Events

June 21-24, 2007
Free Minds, Free People
http://www.edliberation.org/conference

Conference Description

Free Minds, Free People will bring together teachers, youth, parents, researchers and community-based educators from across the country to begin building a movement to develop and promote Education for Liberation. Education for Liberation is an umbrella term we use to describe the work of those who are trying to link education, social justice and activism. Other more common terms are popular education, social justice education, survival schools or Freedom Schools. The conference will take place in Chicago at Little Village/Greater Lawndale High School, 3120 S. Kostner Ave from June 21st to June 24th 2007.

Education for Liberation prepares the most disenfranchised members of our society, in particular low-income youth and youth of color, to fight for a more just world by:

• Teaching students the causes of inequalities and injustices in society and how communities have fought against them.
• Helping them develop both the belief in themselves that they can combat those injustices and the skills necessary to do that.
• Supporting them in taking action that leads to disenfranchised communities having more power.

Education for Liberation is taking place in a variety of settings -- schools, community centers, homes, churches, and college campuses. It is being practiced by teachers, parents, youth and community activists. But these educators often find themselves isolated, with few resources, little support and limited connection to others who share their concerns. This conference represents a unique and exciting opportunity for all of us to come together to learn and build strength from each other. This is a critical first step in the process of transforming ourselves from a collection of individuals trying to make a difference in our neighborhoods or schools into a strong movement for education justice.

What we hope to achieve:

• To build connections between people from different backgrounds with an interest in this issue.
• To talk about what works and why, helping participants develop practical skills and techniques that they can use in their educational settings.
• To determine what next steps need to be taken to continue to develop this movement.

Who we want to attend:

• Youth
• Teachers (elementary through high school)
• Community-based educators and activists
• Researchers
• Parents

This conference is being organized by: Chicago Freedom School, the Education for Liberation Network, The Brotherhood/Sister Sol and the University of Chicago's Center for Urban School Improvement.

You can register to attend the conference online at www.edliberation.org/conference.