[Dialogue] Mathews Symposium follow-up

[Terry Bergdall]

It was a very fine event in Washington DC last weekend. Much thanks to all who made it happen. For those of you who were not there, I'm sure more information will be forth coming as photos, speeches, and workshop results are prepared for distribution. One photo, which was taken before the snow began to fall, will to provide you with a small feel for the event. It can be viewed via the following link:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/bergdall/4210530213/

Yesterday, I posted the message below to those who attended the Symposium. I think it may also be of interest to others in our wider community (especially those living in the US). Please be on the lookout for more information about all of these activities as relevant dates approach.

Have a good holiday wherever in the world you might be.

Take care,

Terry 

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It was a pleasure to be a part of the Mathews Symposium in Washington DC. During the closing plenary on Saturday morning, I spoke briefly about the current work of ICA in the United States and some of its upcoming activities. Since many people were unable to attend that session due to the snowstorm, this information is highlighted again here to ensure that everyone is aware.

On the weekend of March 26-28, 2010, we will host a gathering to plan ways forward for ICA-USA’s renewed engagement in INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT. It will occur at 4750 N. Sheridan Road in Chicago. The purpose of the meeting will be to create a practical plan of action for connecting resources from the United States, both human and financial, to address innocent suffering in developing countries.

Second, May 2010 is our designated time for finally moving the EI/ICA archives out of the basement. This is part of our GLOBAL ARCHIVES PROJECT (GAP). We hope to have volunteer sojourners working throughout the month. Their assignment will be to organize and transfer papers to acid free cartons and storage shelves -- but will not involve any heavy lifting or moving of filing cabinets. We are seeking several volunteers to commit a week or so during that period with the aim of having at least six people working on the project at any one time. We also are seeking funds to purchase shelves and ensure appropriate environmental conditions for the papers.

Finally, please pencil in the dates of July 12-14, 2010, on your calendar. This is when an ICA Living Archives research and educational event will be co-sponsored by ICA and the Oikos honors program on the campus of Oklahoma City University. The title for this is “PEACE, POVERTY, AND PLANET EARTH: Exploring Resources for a Sustainable Future” and will involve Oikos students and faculty along with members of the EI/ICA community. In many ways, this will build directly on the work of the Symposium to engage the EI/ICA legacy in addressing the challenges of today’s world.

More information can be found on the ICA website, www.ica-usa.org, or by contacting me directly at tbergdall at ica-usa.org. I hope you can join us in some form or another.

Take care,

Terry