Campus Antiwar Network 2010 National Conference

Click here to register

 

When: February 26 – February 28 
Where: University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign 
Why: To help build a grassroots student movement to fight imperialism and stand for human rights.  

Whos coming:

  • Michael Schwartz: Professor of Sociology at Stony Brook University and author of War Without End: The Iraq War in Context.
  • Robby Diseu: Organizer with Peace of the Action (http://peaceoftheaction.org/)
  • Katherine Fuchs: National Organizer for the U.S. Campaign to End the Israeli Occupation
  • Laura Slattery: Long time antiwar activist and war veteran.
  • Members of IVAW
  • Students from Hampshire College: 1st college to divest from Israel
  • Wes Strong: organizer with CT-SAW, student antiwar activist and active in the struggle to defend education
  • Insurgent Theatre: The group has been producing radical plays since 2003 and touring the country since August, 2008 (http://www.insurgenttheatre.org/).

Schedule:

SATURDAY!

 

10:00 – 11:00

 

It Ain't Over 'Til It's Over: Hope Only Goes So Far

[welcome]

Sarah Jaine, Michael, and Stephen, members of the Coordinating Committee, contextualize the state of CAN and welcome everyone to the CANference!

 

11:15 – 12:15

 

Palestine 101

[educational]

Nancy and Drew discuss their recent trips to the West Bank. Historical introduction by Paul, rooted in International Law. 

 

Environment & Imperialism

[educational]

Susan talks about the effect imperialism has on environmental degradation.

 

Torture & Health Care Professionals

[educational]

Abdul explains the study done by Harvard Law students on Dr. Larry James, former chief psychologist for both Abu Ghraib and Guantanamo Bay.

 

12:30 – 1:30 

 

AfPak

[educational]

Stephen and Pete explore the disconnect between the Obama administration's rhetoric and practices in Afghanistan and Pakistan.

 

What the ROTC and Military Recruiters Won't Tell You: The Truth About Enlistment 

[educational/tactical]

Patricia discusses strategies to combat militarism including veterans' benefits, length of enlistment and stop-loss, PTSD, and other ways of paying for college.

  

Immigration & Imperialism

[educational]

Dan Moore, from the Interfaith Worker's Center, describes the link between U.S. Interventionism in Central and South Americas, immigration, and labor.

 

1:30 – 2:30 LUNCH!

[1:30 – 2:25: Mike gives info session on the new website. Bring your lunch!]

 

2:30 – 3:45

 

GFM Reportback and What We Can Do At Home

[educational/practical]

Shannon, Layney, Jad & Joel describe their experiences with the Gaza Freedom March; Katherine Fuchs, National Organizer for the U.S. Campaign to End the Israeli Occupation, discussing Boycott Divestment, and Sanctions

 

4:00 – 5:00 

 

Iraq

[educational]

Anthony discusses the United States history of imperialism in Iraq and the current facts on the ground.

 

Peace of the Action

[tactical]

Robby Diesu, antiwar veteran working with Peace of the Action, reviews PotA's plan to engage in direct action during the week of the anniversary of the invasion of Iraq.

 

Budget Cuts

[educational]

Wes Strong, from Connecticut Students Against War (CT-SAW), explores the relationship between imperialism, budget cuts, and tuition hikes, and relates current initiatives for student power.

  

5:15 – 6:00

 

Soldiers Speak Out

[educational]

Members of Iraq Veterans Against the War and Vietnam Veterans Against the War share stories of their time spent in the military. 

 

6:00 – 7:30 DINNER!

  

7:30 – 8:45

 

Why We're Really There & Stories From the Front

[educational/tactical]

Mike Schwartz details the neo-liberalism takeover of Iraq. Laura Slattery, antiwar veteran, relates her experience in counter-recruitment and non-violence. 

 

9:00 – 10:00

 

The Insurgent Theatre

[entertainment]

The Insurgent Theatre performs a piece exploring violence and direct action.

 

10:00 – SLEEP

 

PARTY TIME!

SUNDAY!

9:00 – 9:15 

 

Imperialism & the Democrats

[educational]

Kyle argues that dispelling the myth that the Democrats are the peace party and supporting political alternatives is crucial to building a lasting anti-war movement.

 

9:15 – 11:00

 

Chapter Building

[tactical]

Sarah Jaine and Chris lead an all-group discussion/brainstorming on how to more effectively build on campuses. 

 

11:00 – 11:30 LUNCH!

[is delicious]

Provided by FOOD NOT BOMBS! <3

Let's make it quick!

  

11:30 – END

 

NATIONAL DISCUSSION

[oh yeah! alright!]

Discussion on the role of off-campus and alumni organizers & roles of Regional Coordinators

-breakout into REGIONAL CAUCUS

voting for Regional Coordinators

(back to full assembly)

Discussions on Points of Unity, Resolutions, and National Actions