MONDAY, SEPT. 13th:
EDUCATION AND THE BARRICADES
EDUCATION AND THE BARRICADES
11am–1pm
The Cities Game: Development in action *Prizes awarded*
GSU gym, 16 Bancroft Avenue
Experiential learner? Like to figure things out in the thick of it, rather than all the chit-chat you’ll get sitting in class? The Cities Game is a look at the politics of development and underdevelopment from a unique angle – simulated first-hand experience. The game offers the chance to participate in a high-speed, competitive trial of growth and its pitfalls -- join the game, build your city faster than your opponent teams, and lucky winners will get wicked prizes! Full instructions given the day of; but be warned, the game is trickier than it sounds.
Hosted by the Ontario Public Interest Research Group Toronto (OPIRG)
Hosted by the Ontario Public Interest Research Group Toronto (OPIRG)
2pm–4pm
Education Not Deportation: Migrant justice in Canada
OISE Room 5150, 252 Bloor Street W
In an attempt to pit poor people against migrants, Mayoral candidate Rob Ford recently said that Toronto should be a “refugee-free” zone because the waiting list for affordable housing is already at 60,000 units. Contrary to the narrative that Canada is a generous and welcoming nation, people living and working in Toronto are routinely denied access to healthcare, education, housing, food banks, and other essential services due to their lack of immigration status. Speakers will debunk the myth that migrants are an economic burden, and introduce participants to the realities of Canada’s immigration system. Participants will learn about those resisting and collaborating to build a city-wide movement based on principles of solidarity and access for all.
Hosted by No One Is Illegal (Education Not Deportation), an OPIRG Action Group
6pm–9pm
I Know What You Did Last Summer: UofT and the G20 University of Toronto Art Centre
University of Toronto Art Centre (UTAC), 15 King's College Circle
Come join us for a panel examining the opposition to the G20 and the impact of its policies on people around the world, as well as on our education here. This forum will also address the criminalization of dissent, surveillance of activists, and over-policing of marginalized communities, in addition to providing a critical examination of U of T's role in the events this June.
TUESDAY, SEPT. 14th:
IMPERIALISM AND INDIGENOUS SOVEREIGNTY
IMPERIALISM AND INDIGENOUS SOVEREIGNTY
2pm–5pm
Imperialism and the Middle East
Bissell Building, Room 112. 140 St. George Street.
This workshop will explore the question of imperialism as it pertains to the Middle East. Facilitated by Students Against Israeli Apartheid, emphasis will be placed on the relationship between empire, Israel’s apartheid policies, and Israel’s role in the region. The Palestinian call for Boycotts, Divestment, and Sanctions will be examined as an important example of anti-imperialist resistance.
Hosted by Students Against Israeli Apartheid, an OPIRG Action Group
Featuring Jens Hanssen, Kole Kilibarda, and Salma Al Atassi.
Hosted by Students Against Israeli Apartheid, an OPIRG Action Group
Featuring Jens Hanssen, Kole Kilibarda, and Salma Al Atassi.
Sovereignty and Solidarity on Turtle Island: Indigenous Rights 101
Bissell Building, Room 114. 140 St. George Street.
This workshop will introduce participants to basics about the colonial settlement in Canada and the modern treaty-making process. Several recent Indigenous land struggles in Canada will be highlighted to give people an understanding of what both Indigenous resistance and settler colonialism looks like today. Questions and discussion very welcome.
Hosted by Barriere Lake Solidarity Toronto, an OPIRG Action Group
WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 15th:
MEDIA ACTIVISM
10am–2pm
Independent Media Fair *Free food*
Sidney Smith Lobby, 100 St. George Street.
2pm–5pm
Understanding Mainstream Media
Mainstream media is concentrated in the hands of a few large corporations and wealthy individuals who use their influence to steer public opinion. It is crucial to turn to alternative media. Check out a range of excellent alternative media projects at the disOrientation Week Independent Media Fair. Meet with journalists and other media activists, get free stuff, and learn about volunteer opportunities.
Featuring: Ryerson Free Press, York U Free Press, CIUT, Groundwire Radio, Toronto Media Coop, Upping the Anti: A Journal of Theory and Action, Basics Community Newsletter, Shameless Magazine, and more!
Featuring: Ryerson Free Press, York U Free Press, CIUT, Groundwire Radio, Toronto Media Coop, Upping the Anti: A Journal of Theory and Action, Basics Community Newsletter, Shameless Magazine, and more!
2pm–5pm
Understanding Mainstream Media
Bissell Building, Room 112. 140 St. George Street.
6pm–9pm
Just Do It Yourself: Alternative Media
Bissell Building, Room 113, 140 St. George Street.
Whether you’re an aspiring journalist, a grassroots activist, or a student engaging critically with the world, it’s crucial to understand how the mainstream media operates and how it is impacted and influenced by powerful institutions in our society. This workshop will present an analysis of what makes the mainstream media mainstream, and offer strategies for running effective campaigns, getting your message out, and interacting effectively with the beastly fourth estate.
Featuring Justin Podur
Featuring Justin Podur
6pm–9pm
Just Do It Yourself: Alternative Media
Bissell Building, Room 113, 140 St. George Street.
Members of the Toronto Media Co-op present a Do It Yourself workshop aimed to teach participants how to improve their alternative media strategies, how to use alt media to advance political projects, and how to build sustainable alt media networks.
Hosted by the Toronto Media Coop
THURSDAY, SEPT. 16th:
GLOBALIZATION AND THE GRASSROOTS PT. I
11am–1pm
Revolutionaries Today: Anti-capitalism in the 21st Century
OISE Room 5150, 252 Bloor Street W
2pm–5pm
Unpacking Neoliberalism
Bissell Building, Room 112. 140 St. George Street.
Panelists will explore the range and dynamism of revolutionary thought today. Speakers will use the current political moment as their starting point to address the fundamental tenets of Marxist and anarchist theory, and the relationships between anti-capitalism and anti-racism, feminism and anti-colonialism.
Featuring Himani Bannerji, David McNally, and Niki Thorne.
Featuring Himani Bannerji, David McNally, and Niki Thorne.
2pm–5pm
Unpacking Neoliberalism
Bissell Building, Room 112. 140 St. George Street.
This workshop introduces participants to the analysis of consequences of neoliberalism, at local and global levels. Speakers will update participants about transformations in Canadian foreign policy, poverty and municipal and provincial governance, the labor movement, and the social role of universities.
Featuring Sandy Hudson, Greg Albo, and Macdonald Scott.
7pm–10pm
*Debate* Restructuring the University: What’s at stake?
Koffler House, Room 108. 569 Spadina Avenue.
According to U of T’s statement of institutional purpose, “It is [the] human right to radical, critical teaching and research with which the University has a duty above all to be concerned.” Are these words reflected in what we experience as students, faculty, and workers? Given the University's stated principles, why did its Faculty of Arts and Science recently release a five-year plan that proposes – without consultation with the campus community – the dismantling of several critical area studies and interdisciplinary programs, such as Disability Studies, East Asian Studies, Diaspora and Transnational Studies, Comparative Literature and those offered by the Centre for Ethics?
For this event, more than twenty campus organizations invited the Dean of Arts and Science, Meric Gertler, to debate Adam Awad, President of U.T.S.U. Dean Gertler agreed to participate, but at a later date, so we’re using this opportunity to prepare. Come to a presentation about the Academic Plan, its historical context, and how campus community members can mobilize.
FRIDAY, SEPT. 17th:
GLOBALIZATION AND THE GRASSROOTS PT. II
11am–2pm
Against Patriarchy: Feminist and Queer Politics Today
University of Toronto Art Centre, University College. 15 King's College Circle.
This event will introduce students to gender justice activism. Speakers will analyze the relationship between queer and anti-racist struggles, between feminism and Marxism, and between feminism and migrant justice/anti-imperialism, to address the nuance of this crucial terrain of struggle.
Featuring Rachel Gorman, Tim McCaskell, Punam Khosla, and Ashley Mathew.
Radical Disability Workshop
Sidney Smith Hall, Room 2111. 100 St. George Street.
How do we make our events and actions accessible to as many people as possible? What does accessibility even mean? This workshop arms participants with the basic tools to make events and actions accessible. It will help participants develop a broader understanding of what accessibility might mean, taking into account experiences, needs and identities. Facilitated by members of DAMN which is a direct action group currently bringing together disabled people, those affected by ableism, and our supporters.
Hosted by Disability Action Movement Now (DAMN), an OPIRG Action Group
7:00–11:00pm
*Concert!* Roots, Rhythms, Resistance!
The Arbour Room, Hart House. 7 Hart House Circle.
*Concert!* Roots, Rhythms, Resistance!
The Arbour Room, Hart House. 7 Hart House Circle.
Hear local talents showcase their work and utilize art as a mode of political intervention! The night will include dance, solo artists, groups, spoken word, and visual art. This concert is a fundraiser for the G20 Legal Defence Fund, with a small portion going to anti-colonial organizing. R3 and Words of Resistance events aim to raise awareness about social justice.
Presented by the Words of Resistance Performance Series and the R3 Artists' Collective, an OPIRG Action Group
Presented by the Words of Resistance Performance Series and the R3 Artists' Collective, an OPIRG Action Group