Symposia Series

People act when informed. Local Committees can raise awareness and provide people with ideas of concrete actions that they can take around the Millennium Development Goals by organizing a symposium.

Calendar of the 2010 Symposia Series February 1st to April 8th >>

You can provide an opportunity for your campus community to learn and to discuss by bringing together local experts, returned volunteers, students and faculty for educational symposium. Furthering peoples’ understanding of and commitment to the Millennium Development Goals is critical to their fulfillment. Organize an event that will get things moving! All Local Committees are encouraged to apply for funding to hold events on their campus. Organize an event during International Development Week (February 7-13) or the Journées québecoises de la solidarité international (Nov. 4-15). This year’s theme is “Development Alternatives in a Fragile World”.

Why organize a Symposium?
• To raise awareness about “Development Alternatives in a Fragile World” amongst students and the general population;
• To encourage students on campus and the broader community to take concrete action to contribute to the achievement of the MDGs;
• To raise your Local Committee’s profile;
• To establish partnerships with other like-minded groups. Consider working in coalition with other groups on campus. The more we work together, the more likely we are to meet the MDGs by 2015!

How to organize a Symposium
Organize an event that resonates with your campus. Use your imagination yet be realistic about available resources, including potential presenters. Here are a few ideas to get you started, but don’t forget to check out www.uniterra.ca for more!
• Hold a panel discussion, making the link between international and local concerns.
• Host a high profile speaker.
• Use the arts to spark discussions (photography, music, film, etc.).
• Organize workshops, a film night, and/or simulation activities. Ideally, a Symposium is not only an opportunity to learn and share, but an opportunity to get those participating to take action. Integrate elements of the 8 Goals campaign into your event. For example, if you are organizing a panel discussion, encourage participants to wear white and take a picture of the group representing the 0.7%. Get the media involved or send the photo to your campus or community newspaper to gain media attention. Once your committee decides to start planning a Symposium, sign up online using My Committee and identify a contact person in order to apply for funds and receive support, tips and tools from other committees and the WUSC campus engagement team.

Funding
Instead of having one committee per region come forward to host the Symposium, a fund has been created to which all Local Committees can apply to receive up to $1000 to hold an educational event on their campus. Complete the proposal form on My Committee and submit it before December 15, 2009. Funds are assigned on a first-come, first served basis, as well as on the quality of the proposal. Supplement this amount by soliciting cash and in-kind donations. There are often funds available at your university or college for such events. Write a letter to the University President, Vice-President, Students’ Union and Deans explaining how your event will benefit the university/college. They will often help you cover expenses.

Want to participate?
Check out the Symposia series resources and get in touch with your regional liaison officer! Sign your committee up for this campaign on your My Committee account.