse needs.
On completion of the relevant coursework, participants will gain a Level 3 certificate, accredited by the OCN in ‘Interpersonal skills within the mediation process’.
To find out more, visit the Re:solutions First website by clicking here.
Westminster Briefing
‘Building Sustainable Communities Through Partnership:
Community Cohesion’
The House Magazine presents a series of Westminster Briefings aimed at providing a forum for practitioners to debate key issues with leading figures from within Westminster, Whitehall and Local Government.
Date: 7th November 2006
Time: 10.45am – 2.00pm
Venue: The Commonwealth Club, Northumberland Avenue, London
The Government through its ‘Improving Opportunity, Strengthening Society’ strategy and more recently the second round of the Faith Communities Capacity Building Fund, set out its drive to improve fairness and opportunities for all in Britain. Its desire is to promote mutual understanding, respect and co-operation between all the different segments of society, fostering the cohesion necessary to enable people from minority and majority communities to work together for social and economic progress.
With the search for community cohesion being one of the key over-arching challenges facing the whole of society, participants at this Westminster Briefing will have the opportunity to discuss the key issues.
- Ensure young people from different communities grow up with a sense of common belonging
- Ensure new immigrants are integrated
- Ensure people have opportunities to develop a greater understanding of the range of cultures that contribute to our strength as a country
- Ensure that people from all backgrounds have opportunities to participate in civic society
- Ensure that racism is unacceptable
- Ensure that extremists who promote hatred are marginalised
Delegates will be drawn from all those involved in the community cohesion agenda; local authorities, local strategic partnerships, social inclusion officers, community safety teams, equality & diversity officers, community cohesion officers, corporate policy officers, housing organisations, primary care trusts, refugee & asylum workers, youth offending teams, police officers, children’s trusts, central government departments & bodies, welfare groups, local, regional and national health services, regional development agencies, central government departments & bodies, trade unions, think tanks, businesses and employers, academia and legal & voluntary sectors.
Click here to visit the House Magazine website for more information.
Called to be Peacemakers:
Religious Rights and Wrongs in Contemporary Conflicts
Dates: 27 – 29 October
Location: Community for Reconciliation in Bromsgrove, near Birmingham
Organisers: Fellowship of Reconciliation’s
Catalyst or deterrent? The role of religion in contemporary conflict is complicated. In recent years we have seen 9/11, the escalation of conflict in Israel/Palestine, war in Iraq and the 7/7 attacks in London both justified and condemned by religion. Issues of violence and conflict are flooding our consciousness and we face a huge sense of personal responsibility. Religious beliefs are facing increasing questioning as fundamentalism expands in response to contemporary conflicts. The Fellowship of Reconciliation (FoR), as an international ecumenical Christian peace organisation, seeks to respond to, provide for and work with peacemakers on contemporary issues. The Called to be Peacemakers conference will address the concerns of religious rights and wrongs expressed within today’s peace movement.
The conference is open to anyone aged 18 to 30 (ish) and will provide the opportunity for reflection, discussions and worship. It will be crammed full of expert speakers, in-depth workshops, training and delicious vegetarian food. The weekend will be an opportunity to meet with others from around the country who are exploring personal and international peacemaking.
Click here for more information.
Contact martha@for.org.uk
Fellowship of Reconciliation, St James Church Centre, Beauchamp Lane Oxford OX4 3LF. 01865 748 796.
Philosophy for Children and Communities: Level One
by St Ethelburga's Centre for Reconciliation and Peace
Date: Sat 21 & Sat 28 Oct 10.00am - 5.00pm
Location: St Ethelburga's, London
Cost: £65 for both workshops (includes lunch)
Philosophy for Children and Communities promotes creative, critical and collaborative dialogue in which participants are guided in forming their own questions for discussion. On this two day, Level One course delegates gain experience of the method, consider how best to apply PfC in the area of inter-faith dialogue and start to develop the skill of facilitation. With John Palliser.
Places are limited and advance booking is essential. You can reserve places by visiting the St Ethelburga's Centre for Reconciliation and Peace website, by clicking here.
Foundation Training in Nonviolent Communication
By 
Dates: October 21-22 2006
Location: East London
Cost: £130 waged / £95 concessions
Nonviolent Communication is a simple, profound process that helps us to stay connected to the humanity in ourselves and others in the midst of conflicts of any kind. It is recommended by communication and conflict resolution experts including Arun Gandhi, William Ury (author ‘Getting to Yes’), Anthony Robbins (author ‘Awaken the Giant Within’) and John Gray (author ‘Mars and Venus’ books).
This training is two days in length. It:
- Presents the concepts & tools used in NVC.
- Will give you sufficient information & practice to start using NVC in your daily life.
- Is challenging, moving, supportive & fun.
Please visit the NVC Resolutions website for more information.
Building Peace: the Middle East, South Asia, Africa...is it possible?
by 
Date: Thursday 19 October 2006, 8 pm
Venue: The Ismaili Centre, 1-7 Cromwell Gardens, South Kensington, SW7 2SL
Places are limited for this event so booking is essential
Recent events in the Middle East make peace seem as elusive as ever – likewise in Sri Lanka and Darfur. In the first of International Alert's discussion series, PeaceTalks, we consider how a strategic approach to peacebuilding can address persistent problems of war, injustice and instability. Looking at examples of both success and failure, the panel members will examine the challenges of building sustainable peace.
CHAIR: Jon Snow – Channel 4 News Anchor; Journalist of the Year at the Royal Television Society Awards February 2006
PANEL MEMBERS: Martin Wollacott – Guardian journalist for almost 40 years, covering Vietnam, the Iranian revolution, Iraq, Bosnia and Sierra Leone. Author of After Suez: Adrift in the American Century published October 2006.
Dan Smith – Secretary General of International Alert. Author of The State of the World Atlas and the forthcoming The State of the Middle East published in October 2006.
Isabel Hilton – Editor of openDemocracy. Journalist, broadcaster and writer, including for the Financial Times, the Independent, The New Yorker and the BBC.
More details: http://www.international-alert.org/press/peace_talks.php
CLPE Multicultural Book Fair
by 
(The Centre for Literacy in Primary Education)
Date: Wednesday 18 October 2006, 12 noon - 6.30pm
Location: Central London
Cost: Free
The Centre for Literacy in Primary Education is proud to host its third multicultural book fair where specialist booksellers and publishers display and sell their resources.
This book fair will be of interest to teachers, parents, librarians and workers in Children’s Centres, Sure Start and other organisations involved in Family Learning. There will also be a discussion forum led by an invited panel that will explore how the sharing of stories from many cultures supports learning.
- Come along and browse
- Meet booksellers and publishers
- See the best of multicultural books, story props and games
- Stories and songs for under fives
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Storytelling with SARAH AGARD, a local storyteller
- Discussion forum with invited panel: How does sharing stories from many cultures support learning?
- Free refreshments for children
To find out more, please visit the CLPE website by clicking here (external link)
Education for Nonviolence - A Six Session Course
by St Ethelburga's Centre for Reconciliation and Peace
Date: 17 Oct onwards
Location: St Ethelburga's, London
Cost: £30 for all six events
A 6 week course exploring the complex and multi-factorial nature of violence. Using a clear theoretical base participants will work with their own experiences to address the personal, relational and global changes that can lead to the creation of a non-violent society. Developed and led by London Centre of Cultures.
All at 7.00-9.00pm
- 17 Oct: Personal experience of violence and strategies to overcome it
- 24 Oct: Relaxation, Breathing, Body Posture and Experience of Peace
- 31 Oct: Valid Action, Coherence and Solidarity
- 14 Nov: Virtues (self-esteem building)
- 21 Nov: Overcoming Discrimination
- 28 Nov: Organisations and Models
Places are limited and advance booking is essential. You can reserve places by visiting the St Ethelburga's Centre for Reconciliation and Peace website, by clicking here.
Annual Restorative Practitioners Network Day
By 
Date: 12 October 2006
Location: Friends House, Euston, London
Cost: £60 members / £80 non-members
A series of workshops and opportunities for networking, sharing ideas and experiences for Restorative Practitioners and those interested in victim-offender
mediation.
For more details, please visit the conference website by clicking here.
(External Link)
Unite Against Fascism West Midlands Conference
Date: Saturday October 7th
Location: Birmingham Council House, 10:00 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Cost: Free
This conference is open to all organisations and individuals that wish to oppose the rise of the BNP and other far right organisations in Britain.
West Midlands Regional Trade Union organisations, Student Unions, Community and Ethnic Minority Organisations, Faith Groups, local anti-fascist and anti- racist organisations, LGBT groups and all individuals and organisations that support the struggle against the fascists are invited to the UAF West Midlands Conference on Saturday October 7th.
Across Europe, extreme right wing and fascist organisations are riding on a wave of racism and, particularly, Islamophobia. In Britain, the BNP are hoping to further spread their message of racial hatred using next year's elections as a platform. The upward trend in the electoral gains of the fascist BNP accelerated at the May 2006 local elections. They won 32 council seats, and with the defection of a Lincolnshire Tory councillor to the BNP, they now hold 49 seats.
Speakers include
· Paul Oppenheimer - Holocaust Survivor
· Cllr Salma Yaqoob - Birmingham
· Mohammed Azam - North West UAF
· Jerry Bartlett - Deputy Gen. Secretary NASUWT
· Steve Beardsmore - Regional Chair of UNISON
· Weyman Bennett - Joint National Secretary UAF
· Richard Burden MP
· Sabby Dhalu - Joint National Secretary UAF
· Cllr Joy Garner - Stoke on Trent
· Tony Kearns - Deputy Gen. Secretary CWU
· Jackie Ranger - Former President Birmingham Area NUT
· Wilf Sullivan - TUC National Race Equality Officer
To find out more, please visit the UAF website by clicking here.
(External Link)
Engaging Young People in Positive Activities to Promote Community Cohesion
Date: Tuesday 19th September 2006
Location: Barbican Centre, London EC2
This one day conference will:
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Examine the importance of promoting Community Cohesion amongst Young People in order to develop more integrative and safer societies now and in the future
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Discuss how positive activities can be used to break down barriers between young people, by challenging attitudes and preventing racism
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Outline the importance of the Education System as a means to teach and promote Community Cohesion at an early age
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Share experiences and good practice through interactive in-depth seminars looking at strategies designed to bring communities closer together such as:
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Intergenerational Projects: Improving Links Between Older and Younger Citizens
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Building Projects to Meet the Needs of Young People in Deprived Communities
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Resolving Conflict through Peer Training
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Forging Partnerships with Voluntary, Community and Business Sector Groups to Promote Cohesion Amongst Young People
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Show the importance of providing a broad range of activities to suit the diversity of each local community
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Highlight the need to promote social inclusion and cultural diversity as a means to build safer more liveable communities for older and younger generations, by giving individuals a sense of belonging
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Hear best practice examples from the Government's national Pathfinder Project and explore how to improve young people's knowledge and understanding of community cohesion
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Showcase best practice examples of delivering integration and cohesion in local communities by:
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Raising Participation and Achievement through Positive Activities and Volunteering
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Building Confidence and Self Esteem amongst Young People
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Working with Travelling Communities
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Reintegrating Young Offenders into the Community
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Examine the latest policy and initiatives aimed at developing more cohesive communities
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Provide a networking opportunity for all those committed to investing in Youth as to develop cohesion amongst young people
For further information contact Sarah Spencer on 020 7324 4359,
e-mail sarah.spencer@neilstewartassociates.co.uk
London Week of Peace
10th-17th September
A festival celebrating diversity and promoting justice, equality and respect through activities across boroughs in London.
Following its success last year, the London Week of Peace, is planned for the 10th to the 17th of September 2006. The week will profile and promote community safety and peace initiatives, offering Londoners the opportunity to participate and dialogue in a range of issues, whilst being able to contribute to a more cohesive society.
The London Week of Peace has continually been endorsed by the Prime Minister, Home Secretaries, Metropolitan Police Commanders and various leading political figures. It is facilitated by the strategic group involving representatives from the Greater London Authority, Government Office for
Other supporters of the Week include the former leader of the Conservative Party, Sir Michael Howard, the Mayor of London, Ken Livingstone, and the Commissioner of Police, Sir Ian Blair. The City of
Register your interest
If you are in anyway contributing towards a safer London by working with young people or the community or you simply have ideas that would mobilise greater community participation in crime reduction initiatives, please visit the Peace Alliance website to register your interest.
Please visit the Peace Alliance website for more information by clicking here (external link).
RACISM, LIBERTY AND THE WAR ON TERROR
A conference organised by the Institute of Race Relations
Date: Saturday 16 September 2006
Location: Conway Hall, Central London
Cost: £15 for individuals and non-funded organisations, £25 for funded organisations, or free for refugees and asylum seekers
HOW should we respond to the attacks on our civil rights, refugee rights and our multicultural society - carried out in the name of national security? Join leading campaigners, lawyers and thinkers in debating how we can defend our liberties and our communities...
Moazzam Begg
Jeremy Corbyn
Gareth Peirce
Colin Prescod
A. Sivanandan
Salma Yaqoob.
Also speaking:
Imtiaz Amin, Fahad Ansari, Frank Arnold, Harmit Athwal, Jenny Bourne, Naima Bouteldja, Victoria Brittain, Tony Bunyan, Louise Christian, Deborah Coles, Shobha Das, Beena Faridi, Liz Fekete, Nadine Finch, Emma Ginn, Anne Gray, Hsiao Hung-Pai, Saghir Hussein, Arun Kundnani, Daniel Machover, Harris Nyatsanza, Herman Ouseley, Tauhid Pasha, Asad Rehman, David Renton, David Rose, Daniel Sukula, Frances Webber
Booking information
Tickets for the Racism, Liberty and the War on Terror conference are £15 for individuals and non-funded organisations, £25 for funded organisations, or free for refugees and asylum seekers. Tickets include both buffet lunch (veg option available) and refreshments. For just £13 extra, you can take advantage of a special half-price individual subscription to the IRR journal Race & Class.
Programme
9.30 - Registration
10.00 - Welcome address with Colin Prescod, chair of the IRR
10.05 - Keynote speeches by A. Sivanandan, director of the Institute
of Race Relations, and Gareth Peirce, leading human rights lawyer
11.00 - Break
11.15 - Morning panel discussions
12.45 - Lunch
1.45 - Afternoon panel discussions
3.15 - Break
3.30 - Final plenary with Jeremy Corbyn MP, Salma Yaqoob, Birmingham
councillor, Moazzam Begg, former Guantanamo detainee, and Colin
Prescod
5.00 - Close
Morning panel discussions;
The impact of anti-terror powers in the UK, with Fahad Ansari (Islamic Human Rights Commission), Liz Fekete (IRR), Anne Gray (CAMPACC), Saghir Hussein (Stop Political Terror)
The attack on multiculturalism, with Arun Kundnani (IRR), Lord Ouseley (author of Community Pride Not Prejudice report), A. Sivanandan (director, IRR), Salma Yaqoob (councillor, Birmingham Sparkbrook)
Detention and incarceration, with Dr Frank Arnold (Medical Justice Network), Harmit Athwal (IRR), Deborah Coles (Inquest), Daniel Machover (human rights lawyer)
Combating racial violence, with Imtiaz Amin (Mubarek family campaign), Shobha Das (Support Against Racial Incidents), Beena Faridi (Islamic Human Rights Commission), David Renton (author), Jenny Bourne (IRR)
Afternoon panel discussions;
Civil liberties: the racial dimension, with Louise Christian (human rights lawyer), Arun Kundnani (IRR), Asad Rehman (Newham Monitoring Project)
Liberty and the global war on terror, with Naima Bouteldja (journalist), Victoria Brittain (journalist and author), Tony Bunyan (director, Statewatch), Jeremy Corbyn MP, David Rose (journalist and author)
Campaigning against deportations, with Liz Fekete, (IRR), Emma Ginn (anti-deportations campaigner), Daniel Sukula (Sukula Family Must Stay), Harris Nyatsanza (Zimbabwean human rights activist)
Defending international conventions, Nadine Finch (barrister), Hsiao Hung-Pai (journalist), Tauhid Pasha (Joint Council for the Welfare of Immigrants), Frances Webber (barrister)
Booking form & further info : http://www.irrorg.uk/pdf/irr_conference_2006.pdf
Contact :
Institute of Race Relations, 2-6 Leeke Street, London, WC1X 9HS.
Tel : 020 7837 0041
Email : info@irr.org.uk
Different Futures: Risk, Resilience and Resistance
An international conference on young people
Date: Thursday 7th - Sunday 10th September 2006
Location: University of Strathclyde, Jordanhill Campus
The lives of many young people are shaped by conflict and by the often conflicted worlds of home, school, work and community. The approach to "youth" in Western society is exemplified by concerns about declining values, identity formation, territoriality and association, sub-culture and deviance. In too many places around the world, oppression, struggle and violence provide the context for the lived experience of many young people.
Whilst the negative flow in State and media interventions is often against these young people, youth work is routinely engaged in an enterprise which seeks to associate with them in ways that develop their voice, asserts their rights and affords the possibility of different futures.
Our fourth biannual conference will provide opportunities to identify with the conflicted experience of young people. We will examine the manifestations of conflict and how young people, and those who work with them, respond to the challenges which these pose.
The conference will offer the opportunity to examine the definitions of risk, resilience and resistance:
Risk may be identified with threat and violence (official and unofficial), discrimination (heterosexism, racism) and alienation (exclusion, criminalising).
Resilience may be engendered in sub-cultural manifestations or by youth work interventions such as youth action, youth arts, youth music and youth media projects which provide the potential to generate voice, build resilience and pave the way for different futures.
Resistance may be manifest in oppositional practices which seek to subvert the status quo, which lobby for equal rights and diversity and which campaign against dominant ideas.
This conference will be of interest to those who are concerned about work with young people including practitioners, academics and policy makers. The key concepts are related to risk, resilience and resistance: the aim is to share and promote critical and practical ideas which connect to the ways in which young people accommodate, deal with and move within, between and away from conflicting worlds.
Click here for the official conference website.
Conflict Research Society Conference Programme 2006
Today's Conflict Research: Tomorrow's Difference!
Dates: Tuesday 5 September to Thursday 7 September
Location: University of Aston
Conference Fee Residential: Lakeside en-suite (2 nights) £250
Conference Fee Residential: The Towers, shared facilities (2 nights) £220 Conference Fee Non-residential (2 days) £150
Conference Fee Non-residential (1 day) £100
The Conflict Research Society is the meeting place of choice for professionals working from all disciplines who share a desire to develop a better understanding of the processes, implications, management and transformation of conflict. This includes all arenas, whether international, social, organisational or personal.
The Society holds an Annual Conference which in 2006 is being held in Birmingham from Tuesday 5 September to Thursday 7 September. This event is intended as a forum for sharing the outputs of recently completed and ongoing research.
The programme will be shaped to permit the maximum possible time for discussion, both within and outside the formal sessions. One of the main purposes of the conference is to enable contributors to meet colleagues in their own and related fields. The social programme will include a conference dinner and some free time to explore the locality.
Conference Venue, Accommodation and Travel
The conference will be held at the University of Aston in Birmingham. The campus is, conveniently located close to Birmingham city centre and with easy access by rail and motorway. For those coming from further afield, Birmingham International Airport is only 10 minutes by train from the city centre and has good connections both within Europe and beyond. Budget flights also operate into nearby Coventry.
To help prospective attendees to make early travel arrangements it may help to know that the conference will commence at midday on the 5 September and is presently planned to end at around 12.30pm on 7 September.
As there is on-site accommodation at the conference venue, this is included in the normal fee package (though a non-residentail option is available). The overall cost is at a similar level to last year's conference in Sheffield, and both budget and en-suite accommodation are available, though the latter is in limited supply and a first-come, first-served policy will apply.
Click here to visit the CRS site.
3rd Scottish Mediation Conference:
The Craft of Communication
An imaginative conference for everyone interested in mediation in Scotland.
Dates: 5th & 6th September 2006(Tues and Wed)
Venue: Perth Concert Hall, Perth
Conference Aims:
- To explore plans in Scotland for creatively raising the profile of mediation (Public Awareness).
- To build concensus on the options for a quality assurance framework linking various spheres of mediation in Scotland.
- To provide opportunities for mediation skills development at all levels: beginning, intermediate, advanced and trainers.
Proposed Conference Events:
An integrated programme of workshops and speakers that weaves together the three above streams of discourse that will take place over the two days of the conference.
Desired Outcome:
- Public statements of commitment from key organisations in Scotland.
Media attention for innovative linking of arts and mediation. - Agreement on the outline for the way ahead for a quality assurance framework in Scotland.
- Establishment of special interest sections dealing with different spheres of mediation and establishment of links and collaboration leading to more collaboration amongst them.
- Stonger links with solicitors.
Anticipated Audience:
- Mediators and mediation trainers from all sectors
- Practitioners from associated occupations
- Policy and law makers
- Opinion formers
- Local authorities
- HR and NHS advisors
- Solicitors
- International visitors from countries and states linked to Scotland
- Interested members of the public
Click here for the official conference website.
The Eurabian Nightmare
17 July 2006
A lunchtime seminar by Matt Carr, journalist and author.
- Monday 17 July 2006, from 1-2.15pm
- Institute of Race Relations, 2-6 Leeke Street, London, WC1X 9HS
Speaker:
- Matt Carr (journalist and author of the forthcoming Unknown Soldiers: How Terrorism Transformed the Modern World)
Matt Carr is one of the first thinkers to explore and explode the myths underpinning the dangerous concept of Eurabia - being popularised by a range of authors including Melanie Phillips and Oriana Fallaci (in Italy).
In the July issue of Race & Class, he argues that in recent years an increasingly influential intellectual consensus on both sides of the Atlantic has presented Europe as a doomed and decadent continent that is being transformed into an Islamic colony called 'Eurabia'. What began as an outlandish conspiracy theory has become a dangerous Islamophobic fantasy that has moved ever closer towards mainstream respectability, as conservative historians and newspaper columnists, right-wing Zionists and European neo-fascists find common cause in the threat to 'Judeo-Christian' civilisation from Muslim immigrants with supposedly incompatible cultural values.
(Race & Class containing the article, 'You are now entering Eurabia' by Matt Carr plus 'Dispatches' by John Berger, 'Abu Ghraib, imprisonment and the "war on terror"' by Avery Gordon and 'They had to die: assassination against liberation' by Victoria Brittain will be available at the seminar.)
This seminar will be a discussion - not a debate - aimed at facilitating a genuine exchange of views and ideas between speakers and participants.
For booking details, please visit the IRR website by clicking here.
Dialogue for Action
The 2006 UK Forum for Non-Violence will take place in London between July 21st and 23rd.
Cost of participation, including dinner on saturday night -
£20 (concessions) & £25
Provisional programme:
Friday 21st from 6pm to 9pm:
Dinner and speaker organised by the Gandhi Foundation
Venue: Kingsley Hall, Powis Rd, London, nearest tube: Bromley-by-bow, District Line
Our event will open in the highly appropriate location of Kingsley Hall where Gandhi famously stayed during his time in London in 1931 during negotiations about the future of India.
This opening event is the chance to meet others attending the weekend's forum in a more informal setting. We will hear a presentation from David Maxwell of the Gandhi Foundation about Gandhi's visit to London with video footage from the time.
Cost £5 - Including dinner which is a generous donation from volunteers at the Gandhi Foundation. The cost of this event is separate to the weekend's event as people coming from outside London may not be able to make it on time. All profits from this event will be donated to the work of the Gandhi Foundation.
Saturday 22nd from 10am: Plenary Session
Dialogue of Minds
Venue: Friends Meeting House, Euston Rd, London, nearest tubes: Euston (Victoria line, Northern Line), Euston Square (Circle line, Metropolitan line, Hammersmith and City Line)
Chair: Dr Felicity de Zulueta
Presentations by: The Centre of Cultures, Turning the Tide, the Medical Justice Network, SOAS Interfaith Society, the Education and Violence Symposium from UNED (National University of Distance Education, April 06, Madrid) and Esforal (School of Latin American culture).
Sat 22nd from 2pm : Workshops in groups
Dialogue of Hearts
After lunch, still at the Friends Meeting House, the following workshops will take place:
The Media and Violence - The Centre of Cultures
The Turning the Tide programme-turning the tide
Education for Non Violence - Dr Silvia Swinden
The Liberation Therapy or the way to Be Peace - International Sufi School
Gandhi's five fingers on the hand of non-violence - what are our 5 fingers? - David Maxwell of the Gandhi Foundation
Saturday 22nd from 6pm: Dinner & informal interchange about the work of the groups.
Afterdinner speaker & artistic/cultural presentation.
Sunday 23rd from 10am:
Dialogue for Action
Venue: School of Oriental and African Studies, Thornhaugh Street, Russell Square, London nearest tube: Russell Square (Piccadilly line), Goodge Street (Northern line)
These workshops will continue the themes from the previous day but this time making proposal for concrete actions to reduce violence, improve intercultural relations, networking between organisations, increasing the profile of non-violence in local and international Conflict Resolution and establishing visible and proactive programmes for the prevention of violence in educational establishments, families, workplaces and communities.
The European Humanist Forum - 3,4,5th November 2006 - Lisbon, Portugal - by Tony Robinson
The Centre of Cultures - by Jon Swinden
Final declaration - UK Forum for non-violence 2006 - a working party of members of this years forum can take time to prepare a final declaration
Sunday 23rd pm from 2pm: Plenary Session
Presentation of the proposals from each working party
Agreements on future activities
Final Words: A public Declaration will be produced out of the work of the Forum on the theme of non violence.
Click here for booking and more information at the conference website.
Mediation Awareness
Date: 26 July 2006
Time: 10am to 5pm
Location: MESH, Sheffield
Cost: £120.00 per person
This one day course is suitable for people who have no experience of mediation and/or are thinking of incorporating it into their working lives (and lives in general.) This course will look at the organisational factors behind mediation and how you can acquire individual skills.
Trainees will look at
- How mediation works
- How conflict is addressed in mediation
- Applying listening skills
- How people become entrenched in their solutions to conflict
- Opportunities to role-play mediation
- What are joint meetings? How do they work?
- Writing an agreement
There will be an hour for lunch and a fifteen minute break in the morning and afternoon.
To book a place please e-mail
fiona@mediationsheffield.org.uk
Closing date for payment 1 July 2006
RaceActionNet Action Seminars:
From the problems of crime to the promise of cohesion: working with young people on race, identity and citizenship
Date: 28 June 2006
Location: The Hatton, 51-53 Hatton Gardens, London EC1N 8HN
Cost: RaceActionNet Members £295 + VAT / Other Organisations £395 + VAT
(*Includes full documentation, lunch and refreshments)
Context
Are young people the problem or the solution? They are mostly in the news for all the wrong reasons – as irritants of neighbourhood nuisance, happy-slappers, or gang-based instigators of civic disturbances. But young people are also recognised as promising sources of leadership on citizenship and community cohesion. Funding of £115m is now available to local authorities to ensure young people have access to a wide range of positive activities. How can these funds be used creatively to commission and deliver projects that make an imaginative and lasting contribution to local communities?
Programme:
Radio 4 broadcaster and writer Simon Fanshawe chairs this exclusive action seminar and explores how to reach and engage with young people on race, identity and citizenship – featuring interviews with leading practitioners, discussion groups, and conversations with young British Muslims.
What you’ll get from the day:
1. A framework for commissioning and designing projects with young people on race, identity and citizenship
2. Examples of innovation and good practice from youth work providers
3. An opportunity to network and share ideas and approaches with prospective commissioners and providers of youth work
4. Insight into the identity and experience of young British Muslims.
For further information and a booking form please visit the RaceActionNet website by clicking here (external link).
Holocaust and Genocide Education Conference
GENOCIDE: The Ultimate Exclusion
Organised by the Aegis Trust
Date: 26 June, 2006
Location: The Aegis Trust
A Conference for Teachers of History, RE, Citizenship, Media and Global Development Education, Citizenship Trainers, Senior Management of Schools, Head Teachers, Governors, LEA advisors, PGCE students, Diversity Officers, Development Workers, Social Inclusion Officers, Equal Opportunities Officers, Museum Educators, Youth Workers, Youth Offending Teams, School of Education Lecturers, Lecturers in Higher Education who teach about the Holocaust and Genocide (History, Religious Studies)
The day will increase understanding and knowledge of the groups murdered in the Holocaust and genocide. It will show how political extremism exploits difference to create division. Most importantly, it will raise awareness of the consequences of exclusion for vulnerable groups. It is hoped that the experience gained will form a springboard for the consideration and implementation of practical steps to support the equal opportunities, diversity and citizenship policies within the school or organisation. It provides networking opportunities.
Click here for booking details and a complete outline of the day (external link).
Community Arts North West and Exodus announce the:
EXODUS ARTS FESTIVAL 2006
Date: Sat 24 June 2006
Time: 12noon – 6pm
Place: Hulme Park, Stretford Road, Hulme
Admission: FREE
A unique celebration of arts and culture by Greater Manchester’s diverse refugee communities.
Featuring world music and dance from Afghanistan, Angola, Bosnia, Bulgaria, Cameroon, Congo, India, Kurdistan, Liberia, Libya, Nigeria, Pakistan, Somalia, South Africa, Sudan, Uganda, Zimbabwe and other countries across the globe.
Plus interactive workshops, children’s activities, international food, world crafts and stalls.
Over 2000 people from both refugee and local communities attended the festival in 2005. Outside of London, Exodus is fast becoming the largest programme of creative and cultural exchange with refugee communities in the UK.
For further information about Exodus, Greater Manchester Refugee Arts Partnership: www.can.uk.com/exodus
Contact Erin McNeaney, Exodus Coordinator, Community Arts North West, T: 0161 234 2987 erin@can.uk.com
Changing Attitudes:
Tackling Crimes of Hate in Europe
Date: 21st June 2006
Time: 9.30am - 5.00pm
Location: Congress Centre, Great Russell Street
Cost: £50
The conference will draw together international expertise to identify how to tackle crimes of hate and intolerance. This event comes at a time when Londoners in particular are looking at ways to reduce race and faith tensions and intolerance.
Conference Aims:
- Understand the issues raised by hate crime in communities and move the debate forward
- Identify challenges and solutions for the criminal justice sector and communities
- Encourage partnership working across Europe to promote better understanding and share best practice
- Generate networks to improve good practice and effective information exchange amongst statutory and voluntary sectors across London
- Launch a groundbreaking comparative study of responses to hate crime in Europe, and launch good practice guidelines
Who Should Attend?
The event will be of particular interest to:
- Statutory and voluntary criminal justice agencies
- Courts & sentencers
- Local authorities
- Community groups and organisations
- Faith and anti-discrimination groups
Why Attend?
This event is a unique opportunity to hear from internationally renowned experts and to engage with a range of criminal justice agencies, voluntary sector organisations and international non-governmental organisations (NGOs) who want to find ways of making a safer future for all.
Speakers & Workshop Presenters Include:
- David Scott, Chief Officer, London Probation
- Pat Conway, Director of Services, Northern Ireland Association for Care & Resettlement of Offenders
- Erik Bleich, Assistant Professor, Department of Political Science, Middlebury College, Vermont
- Rev. Dr Mark Montebello O.P., Director Mid-Dlam Ghad-Dawl, Malta
- Kostadinka Todorova, Chairperson, International Initiatives For Co-operation, Bulgaria
- Jurgen Hillmer , Bremen Institut fur Kriminalpolitik, University of Bremen
- Tim Godwin, Chair of the London Criminal Justice Board and Assistant Commissioner-Territorial Policing, Metropolitan Police
- Suhail Aziz, Chair, London Probation Board
Workshops:
You will have the opportunity to attend two workshops, one in the morning and one in the afternoon, to take part in discussions on the following topics:
- Protecting victims by challenging perpetrators' attitudes
- Models of effective working between the Criminal Justice System and voluntary sector
- Refugees as victims of hate
- Tackling hate-motivated extremism and radicalisation
- The Northern Ireland experience of healing communities
- What we can learn from experiences of our European partners - Malta, Bulgaria and Germany
- Criminal Justice responses to crimes of hate in London
For further information, please visit the conference website by clicking here (external link)
Establishing Peace Through Teaching Peace:
The Role for Peace Education in Today's World
Monday 19th June 2006
House of Lords, Committee room 14b, 6-8pm.London
All Welcome, Admission Free
Joint ARC-WDC Public meeting.
Chair: Lord Peter Archer of Sandwell
Speakers:
Simon Byrne - co-ordinator of School Students Against the War
Jessy Winterbonn - Director of Network for Peace-Building Initiatives (Uganda)
Lucy Cope - co-coordinator of Mothers Against Guns
Benita Hide -Director of British Friends of Neve Shalom-Wahat al-Sala - Oasis of Peace
Speaker from Peace Education Network tbc
Vijay Mehta - ARC/WDC Chair
For further information contact:
Arms Reduction Coalition (ARC), PO BOX, 42567, London, E1 2WP Tel: 07899953977 / 0208 502 7673, Website: www.arcuk.org
REFUGEE WEEK
19th to 25th June 2006
Refugee Week is a UK-wide programme of arts, cultural and educational events that celebrate the contribution of refugees to the UK, and promote understanding about the reasons why people seek sanctuary. This year, Refugee Week will take place from 19th to 25th June.
There is no specific theme for Refugee Week 2006. Instead, the events should be organised around the idea that Refugee Week is a space of encounters between different communities and an opportunity to use more creative ways to address relevant issues and attract new audiences.
Every year during Refugee Week hundreds of arts, cultural and educational events are organised across the UK. In 2005, there were over 450 small and large events, ranging from big music festivals and art exhibitions to political debates, film screenings, conferences, school activities, sports and community events etc
You can show your support for Refugee Week by organising an event in your local area, or supporting existing activities by volunteering or donating.
To find out more about this or to get further information, please visit the
Refugee Week Website
Foundation Training in Nonviolent Communication
Dates: June 17-18 2006
Location: East London
Cost: £130 waged / £90 concessions
The trainings are two days in length. They:
- Present the concepts & tools used in NVC.
- Will give you sufficient information & practice to start using NVC in your daily life.
- Are challenging, moving, supportive & fun.
Please visit the NVC Resolutions website for more information.
Conference:
Multicultural Britain: From Anti-Racism to Identity Politics to...?
14 - 15 June 2006
Roehampton University, Southlands College, London, United Kingdom
A two-day conference organised by Centre for Research on Nationalism, Ethnicity and Multiculturalism (CRONEM)
University of Surrey / Roehampton University
The current debate about multiculturalism in the aftermath of '7/7' needs to be set in its historical context. A key aspect of this history is the move from anti-racist debates and policies towards an emphasis on identity politics and 'faith communities'. Some have encouraged this development and seek to defend it in a more general defence of multiculturalism. Others doubt its capacity to provide long term solutions, especially when 'faith communities' are seen as the main vehicle of identity politics. We want to focus not only on Britain, but also on similar developments across Europe generally, and other parts of
the globe.
The aim of this conference is to debate this history and seek new avenues by bringing together different generations from inside and outside universities so that we can learn from each other's experience and views.
SPEAKERS
Ash Amin
Les Back
Roger Ballard
Michael Banton
Chetan Bhatt
Catherine Hall
Kim Knott
Kenan Malik
Ann Phoenix
John Rex
For more information and conference updates please visit the conference website by clicking here.
Friendship Towards Peace in Belfast:
The Journey of Ken Newell and Gerry Reynolds
Time: 7pm
Date: Monday 12 June
Location: St Ethelburga's Centre for Reconciliation and Peace
Cost: Free but donations welcome
The story of two key people responsible for reconciliation between Catholic and Protestant commnunties in Northern Ireland. With their biographer: Professor Ronald A. Wells, Calvin College, Grands Rapids USA.
For more information, please visit the St Ethelburga's website by clicking here.
Be Creative with Conflict
Date: Friday 2 June - Sunday 4 June
Venue: Woodbrooke Quaker Study Centre
Who is the Course for?
Those who would like to find ways of making conflict a means for dialogue and growth. Clerks, Elders, Overseers and anyone who might need to intervene in disputes.
The Course
We will look at the nature of conflict, and the attitudes and skills needed to respond constructively, relating Quaker processes to those from mediation and conflict transformation. The second weekend will build upon this, developing your knowledge by applying it to a range of potential and actual conflicts, while considering ways of handling the associated emotions.
What can I hope to gain?
Greater awareness of the causes and course of conflict, confidence in being prepared to address difficult issues in an affirming way (and able to help others to do so), and knowledge of how to access helpful resources.
Course Leaders
Sue Bowers and Marion Wells-Bruges are Quakers who have worked together since 1994 on the training and accreditation of mediators. Both have been involved in setting up and managing community mediation services, and have mediated problems for religious and voluntary organisations. Marion is a community mediator and lay conciliator for the NHS. Sue's mediation work has included community, workplaces, schools and young offenders.
For more details, please visit the Woodbrooke Quaker Study Centre by clicking here.
Cooperation Between Mediators in Europe:
Conference in Helsinki, Finland 25th -27th May 2006
TO DISCUSS EUROPEAN COOPERATION Nordic Forum for Mediation and Conflict Management takes initiative to gather representatives from European Networks and organisations to a first meeting in Copenhagen 29th of November. Read this letter which ask for suggestions for names of persons and organisations that can take part.
To: Organisations and Networks working with Mediation in Europe.
About: THE CONFERENCE IN HELSINKI, FINLAND 25TH-27TH MAY 2006
AND DEVELOPMENT OF A EUROPEAN MEDIATION FORUM.
The Nordic Forum for Mediation and Conflict Management (NFM) will hold its fourth Conference in Helsinki, Finland from 25th to 28th of May 2006. The last Conference in 2004 gathered 300 participants from Scandinavian and other countries, working within eight mediation areas:
- family,
- schools,
- work place,
- community
- victim-offender,
- civil court,
- commercial relations
- international peace building
This time we have decided to make it a European Conference. We hope this will be the first in a series of Conferences for mediators in Europe. We invite organisations and networks within and across European countries to make suggestions about the programme. At the World Mediation Forum in Switzerland in early September we arranged a workshop where people from 25 European countries participated and gave their useful input.
The Board of the Nordic Forum will be responsible for the Helsinki-Conference. However, we need guidance and will form a small Advisory Group with representatives from key organisations in Europe. Suggestions for people and/or organisations to this Group is also welcomed. The first meeting for the Advisory Group will be 29th of November 2005 in Copenhagen, Denmark. In this meeting we also want to discuss how the Helsinki-Conference can be used to develop a network for European mediators.
The style of our Conferences has been: interactive workshops focussed on the need of practioneers as along with solid theory, use of drama and culture, “open space” where anyone can contribute, room for dialogue in small groups and social events. Also, at the Helsinki-Conference we will present the results of a three year project “Nordic Map in Conflict Mediation”. More than one hundred experts have contributed experiences and reflections from the Scandinavian countries. We want to compare this with other countries and learn together.
Finland will take the Chair of the European Union in the second half of 2006. We have had discussions with the Finnish President and government. Our idea is to use the Helsinki-Conference to promote mediation on the European political agenda.
If you know of others who might contribute, please feel free to forward this letter. We want this to be an open process.
Oslo 6th of October 2005
On behalf of the Board in NFM, Dag Hareide (chair)
Getting to the Heart of Resolving Conflict
Date: Sunday, May 21, 2006
Location: London
Cost: From £50
Nonviolent Communication (NVC) is a simple profound and learnable process that builds an awareness of how to stay connected to the humanity in each of us while communicating. This leads us away from culturally conditioned communication, habits of blame, judgement, labels, diagnosis, evaluation, comparison and demand. It leads us towards; clear communication of speech and actions that are contributing to the pain of people in concflict; connection with the feelings and needs in each of us that are the motivation for our speech and actions; making specific, do-able, respectful request that aim to meet the needs of all concerned.
Speakers:
Speaker Marshall Rosenberg will be introduced by Maria Arpa, Chair of Mediation UK
For further details, please visit the Mediation UK website by clicking here.
Levellers Day 2006
"Identity: Where We Live, Who We Are"
10 to 5pm
Saturday 20th May 2006
Burford, Oxfordshire
All day £10/£6 concessions, pm only, £7.50
SPEECHES, DEBATE, PROCESSION, MUSIC
Levellers Day is an open air event in Warwick Hall Garden, Burford, Oxfordshire, and commemorates three Leveller soldiers who were executed on Cromwell’s orders in Burford churchyard on 17 May, 1649.
This year’s theme, Identity: where we live, who we are, promises to make the 32nd annual Levellers Day one of the most stimulating yet. In a land with an imperial past and confused ideas on its future, is there an all-purpose glue that can bind us together in our diversity?
This year's speakers are
Tony Benn 81 this April, the elder statesman of the left who quit the House of Commons in 2001 "to spend more time on politics" and remains one of the most independent and entertaining of speakers.
Karen Chouhan “Hoodies, Hijabs and Anoraks” was the title of Karen’s contribution to a recent adult learning conference. She’s one of seven visionaries who have been selected by the Joseph Rowntree Charitable Trust to take part in a five-year "mission to change the world".
Darcus Howe Writer and often controversial broadcaster and social commentator, Trinidad born Darcus Howe has been a political activist in Britain since the 1960s.
Salma Yaqoob Salma is a Bradford-born psychotherapist who became active in the anti-war movement after an incident in Birmingham city centre after 9/11, when she was spat at in the street. She’s chair of Birmingham Stop-the-War Coalition and vice-chair of Respect.
Firoze Manji Oxford-based director of Fahamu, with thirty years of experience in international development, health, and human rights.
Plus feast of entertainment, including music from Press Gang, Robb Johnson, Leon Rosselson, Red Rose Folk Band, Sea Green Singers, Cry Havoc Morris and storyteller Chris Park.
Tickets
All day £10/£6 concessions, pm only, £7.50
Doors open at 9.30 am.
Events listing is provided for information only. Inclusion in this listing should not be taken to imply that the Conflict Resolution Network UK supports an event or is involved in organising it.
To read about upcoming events, please click here.
Dates: 11-13 May 2006
Location: Friends House, London
Cost: Various (http://www.bethechange.org.uk) )
The 3rd Be The Change conference takes place in London on May 11-13 – three days in which 500 people from 20+ countries will come together to share their ideas and their inspiration for manifesting a world that works for all. There are three key areas of focus this year: on Thursday, finance and the planet – the system’s impact and new ideas around money, economics, investment and trade; on Friday, Global conflict and resolution - looking at specific areas (the Middle East) and at our own internal processes; and on Saturday, education for a sustainable future – the threat we face, how we learn, and the leadership that ensues. Among those helping to guide and inform us are change-makers from India, Australia, Denmark, Chile and the USA – business and spiritual leaders, educators and social entrepreneurs; some with reputations, others as yet little known. Whatever your field, these three days should help you, as Gandhi suggested, be the change you wish to see in the world.
Some of the highlights: John Whitmore, Bernard Lietaer and Julio Olalla lead a discussion on the global financial system, with some breakthrough ideas from John Duggan, Susan Davis and Stan Thekaekara. Scilla Elworthy, Zulfi Hussain and Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev provide some guideposts beyond conflict; Tim Flannery tackles climate change and David Orr deals with the imperatives for education; plus intense discussion cafes each day. Add to that 3 evening workshops, a very special concert with Chloe Goodchild, and a new one-day Symposium on the Sunday.
For full programme details – and to book – visit http://www.bethechange.org.uk You may also download a pdf of the programme here: http://www.bethechange.org.uk/downloads/BTC2006prog.pdf
Speakers and music against racism – free event in Trafalgar Square
- When: Saturday, April 29th, 2006
- Location: Trafalgar Square, London
- Tickets: Free
LMHR and Unite Against Fascism present: Speakers and music against racism – free event in Trafalgar Square
This event will celebrate our multi-racial, multi-faith society. The Nazi BNP want to spread hatred and divide us. Join us in sending a message that we will not be divided – no to racism.
• Use your vote to stop the BNP on 4 May
• Unite Against Fascism.
• No to Islamophobia
Carnival procession
11am, assemble Parliament Square, Westminster.
Carnival showcase
12-2pm, Trafalgar Square.
Dance/poetry/open mic/singers/street theatre from schools, colleges and youth groups. Get your school or group involved – contact us now to secure your place!
Music and speakers against racism
2pm-8pm, Trafalgar Square.
Music from Belle & Sebastian, Roll Deep, Lethal Bizzle, Boy Kill Boy, Kray Twinz, The Paddingtons, Get Cape Wear Cape Fly, Heartless Crew, Mecca2Medina, Akala, Metro Riots, Emmanuel Jal, The Mentalists with Poly Styrene, Emeson, Bigga Fish.
Speakers include Gurinder Chadha (director of Bend it like Beckham and Bride and Prejudice), Keith Sonnet (UNISON Deputy General Secretary), Paul Mackney (NATFHE General Secretary), Ben Summerskill (Stonewall Chief Executive), Weyman Bennett (Unite Against Fascism), Mohammed Azam (Labour Party NEC member), Glyn Ford MEP, Kat Fletcher (NUS President), plus speakers from CWU, PCS and Amicus.
Comperes & DJs include Rampage, Tutu (Choice FM), Martin Smith (UAF/LMHR), Semtex, Nu-MCs. Punkvert VJs & films on giant video screens.
Event production by Eventful & Metropolis Music
Carnival supported by Amicus, CWU, PCS, Unison Greater London, Bigga Fish
Foundation Training in Nonviolent Communication
By