Forum to tackle global social issues
For the third consecutive year, a Regional Social Forum for Southern Ontario will be held here in London at the Scouts Canada Grounds at 531, Windermere Road. This hugely popular free event, who's slogan is “a better world is possible,” is a local adaptation of the annual World Social Forum, which is attended by tens of thousands of people, representing hundreds of organizations and movements, all opposed to neo-liberal economics.
Seen as the little sibling on a smaller scale of the World Social Forum, the Regional Social Forum (RSF) held in London is the most successful of the hundreds of small forums, and is the only regional version to last longer than one run.
Last year London's RSF attracted 500 people, a slight increase from the year before, and organizers are anticipating an even bigger attendance this year as interest keeps growing. Although it is designed to appeal to residents of southern Ontario, and deals with many local issues, past forums have attracted participants from as far away as Alabama and Nova Scotia.
Although London's RSF and the World Social Forum have very similar models; they both have keynote speakers, are attended by many different social movements, and have an organized itinerary, the local RSF also embraces the international youth camp model, which promotes more spontaneity, more relaxed and fun atmosphere, more informal discussions and encourages living the change that social forums work so hard to promote.
This year the RSF is being co-facilitated by two prominent members of the Fanshawe community. Fanshawe's renowned Professor of Anthropology, Lorraine McNeil, and Fanshawe Social Justice Club Treasurer, Kenneth Montville, have taken on this daunting task, putting in the hundreds of hours needed to organize groups of volunteers into special committees in order to make this event run smoothly.
“The [Regional Social Forum] is the most amazing, energizing weekend for people who want to inform themselves, connect with others, and collectively take action to create a more peaceful, just, and sustainable world,” said McNeil.
With just over a month to go before the four-day event kicks-off on June 21, organizers and volunteers are putting the finishing touches on the packed itinerary, which will include musical performances, an art festival, workshops, presentations, film screenings, campfires and other activities. Tables will also be set up by a wide array of NGO's, Independent media outlets and fair trade vendors providing an opportunity for participants to make ethical purchases.
However this event is not based on the trade of money and products, but rather based on the sharing of information and the solidarity in struggle. It is not business-oriented, it is people oriented, which is why this event is free to the public. There is no charge for any of the performances, workshops, presentations or film screenings. There is even no charge to camp there, which many people do.
There is no reason to leave the site; there is even food available by donation. And it's not just any food, only the best organic vegetarian and vegan food will be served to those in attendance.
Although events like these cost a lot of money to run, the RSF refuses to accept any corporate sponsorship, as this would be a conflict of interest and a failure of principle. Instead, the RSF is run completely by volunteers and is funded by the generous donations of various labour unions, the labour council, faith-based groups and individuals. These generous donations make this event free to the public and accessible for all members of society.
Check out www.rsflondon.ca for more information. It is not too late to get involved with a volunteer committee, contact regionalsocialforum@gmail.com for this purpose or any other enquiries.
Seen as the little sibling on a smaller scale of the World Social Forum, the Regional Social Forum (RSF) held in London is the most successful of the hundreds of small forums, and is the only regional version to last longer than one run.
Last year London's RSF attracted 500 people, a slight increase from the year before, and organizers are anticipating an even bigger attendance this year as interest keeps growing. Although it is designed to appeal to residents of southern Ontario, and deals with many local issues, past forums have attracted participants from as far away as Alabama and Nova Scotia.
Although London's RSF and the World Social Forum have very similar models; they both have keynote speakers, are attended by many different social movements, and have an organized itinerary, the local RSF also embraces the international youth camp model, which promotes more spontaneity, more relaxed and fun atmosphere, more informal discussions and encourages living the change that social forums work so hard to promote.
This year the RSF is being co-facilitated by two prominent members of the Fanshawe community. Fanshawe's renowned Professor of Anthropology, Lorraine McNeil, and Fanshawe Social Justice Club Treasurer, Kenneth Montville, have taken on this daunting task, putting in the hundreds of hours needed to organize groups of volunteers into special committees in order to make this event run smoothly.
“The [Regional Social Forum] is the most amazing, energizing weekend for people who want to inform themselves, connect with others, and collectively take action to create a more peaceful, just, and sustainable world,” said McNeil.
With just over a month to go before the four-day event kicks-off on June 21, organizers and volunteers are putting the finishing touches on the packed itinerary, which will include musical performances, an art festival, workshops, presentations, film screenings, campfires and other activities. Tables will also be set up by a wide array of NGO's, Independent media outlets and fair trade vendors providing an opportunity for participants to make ethical purchases.
However this event is not based on the trade of money and products, but rather based on the sharing of information and the solidarity in struggle. It is not business-oriented, it is people oriented, which is why this event is free to the public. There is no charge for any of the performances, workshops, presentations or film screenings. There is even no charge to camp there, which many people do.
There is no reason to leave the site; there is even food available by donation. And it's not just any food, only the best organic vegetarian and vegan food will be served to those in attendance.
Although events like these cost a lot of money to run, the RSF refuses to accept any corporate sponsorship, as this would be a conflict of interest and a failure of principle. Instead, the RSF is run completely by volunteers and is funded by the generous donations of various labour unions, the labour council, faith-based groups and individuals. These generous donations make this event free to the public and accessible for all members of society.
Check out www.rsflondon.ca for more information. It is not too late to get involved with a volunteer committee, contact regionalsocialforum@gmail.com for this purpose or any other enquiries.
