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OSS global summit
The idea is very good. I personally do not mind. Emma marked the global problem. She is a great man. But she really is a very busy person. This event is not for fans, but for activists.
I think this is a really great idea;)Problem are probably visas tho and where we should have it... and money. Money will be the biggest problem I guess.
And you misunderstood me, but it's also my fault, because I wasn't very specific...
My personal allegory for feminists:
Feminists are wolves, and groups of feminists are packs, and when a wolf howls, the pack answers. I consider us here a pack too!
Ashna, never underestimate Emma Watson fans :) you never know she might be up for chairing the eventif it was virtual video link that would prevent fangirl excesses from people like myself :)
Any thoughts on how to select delegates.
I was thinking... it could be great to have a OSS global summit in my workplace. This is monument next to a Cathedral. You have a statue of Joan of Arc not far too.
Yes,exactly.The journey of a thousand miles to a successful summit could start with single steps.The first step was proposal of the idea,the next step would preferably be volunteering in areas we feel we could manage things.Yet another step could be sketching out a plan for the summit.Thusforth,anybody who is into event management or financing or good planning otherwise,could maybe want to contribute to sketching out and chalking out things,starting with a very basic decission on a place and the amount of days.
Hope to hear from you all :)
Ross wrote: "Ashna, never underestimate Emma Watson fans :) you never know she might be up for chairing the eventif it was virtual video link that would prevent fangirl excesses from people like myself :)
Any..."
We know Skype is capable of having 5 people in a call, maybe we wanna test it a bit more? 10 people? Fifteen people? Let's see when it crashes.
But yeah, meeting in real life is even better;)
First we should confirm with the Mods see what Emma thinks don't want to usurped OSS in our enthusiasm :)Logistics are an issue but content and representatives are more so. why not use OSS itself open an thread for input and people who could help.
First step is outlining an agenda and what is the aim of the event it's your vision Ashna that would be down to you.
Virtual event of many people are possible gaming world offers options but should a live event be preferred in would suggest speakers and a panel of some sort to give them a forum and QandA.
Hmm that is interesting. I am in .
MeerderWörter wrote: "Ross wrote: "Ashna, never underestimate Emma Watson fans :) you never know she might be up for chairing the eventif it was virtual video link that would prevent fangirl excesses from people like ..."
Yes some of us have been testing the limits of Skype. ;).
We would possibly like to try and "push" those limits a little more. ;)
Robert wrote: "MeerderWörter wrote: "Ross wrote: "Ashna, never underestimate Emma Watson fans :) you never know she might be up for chairing the eventif it was virtual video link that would prevent fangirl exce..."
We would! We can confirm it's possible to smoothly skype across the pond with five people in the call;)
Meelie wrote: "Something similar was brought up before, I'm just trying to find the topic, but I think most agreed it would be difficult for a lot of people to get to. Let me see if I can find the topic in questi..."Is very easy actually. We do meet ups on Skype every Saturday for 5-6 people. So it will be no problem make that on more people. What we must do is make a plan for the summit. After that will be smooth.
Emma wrote: "Agnes wrote: "Meelie wrote: "Something similar was brought up before, I'm just trying to find the topic, but I think most agreed it would be difficult for a lot of people to get to. Let me see if I..."I think that was what the initial meaning was, but some of us turned it into Skype because getting people together by video would be easier and we have already done it. ;)
I think A video conference is the most accessible method. The other option is to have region based summits, and have a committee per region responsible for event planning and fundraising. Of Course dealing with the schedule of celebrity speakers poses a logistical conundrum and then we would need to poll the users to determine where everyone lives and divide regions based on population clusters.
Sorry to interrupt the huge range of obstacles that have been posed above.But I believe that we should never let the fear of striking out,keep us from playing the game.And maybe we could steer this discussion towards something hopeful,something like ideas for what to be expected out of such a summit?what agendas could be raised?How would a summit for a feminist book club help make a difference in the world? What activities could capture major understandings on individual and community levels?
Besides,Meelie I never said that I would wish to have a summit next week.I know how much of coordination and management goes into organising something and it could take a long time,provided that at the end of this long journey we don't lose sight of the destination.
But obviously,if every time our ideas our shut out ,deemed as being unachievable then I don't see any reason why we should even discuss.Because these discussions,if cannot change the society's perspective then it's just a mere waste of time.
In my opinion,the most pressing issue I feel would be domestic violence against women,on how they are seen as weak compared to men.How they are kept out of jobs in the army to a large extent,kept out of engineering and technical jobs,because these areas are seen as a man's forte,where muscle power is required.Why I feel it's a pressing issue is because domestic violence is something that happens at a very personal level and most of the times women don't speak up for this injustice out of fear.I feel it is this fear that women need to 'obliviate' and flush down a drain.
This issue can't be fought against till the time the real victims are ready to fight for who they are,to identify with the wild women they can be.Because unfortunately personal matters are the only matters a genuine consensus can't be drawn out of,as nobody has the authority to peep behind closed doors.
The other day in the newspaper,I read an article about how a woman's collar bone was broken by her husband on the first night of her marriage,just because she wasn't ready to have sex with him on account of being on her period.
How could anybody be so inhuman?
To hit and abuse a person who loves you is a crime worthy of assassination in my opinion.
Just this guy was a freak. I assure you the world is full of normal men. In Russia we are all equal. Okay, what did you decide with the meeting?
Mod
As Meelie said, hard to organise such a massive event. Perhaps try with a smaller scale thing, online, of course. See how it works. Take notes. :)
Even when you actually have the resources, it takes a lot of planning, effort and trouble to hold even the smallest of events. Prior to this year I didn't really know! Cultural management, for example. I work at a place where, despite the logical budget restrictions, we basically have the means to fly people, contact with the right folks, get venues and stuff. We still log extra hours as if they were going out of style and I've learned, sadly the hard way quite a few times, that you never know what could happen until it actually unfolds.
This is not to say the idea isn't worth of praise. Likewise, should it not take off, please don't be disencouraged. You have the will, and the attitude. Things take their time to come. The former, however, you gotta have at least a hint of them in you for them to grow inside your heart. Find your way, keep alert, and the chances you're looking for will appear. :)
Let's sum up. Decide to hold a meeting online. Probably, really, not everyone can find the money for the trip, not every visa etc. Dear Ashna, I am waiting for your considerations.
Thank you Ana and Meelie for your experienced insight into the topic.Maybe we could hold a thing online,but however we are going to hold it,we need to discuss here what agendas would be a possible highlight of the conversation.But I am still very unsure of it because of the differences in time and space,and then as Ana lined out the poor quality of our networks and the biggest problem is the fact that most of what we say online is just going to die under the murmur of a thousand mutterings,if you know what I mean.
So,I really can't conclude anything as such right now.But OSS has always been about participation,and even now we could decide as a team or we could hold polls or something.And obviously it goes without saying that,you all are brilliant artsy people and can definitely suggest ideas as to how we can go about with this.
:)
Ashna wrote: "Thank you Ana and Meelie for your experienced insight into the topic.Maybe we could hold a thing online,but however we are going to hold it,we need to discuss here what agendas would be a possibl..."
It starts out with a small group and then hopefully slowly spreads. Which is what has been steadily growing in the Skype-ing among members mentioned above. Again as Agnes stated above we Skype every Saturday. If interested let her know.
Perhaps, until an in-person conference becomes practical, we could alert one another of regional feminism/justice activity. Then OSS-ers who are close geographically can network, meet, and gather for regional in-person efforts? Think of it as regional OSS chapters (so to speak) gathering to collaborate, share and encourage. Thoughts?
I am just asking myself why is such a mega summit necessary though we already have the local OSS meetings?I think maybe it would be a good idea to connect those local meetings and build networks across borders to have a conversation between the local OSS meetings that already exist or not?
But I'm not sure what I should think about such a mega summit? What could such a mega summit bring which the local summits can not already aim for? Are the local meetings not enough to offer the opportunity for OSS participants to meet face to face?
And of course the idea to meet other OSS participants from all over the world is a nice idea. But as others have already pointed out it's very hard to organize such an event and make it real. And where should we take the ressources from which are necessary for basic infrastructure? Not to mention possible language barriers.
Plus there is also the danger that some people are excluded from such a mega summit. Not everyone has enough income to pay for travelling per plane to a faraway country for example. So maybe it would exclude people who want to come but can't afford the flight.
And if the mega summit takes place, let's say, in Belgium - than it would be relatively easy for people from Western Europe to take part but probably nearly impossible for OSS folks from, let's say, Tanzania and Peru for example. So if such a mega summit takes place I would say there is a need to at least reflect on the issue of how we can include as many people who are interested as possible and how to avoid reproducing inequalities based on income and other things.
And about the issue of what a summit could be about: why not focus on a discussion about what we learned from OSS and the books we have read here together and from the discussions? So we could talk a bit about what knowledge we already have from reading the books?
And another question could be connected to feminist activism: so I mean we are a community here on OSS but what about going out and having a broader conversation with society and the people who don't know about OSS and who have no clue about what we are discussing here? I would like the idea of OSS having an impact on conversations in society and in the public.
What do you think?
Fantastic idea. A face to face event where we can all share ideas as we continue to fight for a world in which gender equality exists should be embraced. For those unable to attend a video of it could be used and put on our page. We can also raise money or ask for donations to help the event be as inclusive as possible. A summit can include guest speakers that represent the intersections in our society. There are thousands of people a part of this group, there are no reasons why collectively we cannot organise something. We should create a dedicated team where we can split out ideas and utilise everyone's skill set to organise something.
Keith wrote: "Ashna wrote: "In my opinion,the most pressing issue I feel would be domestic violence against women,on how they are seen as weak compared to men..."OK - a very important area. If I may suggest th..."
I think this is a great idea.
Yes, good idea. The question is, when we finally got together to host the event. Ashna, who among us will participate? When you want to hold this event?
Or are you waiting to see what miss Watson is organizing this event for you? She and without that much work. Everyone says it's a good idea. So what are we waiting for? And miss Watson, too, sometimes rest is necessary. She is a person. Besides the girl.
Ashna, it was your idea. You need to collect a list of interested persons, to determine the time. Well to let everyone know. Well, something like that.
Andrey wrote: "Ashna, it was your idea. You need to collect a list of interested persons, to determine the time. Well to let everyone know. Well, something like that."Well,should I create another thread for it or should I just let this one continue?
I have said this before on this discussion and I am saying it again.
We need to decide on certain basics.
1.where would it be central for everybody to attend and living expenses would be minimum?
2.In my opinion a four day summit is what most of the respectable organisations put forth,but I am guessing that for a first time we could go with a two day summit.is that ok?
3.I need people to volunteer who can manage and coordinate events?those who might have had some past experience or who feel who can do this.
4.I need everybody who has ideas for agendas that could be discussed,with preferable reasons for it and some past consensus or maybe things happening in the world today.I want you guys to open up new threads and name them as OSS global summit:______________(name of your agenda) and no.it.Please avoid the repitition of similar agendas.
5.When we all decide on one central location here,could people who are working in fair construction please look out for which time of the year are the air fares the cheapest?
Now all those who are in this with me,I need you to show it.And have a little faith ,you guys.Faith can move mountains.And just because people say we can't do it,doesn't mean we can't.
This reminds me the final cricket match between England and South Africa in i guess 2014 and in the last over there was no bloody chance that S.A. could win it ,because they needed 24 runs.And winning was possible only if they could hit 4 sixes which is absolutely tough and you wouldn't believe,but they did it and it was as if it was enchanted.So,moral of the story is that nobody can defeat you till the time you yourself accept defeat.
I am definitely interested in this idea, it sounds great. I do have (some) financial issues, but I will look further into that once we've got a location and all that. No point in worrying about things that don't exist (yet).
The first meeting wanted to organize online.
Or do you just want a meeting with a check-out to organize?
Okay it seems that nobody wants to talk about the question why a "global summit" is necessary at first - although we already have the local meetings of OSS members in diverse locations where OSS folks can meet and talk face to face and exchange ideas and have discussions about the books and other feminist issues and socialize at the local meetings.For me personally this is not about a sports competiton and the question who wins and who loses a cricket game as some of us seem to think because if you see it this way it would be more of a power game and not a democratic process. And I'm just asking why is a "world summit" necessary at all when we already have decentralizd plattforms where OSS folks can meet each other? What is the advantage of a "world summit" which the local meetings don't have already?
And another question that comes to my mind. Ashna seems to have already a kind of conrete "plan" for a "world summit" and is just looking for "followers" to set the event into reality. I mean, okay if that's what you want, then go ahead and make the "world summit" happen. But I personally think that it should be a democratic process which is as inclusive as possible. And if there are different opinions then I think it's at least worth to discuss about the questions raised. Otherwise I don't think this will be a democratic process.
And another issue is: what about representation? Who is invited to this "world summit" and how can we do something about possible exclusions of people who are interested to take part in the process and the event but who can't come because of issues like income inequalities and other problems?
And what is the summit aimed at and for what reason? And for whom will the "world summit" speak? Will the diverse voices and opinions and debates in the OSS community be represented? And who will decide about what issues are important to discuss at the summit? Will there be democratic OSS assemblies all over the world for example where people discuss about what focus the process and the "world summit" should have? And who will speak at the summit?
And also whom will it speak for in the end? In the name of "the OSS community"? In the name of "some OSS members"? Or whose voice will be represented there? Many questions that remain unanswered but I think they are very important to be discussed before even thinking about practical steps.
We are indeed too many to accomodate in one online meet, but then again the entire point was a real summit.So i guess those who have online meetups can go on doing their thing,while we try to figure out things for the summit.
Sascha,why do we need to go to a school if we can get educated at home by our parents?Why do we need to go finding jobs when we can open up a diner in our home?Why do we need a playground when we can play in our backyards?Why do we need politics if we are so intellegent to make it all happen for ourselves?I really can't make out what you are against,but let me tell you one thing,unless we try out new things,we won't ever be able to discover the possibilities of a world beyond.
Besides can you give me concrete proof that the past meet-ups ,that you were a part of, have had any impact on society,or has it been of some progress other than just a personal broadening of views.
So,if you are so against new ideas and feel the need that this shouldn't even have come up,then I guess I'll just delete it.Because mind you,but in the words of Emma Watson--Feminism is not a stick to beat other women with.So i suggest ,you look at the bright side of things rather than beating up on the idea.
And as for the financial problems,I am sure we can come up with it some way.But dellusion in hope is not a way to go about it.
hope you have a good day.
I love the idea of a global summit, Ashna. I´d like to help with the organization, if you need my help. For the financial problems;
maybe we can open a bank account ? Everyone who wants to can pay (how much he wants) on this account. Perhaps it´s a little bit too utopian that this will work...
Ashna, I love your mindset, your passion, and your enthusiasm! :-)And great to see that so many are jumping on the idea and ready to help :-)
My questions:
- OSS is originally a feminist book club. As I understood, the OSS summit would be a kind of feminist meeting, without the books?
- in my imagination, this would be like the meetings that are depicted by Gloria Steinem in "My Life On The Road". Although this sounded thrilling and I'd love to attend such a meeting: what's the agenda? is the idea to have presentations and explain/teach to the attendees? or to debate and end up with official demands (to who?)? or to set a program of actions?
I find the idea of starting online quite good. The point would be there not to start a videoconference (way too heavy, as we stated), but maybe to organize live streams, that would be linked with chats. I've seen that for online lectures and round tables, and I think that could be appropriate. Depending on what the idea behind the summit exactly is, of course.
I think small regional meet ups would be more feasible...?although, I'd love to attend something, somewhere I don't have the financial resources to travel very far :/
Laure wrote: "Ashna, I love your mindset, your passion, and your enthusiasm! :-)And great to see that so many are jumping on the idea and ready to help :-)
My questions:
- OSS is originally a feminist book cl..."
Laure,I have no idea about the live streams.But could you brief us a bit about how it works.Maybe we could manage that,if not a heavy video chat.
:)
Lena wrote: "I love the idea of a global summit, Ashna. I´d like to help with the organization, if you need my help. For the financial problems;
maybe we can open a bank account ? Everyone who wants to can pay..."
Lena thank you for volunteering.I wish there were just a few more like you,who would rather start somewhere than sit and wait for other people to do it and then criticise the efforts of who are willing to make it happen.
Laure,i feel it would be a feminist meet but not totally exclusive of the books because obviously that is where it all begins.And as far as the agendas are concerned,those have to be decided.
Presentations,yes and teachings could be more inclined towards opening up to a wide range of ideas and better understanding of certain areas of feminism.For instance,what makes education so important in the empowering of women?Why should women not get an equal pay as their male counterparts?What could be done at a personal level to make people realise the need of the hour?
Official demands could take a long time to be processed,but I guess we ourselves could go out there and take up the responsibility to spread this message to some schools or visit orphanages or women shelters during the summit.Because Oprah Winfrey correctly says,"Every life we touch is our true legacy".
Program of action,yes of course.Every event comes to a close with a plan of further action and certain conclusions about why whatever is happening the way it is.And what more could we as individuals do about it.
Now I don't know whether we'd have anybody who would be willing to donate towards the betterment of this situation,but I don't think we'd need it.Because the thing about monetary resources is that it will get exhausted sooner or later,but if we as individuals can teach the people a lesson that they may never forget and are able to instil in every child a passion to dream and to get the dreams accomplished,then it wouldn't be a waste at all.Because a huge part of activism deals with giving away and not expecting anything in return.I personally believe that it is these good deeds we do that colour our personality way more than degrees from a good college or money from a blue chip company.
Hey Ashna,I'm not against your idea of a "world summit" as such. And sorry, I
didn't want to de-motivate anyone here. If there is a motivation and actions by some OSS people to realize such a world summit then I think that's okay and I will try not to sound destructive with my critique and my questions.
I just think that the process to such a world summit should be, as I have said, a democratic process from the start and that's why I have asked questions. Because of course it would be nice to have a meeting of the OSS community on a transnational level. That sounds like a nice idea.
And yes, I see it like Laure. As I am a fan of DIY, it's great when you have such a motivation and people on OSS share your passion and get into action. I just think that this should be a slow and inclusive process from the grassroots and it will take much time to organize such a mega event or don't you think?
And I think the questions which Laure has asked are also important to discuss. What should this world summit have on the agenda? Is the focus on the books we have read here on OSS? Because that's what OSS is in the first place: a book club. And I personally would find it interesting to have a kind of "evaluation" and discussion on a more global level what knowledge we have today after reading all these books and discuss about this issue. And maybe then we can go out to the public and try to have an impact on discussions in society with people who are not part of the OSS community. That does make sense for me. But you said one issue should be violence against women - which I would agree that this is an important issue where society should do something about. But what is you expectation here? What is your idea about what impact such a world summit of the OSS community could have? I mean, many organizsations from grassroots NGOs to the UN are stuggling against sexist and misogynist violence for a long time. I would even say violence is an issue the feminist movement is fighting against from the start. So where could this world summit offer some new approach? And what can we do there that is not already be done by other organizsations and movements on the world. Just look at the world today: feminist movements and institutions for women's rights are struggling at many many places on the world against sexist and misogynist violence. So the issue is not really new and many many people have tried to do something against this problem. Still, there is much violence against women in our world. And I don't think that an OSS world summit with a single issue focus will make a big difference here - although of course: if such an event is taking place then violence against women should be one important issue in my eyes (but not the only one).
And about your question about past meet-ups: no, I don't have any "proof" but how should I have such "proof"? I mean, first I didn't take part in any past meet-up though I had the motivation to do so but it didn't happen until today. But it was more of a question which we could discuss here. What do people here on OSS think about it and this is directed especially at everyone who already has participated in local meet-ups: what are your experiences? Are you happy with your meet-ups? And what happens at the local meet-ups - what issues are you talking about there? And do you think it is okay and fine to meet other OSS members on a local level or what you be more happy to meet on a globl level with others from the community? I mean, if there is a need and desire for connection of OSS participants on a more global level - and yes, I personally think the idea is great to "globalize" OSS - but even then we could talk about how could it work to connect and build networks between the local meet-ups that already exist or not? I personally prefer grassroots and democratic relationships in the OSS community instead of having one big mega event at such a world summit. For reasons I have tried to explain.
And more about your question: I personally don't think there is anything wrong with broadening your views. On the contrary, this is something which I often experience at discussions with other people here on OSS. So it's cool to broaden your views. But about having an immpact on society: well, as I have said: what do you expect? What impact could such a mega event like a world summit have on society? And why don't we talk about having an impact on society with our tools which we already have in our hands? And these tools are the local meet-ups! We could discuss about political activism of OSS participants on the level of the local meet-ups here. And this is one idea which I think is much more exciting and much more desirable and much more realistic than organizing one big mega world summit where I personally don't have a clue where this is leading to and if this really makes any sense.
And sorry but I have no idea where you have your idea from that I am against "new things" and that I am "beating up on a new idea". I think you are wrong here. Becaue I am not "beating up on a new idea". I'm just critiqually reflecting on your idea and that's why I have many questions which I would like to discuss. And many of my questions still remain without an answer here. This has nothing to do with "beating up" on your idea. I just have another opinion than you. And I am trying to argument and reason why I think that such a mega event is not the best option because we also have other options as I have said: connecting and networking and organizing and becoming political activists on the level of the local OSS meet-ups. That's all.
So, I actually heard that Skype works the better the more people use it, I'm totally for giving it a try and test how many people can be in a call.Sponsorships would be really great, and I agree with Keith here: If we don't ask, we won't know.
I think it would of course be feminist, isn't this what OSS is all about? Feminism can be so diverse, let's make it as diverse as possible. It could be a great opportunity to learn from each other, which is always good.
It must be so awesome to actually see a talking circle unfold, it would be a really good opportunity for it.
Hello,I'm quite new here and until now I haven't involved myself in conversations (final exams etc) but this is a brilliant idea! I haven't read all the comments but a suggestion would be to make 4 or 5 summits, one for each area/continent and then perhaps one for all which will be only for 1-2 representatives from each area.
And furthermore it would be good to separate into different agendas for each summit such as:
Women at work
Women and domestic violence
Women and politcs etc
And then at the summit with the representatives can discuss all the topics from each summit
Of course this still has limits and difficulties so maybe this can also be done online.
Anyway, i hope this can work somehow:)
Have a nice day!
This is a good option. I think he will suit everyone.
Yeah,I do agree.Let's put the limits of video calling to the test here. Then maybe we need to decide a day when everybody can be there online,like a universal holiday or something.However,I even like Lydia's suggestion about having 4-5 summits,like one for each continent.That seems pretty manageable. Don't you guys think?And then we could have these continental summits interconnected with each other through video calling.I mean it will completely achieve the purpose of having a global summit.
Great ideas OSS.Keep going.
Mod
As many have mentioned, it's probably best to start online. Set our agenda and discussion points and when you are able to get all interested people together on a video call, you'll need a rep to take complete control - otherwise it will be chaos.
Even the online 'summit' will take a lot of careful planning. You may want to find yourself a small team of people to help you and plan everything out.
When you are ready for the video 'summit' you could perhaps then record it, edit it and put it online - build a series of these up and that will give you a platform from which to begin. If they are informative and well organised, you will be more likely to attract guest speakers etc if and when you decide to take it to the streets.
Remember though, you can't try and lure people in by using Emma's name, unless she is directly involved, you will need to keep her name out of it.
Ashna wrote: "Yeah,I do agree.Let's put the limits of video calling to the test here. Then maybe we need to decide a day when everybody can be there online,like a universal holiday or something.However,I even ..."
4 to 5 summits actually seem to be a bit easier manageable, even if we connect them at one time via a livestream.
I also agree with Jo that it would be really good to put it online, because then other people can see it too, and not only live, but afterwards too.
For universal holidays, I guess this could be a bit tricky, because let's face it, do we know any date that is a national holiday around the world or most of it? We could also use a sunday for example tho, or a saturday, because most people are free then, and for the sake of testing it should do it. (I don't say we shouldn't try on an international holiday, I just think it is very difficult to find one)
Meelie wrote: "To clarify Jo's final point, I think (note, I think!) it'd be wise to not use Emma's name/Our Shared Shelf name (as it's something she created) as the name of your summits. Either a slight variatio..."That's a point that we need to be careful about, thanks for reminding us again.
So,I wish to know who all would want to go ahead with the idea of a global summit for OSS,where we could translate online activism into in-person activism.The idea of the summit is to bring ideas from all over the globe to a level ground,with no time or space difference.
If you think that we could pull such a thing off with maximum success and influential outcomes,please do comment.
P.S.-Any of you who might be thinking of the summit as a golden opportunity to meet Emma Watson,I am very sorry,because I don't think she'll have time enough and secondly the summit is supposed to be something of a much greater concern than mere fandom.
:)