U.S. Social Forum Writers Network October 2, 2009
The following is a bi-weekly communication to members of the U.S. Social Forum Writers Network who have committed themselves to the work of helping spread the news about the USSF, which will be held in Detroit June 22-26, 2010. Writers should try to submit at least one piece of work per month to a local or national newspaper, community or professional newsletter, internet blog, or other media source.
Below are suggestions of possible “hooks” for stories that can reach diverse audiences we seek to mobilize for the USSF and the movements participating in it. Please feel free to use these ideas to help get the USSF message out and to support the social movements behind the U.S. and World Social Forum process.
If you have ideas for future USSF writers communications or a link to a piece you’ve published, please send them to writers@ussf2010.org .
Another world is possible, and we need you to help make it happen! Help Build the USSF Writer’s Network: Please distribute the call for participation to other organizations and individuals
Thanks! --Jackie Smith, Sociologists without Borders and member of the USSF Communications Working Group
Suggested Story “Hooks” October 2, 2009
Ralph Nader calls for Citizens to Convene—And the USSF is ready! In a September 28 op-ed, former presidential candidate Ralph Nader called for a national convention of citizens to respond to the failure of major political parties and elected officials to respond to the real needs and crises Americans now face (http://www.commondreams.org/view/2009/09/28-10). The essay makes a great case for why the U.S. Social Forum is needed. But Nader fails to mention that USSF organizers are already working to create a space for groups to convene and discuss both the problems we face as well as our ideas about how to work together to solve them. USSF writers might use Nader’s arguments to help point people’s attention to the USSF as a space for bringing groups together to take action on the major crises our country and world face.
October 24 is “Take Back your Time Day” and Global Day of Action on Human Rights and Climate Change: CHILL OUT
“Take back your time” is an organization working to combat our consumerist culture and the pressures of overwork in our society. They work “to challenge the epidemic of overwork, over-scheduling and time famine that now threatens our health, our families and relationships, our communities and our environment.”
TBYT has determined that October 24, 2009 is the day when, if we had the same paid vacation policies of much of Europe, we could stop working for the rest of the year to take time to rest, recreate, and enjoy time with family and friends. The group is working for the realization in the U.S. of Article 24 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which states that: “Everyone has the right to rest and leisure, including reasonable limitations on working hours and periodic holidays with pay.”
This year, activists working to combat “time poverty” are joining forces with environmental groups at 350.org to put pressure on our leaders to “Chill Out,” unplug, reduce our reliance on fossil fuel energy, and slow down our demands for growth and unnecessary consumption. See: http://www.timeday.org/ and www.350.org
These are values motivating many in the USSF and the larger World Social Forums, who argue that “another world is possible,” where people matter more than money. Take back your time day is a great opportunity for groups to organize events or hold discussion groups on these themes. USSF writers should consider writing pieces to encourage people to think about the messages TBYT and its environmental partners are raising.
'UPCOMING EVENTS & Story opportunities'
NOVEMBER 30: 10-year anniversary of the Battle in Seattle
DECEMBER 10: International Human Rights Day
DECEMBER 7-18 United Nations Climate Change Conference, Copenhagen—World leaders debate how to respond to climate change. www.campaigncc.org
JANUARY 18: MLK Day - reframe civil rights - right to good work, right to migrate, right to a healthy environment
FEBRUARY 15 Presidents’ Day - support Obama in doing what’s right - listen to the growing voice of civil society
MARCH 8: International Women’s Day
MAY 1- May Day: - speak to the left, the progressives, the workers, consolidate support for USSF
MAY 31: Memorial Day - Veterans for Peace & Iraq Vets against the war plug USSF
- TIPS FOR WRITERS
“How to Pitch a Story” http://www.timeday.org/book-appendix-c.asp
SEND YOUR SUGGESTIONS AND PUBLICATIONS TO: writers@ussf2010.org
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