All US Social Forum Workshops

Housing is an essential human right that is often seen by the government as just another commodity. Fortunately, this issue has mobilized many struggles around the world that are fighting for justice and equality on the land issue and beyond. The intent of this workshop is to link international movements for land and housing with domestic efforts within the United States. Also, we hope to explore different models for “movement support.” This panel will feature brief presentations and break out sessions to discuss areas such as 1) direct action in the US 2) legal support and 3) international solidarity work regarding housing and land rights.

La Vivienda y los Derechos a la Tierra: Lecciones Aprendidas y los Próximos Pasos

From the US to Greece. From Latvia to Spain. The massive increase of public debt has the governments of the North in check. The objective of the workshop is to engage in a discussion on the parallels that can be drawn of debt dynamics in the North in the aftermath of the financial crisis. Such a discussion is key in order to plan common strategies to recuperate the public control of the resources of the State.

La deuda en el norte. Del rescate de los bancos a la crisis griega

Introduction to the 2005 Palestinian Civil Society Call for Boycott, Divestment & Sanctions (BDS). Learn more about how apply BDS in the North American context and how it could democratize our economy.

BDS 101: Responder a la llamada de la sociedad civil palestina por el boicot, desinversión y sanciones

This workshop will explore the purposes of and possibilities for an on-line, activist, international socialist feminist work group. More structured than a network, this work group would help connect socialist feminist activists through the international coordination of movement-building projects, actions, and events.

Construyendo el feminismo socialista internacional en-linea y en las calles

This workshop will address the history, aims, and objectives of US imperial aggression against Haiti and what US based activists can do to resist it and support the popular people’s movement in Haiti.

Confrontando la guerra estadounidense contra Haití

The BDS campaign was initiated by Palestinian civil society, including its entire labor movement. This campaign has been endorsed by the Congress of South African Trade Union, UNISON (UK), Transport and General Workers’ Union (UK), Canadian Union of Postal Workers, Canadian Union of Public Employees-Ontario, six Norwegian trade unions, Irish Congress of Trade Unions, Scottish Trades Union Congress, and Intersindical Alternativa de Catallunya (Spain). This workshop will bring together labor organizers to discuss the role of labor organizing as part of the broader BDS movement. Specifically, it will discuss three demands: 1) divestment of labor from State of Israel bonds; 2) boycott Israeli goods, and support workers' refusal to handle Israeli cargo; and 3) breaking of ties with the Histadrut (Israeli Federation of Labor, a founding party of the State of Israel and part of the current Israeli government).

Laboristas para Palestina: organizando al sector obrero en apoyo del BDS

Focusing on worst economic crisis in 3 generations during major U.S. occupations in Iraq and Afghanistan, widening war and ominous new threats against immigrants -ie Arizona. Symbolic anti-war marches are inadequate to challenging U.S. war drive. Discussion: Connecting expanding militarism, with devastating cuts in social services and attacks on immigrants. Combining the anti-war movement with the struggle of workers, immigrants in a powerful blow to the pro-war ruling class. Uniting Marxists and anarchists in combative struggle and broad analysis of the needs of the workers and oppressed. Leadership inclusive of immigrants and youth .

Poniendo fin a la guerra, luchando por nuestros empleos y nuestras vidas

We can not stand by while our shared "commonwealth" is turned into private property for profit. Central questions raised in this workshop are: what is "the commons," what aspects of nature and culture creation should be part of the commons, and what principles should apply to use and sharing of "the commons." Workshop suited to teachers to explore these and many other questions. The answers hold the keys to protecting the commons of nature on which all life depends, safeguarding our human culture, and advancing community democracy and the rights of nature over corporate plunder for profit.

La tela del sector comunal versus el saqueo corporativo por fin de lucro: Cuyas reglas?

In this workshop, panelists will distill the methodologies used and the lessons learned by their organization in building cross-racial alliances.

Cruzando la línea de color: La promoción de alianzas para los derechos de inmigrantes y para la justicia sin racismo