Workshop Details

A.  Right to Self Determination, Responsibility to protect, Geneva Conventions and the United Nations - International Law 101

Facilitator:  Aparna Sundar

Summary of Workshop:  The question of how to protect people caught in humanitarian crisis without compromising the sovereignty of states is very controversial. In August 2000, a unanimous resolution was adopted in Geneva to internationally recognize the right to self-determination.  How far have we come in the past decade in turning this into reality?   Is the world acting on its “Responsibility to Protect” people from violations of human rights? In this workshop we will gain an understanding of the role of international communities and their commitment to support vulnerable groups whose socio-economic and cultural identity needs are threatened by dominant ethnic groups.

B.  Get up! Stand up! Know your rights! - Rights as an activist

Facilitator:  Angela  Regnier

Summary of Workshop:  As activists, we put ourselves in the frontlines to convey and deliver our message until our voices are heard.  In the process, it is important that we arm ourselves with the right tools and knowledge while in the presence of police and the court system.  Whether it is your right to remain silent, or your right to protest, understanding your civil rights and the judicial system is a critical tool for any activist maneuvering through the intricacies of the legal system while fighting for justice.

C.  The tricks to the trade of Lobbying - Successful Political Advocacy

Facilitator:   Todd Ross

Summary of Workshop:  Many times as minority communities we experience road blocks in engaging our elected representatives or policy makers. The reasons being?  The issues we face and the solutions we seek, may not be of importance when it comes to their immediate agenda. This is why the tactics of mobilization and evoking public support in lobbying these individuals is critical in placing your issues at the top of their list. In this workshop you can learn the tactics, and strategies to tap into your governments and get them to listen to what matters to you.

D. Linking up! - Building Solidarity between Movements Worldwide

Facilitator:  Pablo Vivianco

Summary of Workshop:  From the fight for Tamil Eelam, to the Cuban revolution, and to the Palestinian struggle, these resistance movements are born at the hands of the youth.  Seeded by the youth and bread by oppression they change tomorrow by acting today.  By drawing parallels and connecting similarities from around the globe, we discuss and discover how youth mobilize as the driving force behind the international movement. From colonization to imperial rule, connect the dots and draw the lines to understand how young people from these lands far from one another resist as one.

E. Putting the Spin on media  - Engaging Media

Facilitator:    Judy  Rebick

Summary of Workshop:  The key to making sure your message is clear and fully understood depends on how you construct your story. This is particularly important when you engage media and discuss the issues that you’re trying to convey to the mainstream community. Whether it be print, TV, radio or online, the way we as activist convey our message to media personnel affects the perceptions of the mainstream community worldwide. In this workshop participants attain the skills, techniques and tricks of the trade to put the right spin on the story. Find out how to construct your message, and draw media to the event, issue or situation.

F.  The ART of resistance – Expressing Human Rights Through the Arts

Facilitator:  Natasha Daniel

Summary of Workshop: As an artistic activist, art allows us the freedom to creatively convey a complex issue to an audience, and provides an avenue for it to be understood and interpreted on multiple levels. There are many tactics and means to express ones story, but in this workshop your weapon is the brush and the palette is your shield.  Understand the various and creative means in which you can share your struggle, and help create awareness.   Use the world as your canvas and paint your story. Whether it’s street theatre, roadside chalking, photography, or creating the right poster, come and let your imagination soar.

G.  Up in Arms– Why communities take up arms in the struggle for liberation

Facilitator:  Steve Da Silva

Summary of Workshop:  After years of living under, often state-sponsored, military occupation communities can reach a point where they can no longer live under these circumstances.  Through multiple efforts of passive resistance, many communities strive to call on the support of the international community.  When their screams fall on deaf ears, the path of armed resistance becomes a necessity.  This workshop examines the important question of why and how are armed groups are formed.  Learn about the impact that institutionalized violence, and oppression has on citizens.  Understanding the context of why these groups exist will help debunk stereotypes and shed light into their raison d'être.   This allows us to engage in a conscientious analysis of communities that have experienced the presence of armed groups, and gain insight into their attitudes and perceptions. 

H.  Initiate, ignite and execute!  - Effective Campaigning

Facilitator:  Fariah Chowdury

Summary of Workshop:  Whether you are organizing a community forum or organizing a rally – facilitation and group coordination are the core of any effective campaign. The primary goal for any effective community organizing is understanding the issues at hand, and providing platforms for all stakeholders to be equally involved in the campaign. In this workshop, you will be provided with ideal tools, structures and methods to ensure your team performs at its utmost capabilities.