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USSF Writers Memo & Muse April 11, 2010

Dear USSF Writers network,

Please continue to write articles, essays, newsletter pieces, blogs, etc. to encourage people to learn about the US Social Forum. We will soon be announcing a new website where we will help make the work of our writers network more visible and accessible to people trying to find info. on the USSF. Please keep sending any links to your published work on the USSF!

We also invite new writers to join the writers network: http://wiki.ussf2010.org/wiki/USSF_Writers_Network

Another world is possible! Another United States is Necessary! Another Detroit is Happening!


-Jackie Smith, USSF Writers Network Co-Coordinator


Call for submissions: The London Progressive online journal has requested that we generate submissions of articles on the US Social Forum. Please consider writing a piece that complements their editorial style and brings the messages of the US Social Forum to an international audience. See: www.londonprogressivejournal.com/


Earth Day/Month 2010 is a good time to think about the many groups getting activated around demands for climate justice. Many groups coming to Detroit will focus on developing grassroots strategies for advancing a climate justice agenda, promoting local food sovereignty, and raising awareness of environmental justice issues around the world. To learn about workshops groups have submitted on this and other themes, see http://organize.ussf2010.org/workshops


People’s Movement Assemblies around the country prepare for discussions in Detroit Communities around the country are coming together to develop their agendas and ideas to bring to the U.S. Social Forum in Detroit. People’s Movement Assemblies are a way for local activists to reflect on their own community needs and develop ideas about what issues they wish to bring to the larger debate at the U.S. Social Forum. PMAs can also help build local identities and promote local cooperation as groups prepare to participate in the USSF. PMAs will be held in NY City (Queer POC People’s Movement Assembly, April 21); Knoxville, TN (Gender Justice, April 20); Portland (May 8), South Sound (May 8) and Washington D.C. (May 15). IF you live in those regions, please try to cover these events! Details at http://abc.ussf2010.org/list/pma


The March to Fulfill the Dream Begins: On Easter Sunday, April 4, the Poor People’s Economic Human Rights Campaign began its march from New Orleans to Detroit. Along the way, they will visit organizations of poor and marginalized communities to spread the word about the work being done to prepare for the US Social Forum and to encourage residents from the cities they visit to be part of the U.S. Social Forum. If the march is coming through your area, please consider writing a story to help raise public awareness of the people coming to the USSF and the life stories that have motivated their journey. Because these marchers include the poor, homeless, and unemployed who are joining the march because they believe the USSF can improve the conditions that poor people in this country face, they also need financial support.

MARCH STOPS AND DATES -- New Orleans: April 4, 5, 6, 7; Waveland: April 8, 9, 10; Mobile: April 11, 12, 13; Selma: April 14, 15, 16; Montgomery: April 17, 18, 19; Birmingham: April 20, 21, 22; French Camp: April 23, 24, 25; Glendora: April 26, 27, 28; Marks: April 29, 30 and May 1; Memphis: May 2, 3 ,4; Chattanooga: May 5, 6, 7; Nashville: May 8, 9,10; Knoxville: May 11, 12, 13; Louisville: May 14, 15, 16; Lexington: May 17, 18, 19; Cincinnati: May 20, 21, 22; Dayton: May 23, 24, 25; Columbus: May 26, 27, 28; Mayfield: May 29; Akron: May 30, 31; Youngstown/Warren: June 2, 3, 4; Cleveland: June 5, 6, 7, 8; Lorain/Sandusky: June 9, 10, 11; Toledo: June 12, 13, 14; Benton Harbor: June 15, 16, 17; Flint: June 18, 19, 20; Detroit: June 21 and on to forum!

For details on the march and route, see: http://www.ussf2010.org/node/68; http://old.economichumanrights.org/


Everyone who cares about justice can (and should!) participate in the USSF Encourage our fellow Americans to step up to help support democracy and movement-building in our country. Folks who cannot come to Detroit should be encouraged to do their part by helping provide solidarity funds so that others can attend. They can contribute to the national USSF, to local groups traveling to Detroit, or to the Delta to Detroit March (see below).

  • Donate to support the USSF organizing process, including particular initiatives—such as efforts to provide scholarships for low-income groups, indigenous people, etc.; assist with enhancing language access; local organizing and outreach: https://community.ussf2010.org/donate
  • Encourage people to register for the USSF, so please emphasize this in your writing. Send people to this link for basic info and registration details: http://abc.ussf2010.org/


  • Be sure to send links to your work to writers@ussf2010.org.

Find regular updates on preparations for Detroit at http://wiki.ussf2010.org/wiki/Press_and_People_Stories


Thinking ahead…Upcoming events & story opportunities MAY 1- May Day: - speak to the left, the progressives, the workers, consolidate support for USSF

May 9: Mother’s day-- Mother's Day was started in 1870 after the Civil War, as a protest to the carnage of that war, by women who had lost their sons.

MAY 31: Memorial Day - Veterans for Peace & Iraq Vets against the war plug USSF


Please keep inviting creative people and writers you know to join us! We especially hope to recruit some youth to work with us and build their skills at movement media/communications work! Send people to the USSF website (www.ussf2010.org) and urge them to click “Get Involved.”