Within the spirit of our community of practice the Smart CSOs Lab is organising annual gatherings to strengthen our community through deep learning and strategising towards systemic change.

To our conference in November we are inviting activists and social change leaders (from NGOs, grassroots initiatives, think tanks, academia, grant-making organisations) who share our common inquiry about how to break out of the system trap and who have a genuine interest and openness for learning in a trustful environment.

Do you share our conviction that our economic and political systems require deep re.imagination to overcome the current neoliberal paradigm and the system's growth obesession? Do you believe that activism requires re.imagination to deal more effectively with our systemic crises? Do you want to get involved in systemic change? Then you should join this conference! The deadline for registration is July 17th.

https://docs.google.com/a/smart-csos.org/forms/...

(To award the places we will use the principle of first come first serve. However, we reserve the right to give preference to candidates on the basis of diversity (gender, geography, your role in activism/civil society). We will confirm your registration by latest July 20th. For any questions please contact Micha at michael@smart-csos.org.)

The conference purpose

Expanding and deepening of the Smart CSOs community of practice in pursuit of the Great Transition.
Advancing concrete opportunities (including collaborative campaigns) for activists to advance the Great Transition.
Promoting collaboration between social change leaders across Europe and globally.
Bringing us all a step closer on our Great Transition journey.

Re.imagining the future of work (conference focal area)

As one way to break down the Great Transition into meaningful realistic steps, at this conference we propose to focus on the future of work: How can we reduce carbon emissions, increase economic equality, increase gender equality and improve public health by rebalancing work and time, introducing basic income or promoting cooperatives? What policies could have what effect and what could be ways for activists in their different contexts to support change in this field?

Agenda

Smart CSOs introductory session ahead of the conference on Thursday, 5 November from 13.00 to 16.00
International conference: Thursday, 5 November at 17.00 - Saturday, 7 November at 18.00, followed by a party (Participants are requested to stay for the full two days in order to allow for a meaningful participation.)
Optional: Field trip to a solidarity economy initiative in Berlin on Sunday, 8 November.
Please check here for the evolving draft agenda and participants list.

Logistics

Once we have confirmed your registration, we will inform you about recommended accommodation near the venue. The conference venue is the fabulous Werkstatt der Kulturen in Berlin (Neukölln district).

Contributions to costs

The conference fee to contribute to covering the conference costs (catering, dinners, venue rent etc.) is € 300 + VAT. In case you cannot afford to pay the full fee, we offer a limited number of places at a reduced fee of € 100 + VAT.

We hope to see you at the conference.

The Smart CSOs Team.