Road to Detroit

Chicago and the "Road to Detroit"

2010-07-09T13:24:00.000-05:00

On June 22-26, 2010 social movements from across the United States and globally will converge in Detroit for the US Social Forum. Organizers are reaching out to young people, people of color, unionists, women, laid off and unorganized workers, welfare recipients, veterans, persons with disabilities, indigenous folks, freedom fighters, collectives, and many others to participate in this historic gathering.

Being right in our backyard, Chicago organizers across the city, across issues, and across generations plan to show out in full and get the ball rolling on the wonderful possibilities.

This site is meant to be a place of information and sharing for any and all interested and working towards the US Social Forum. Be sure to check out the new 'Radicalendar' to the right.

Why a social forum?

"This is a large scale and unique opportunity to learn from each other's experiences, shed light on social injustices, and build on community efforts to create real change," says William Copeland, a USSF staff organizer and member of the East Michigan Environmental Action Council (EMEAC).

Key aims are to create an open space and a process for creating movement convergence and coordination, raise awareness of social justice issues, provide opportunities to share experiences, and discuss strategies that create social change and solutions to the problems facing people across our many struggles, sectors, regions, and diversity.

Why Detroit?

"Detroit is ground zero for the economic crisis facing millions of people, not only here in Michigan, but across the nation," says Maureen Taylor, a USSF staff organizer and Chair of the Michigan Welfare Rights Organization (MWRO). "We are really pleased to host this historic event and we're sure that what happens in Detroit will have a huge impact not only here but elsewhere."

Why a Chicago Road to Detroit Coalition?

Mission:
The Chicago Road to Detroit Coalition is a volunteer grouping of individuals and organizations committed to facilitating broad participation of communities in struggle in the 2010 U.S. Social Forum. The Coalition approaches the forum not as an end in itself, but as a process through which to build stronger movements for justice in Chicago and the Midwest.

Purpose:
Chicago is a city with a rich history of organizing for social justice. Despite that legacy, we can often be segregated by community, by issue, by turf, and don't have a deep history of working together beyond our immediate networks. That said, groups are already pretty thoroughly networked within their spheres; examples include the transformative justice alliance, Illinois coalition of worker centers, jobs with justice, arc09, and many more.

In that context, the purpose for the Chicago Road to Detroit Coalition is

1. Ensure the participation of low-income and people of color in the US Social Forum (specifically the members of base-building organizations)

Recognizing that academics, activists with resources, and organization staff are likely to attend, how do make sure that neighborhood people and organizations’ members represent?

2. Use the effort of mobilizing for the Social Forum to strengthen cross-sector, cross-city movement-building in Chicago and the region.

How do we use this big umbrella moment to encourage more interaction, exchange, and support between already existing community formations?

On top of the Forum specific effort, we can also use this moment to create greater cohesion among our groups by

1. Facilitating the political exposure of organizations' members interacting with other communities

2. Co-hosting events together where organizations share and exchange visions and practices

3. Providing tools to promote each others' work and actions (such as a centralized event calendar)

Through those practices, greater cohesion may occur where groups may want to plan joint actions, hold a people's movement assembly in Chicago, start a new coalition,

The Road to Detroit Coalition is not about starting another organization. There’s a practical reason for us to work together for the next eight months to travel together to the forum, learn more about each other through that process, and come back with a greater sense of unity and shared work to allow us to collaborate in deeper ways in the future.

June 21st Kick Off the Road to Detroit!

2010-06-15T22:07:00.011-05:00

CHICAGO FOR THE PEOPLE MARCH:

Taking Back Our City!

Meeting point:
12 pm, Cabrini Green
Stanton Park, 618 W. Scott St
(BBQ & Freedom Caravan Potluck)

March Begins:
2pm March to City Hall
& Rally at 3pm, 121 N. Lasalle

Join our event page on facebook: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=123618587678259

Over 300 people from different delegations traveling to the Social Forum to Detroit will be stopping in our city on June 21. Join us, as we share a meal and march to City Hall to deliver the people's demands:
Education, Housing, Health and Jobs!

Together, we protest:

mental health clinics facing closure/privatization
displacement of public housing residents and rising fore closures
education privatization
the lack of quality jobs

and then at night we party for the people!!!

Humbolt park concert begins @ 6pm (Division and Washtenaw)

More Info: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=118533351507034&index=1

Interested in volunteering?
email Stacy at peachtree522@yahoo.com with the subject line: volunteer for June 21

To the Streets!

2010-06-07T09:11:00.000-05:00

Inner-city Muslim Action Network is Taking it to the Streets and revving up Chicago's Road to Detroit... Join us a few days before heading to the Social Forum to build the momentum!

20,000 people, 200 vendors, 100 artists, 4 stages, 1 day...
This year's program features MOS DEF, Brother Ali, Tinarwein, Chabab al Andalous and many more!

Volunteers Needed!

2010-05-25T15:30:00.000-05:00

Volunteering during the Social Forum is a great way to connect with people from around the country and share the work of making this massive gathering happen! Help with set up or clean up, staff an info table or water station, assist with childcare to support families participating in the Forum, contribute to work projects in neighborhs throughout Detroit. There are many many ways to contribute! Find out what volunteer opportunties are available and sign up to help make the Forum work:

www.ussf2010.org/volunteer

MEDICAL PROFESSIONALS AND HEALERS NEEDED!

If you are trained as a medical professional or healer, and are interested in volunteering, please offer your specialized skill sets here: http://www.ussf2010.org/healthandhealing

Chicago Welcomes You!

2010-05-22T14:42:00.000-05:00

If you're passing through Chicago on the way to the US Social Forum, let us know we'll do our best to help out along the way...

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THROWBACK THURSDAYS

2010-05-08T15:21:00.000-05:00

BOOTY SHAKIN DANCE PARTY FEATURING THE BEST OF THE 70's, 80's, & 90's!

Every Thursday

@ Mis Sis Cafe Sankofu & Fight Back Center
7500 S. Dorchester
7PM - ???

ALL proceeds support sending grassroots leaders to the
2010 US SocialForum in Detroit!

For more info and/or to make a donation please contact:
Ebonee Stevenson 773.885.5578 or J.R. Fleming 312 287 7228

Neo-Liberalism in our Communities

2010-05-07T18:37:00.000-05:00

The School of Unity and Liberation (SOUL) in Oakland has developed a workshop on "Neo-Liberalism in our Communties" and is making it available for others to share as an outreach tool. Download the curriculum here.

Amazing May Day March

2010-05-02T10:45:00.005-05:00

Thanks to everyone who came out to the May Day March in Chicago (that's a lot of people!). The Road to Detroit joined many many thousands to insist 'OTRO MUNDO ES POSSIBLE!'

MAY DAY CALL TO ACTION!

2010-04-21T11:02:00.003-05:00

Join the Road to Detroit - march as a delegation this MAY DAY

May 1st
1pm - Meet at Union Park, 100 S Ashland
3pm - Step of to march to Daley Plaza, Clark & Washington

"If you think that by hanging us you can stamp out the labor movement, then hang us. Here you will tread upon a spark, but here, and there, and behind you, and in front of you, the flames will blaze up. It is a subterranean fire. You cannot put it out. The ground is on fire upon which you stand." ( August Spies)

This subterranean fire continues to inspire us day by day—the possibility of the change, the possibility of a better life. Feeling the heat of this fire, the Chicago Road to Detroit is calling you to rally in commemoration of the International Day of the Worker, May 1st, 2010.

This action is more important, more necessary and urgent today than ever. We are calling all to be part of this commemoration, not only because it establishes a historic moment. It commemorates all of those that fought for the just cause of the workers, even giving their lives. For our city, it’s not just another day; is the moment in which we are able to put in practice the right to fight for our just demands. This day also influences our dignity , the happiness of our families, and the future of our children.

We are calling all the workers—from the construction worker to the stay at home mom, the CTA worker to the staff of private and public institutions, the seasonal worker and to the rural worker, the professionals and the technicians, the self employed, the Unemployed, the day Labour, artists, teachers, the LBGTQ community. We are calling all those that contribute to the construction and growth of the country; this country that many times has turned its back on us, with all of its injustices and social inequalities.

People's Movement Assembly at Mess Hall

2010-04-03T09:53:00.003-05:00

A People's Movement Assembly was convened by the Compass Group in the Rogers Park neighborhood of Chicago at a free, self-organized cultural space called Mess Hall. The walls there are covered by an exhibition of proposals for the first participatory budgeting process to be carried out in the USA, a direct result of the alderman's visit to the first US Social Forum in Atlanta!

The purpose of this meeting was to bring together Chicago people who are interested in going to the Forum—to exchange plans and ideas, and to make resolutions for action “on the road to Detroit.” The Compass Group hopes that the Forum will provide a catalyst to strengthen networks and support structures within Chicago and beyond. The group organized the PMA to better coordinate their efforts with other Chicagoans planning for the Social Forum.

Participants in the assembly identified key areas of struggle in their work such as:

the marketization of the education system
the food system
land use
redevelopment schemes in Chicago.

The discussion revealed a strong desire to connect various campaigns and struggles across Chicago. Proposals were made to visit a series of community gardens and to connect with anti-eviction campaigns, as an example of how connections between different locales, sectors and approaches could be explored.

Several concrete resolutions were made by assembly participants:

a. Organize another a PMA in another part of town, possibly drawing on the themes of USSF tracks;

b. Organize a weekend journey across the city, exploring activist projects and local struggles;

c. Contribute to a reading list for participants interested in the forum process;

d. Ask USSF communications if they can post registrants on their website according to geographic location so we

can find more people in Chicago who are going to Detroit;

e. Work with the Chicago Road to Detroit to develop web potential for further organizing.

If you'd like to find out more about the PMA or join the work toward these resolutions, contact Compass at:

Open USSF Info Session- April 13

2010-03-25T15:31:00.000-05:00

Another World is Possible. Another US is Necessary. Another Detroit is Happening!

Learn about the US Social Forum Process and Chicago's "Road to Detroit" Delegation. This is the third in a series of monthly general information sessions leading up to Detroit in June. Many from Chicago are getting together to fundraise, coordinate travel, and plan events to support the participation of youth, low-income, people of color, and neighborhood folk from affected communities.

We'll be discussing the USSF in general, allowing the room to answer each others questions, dreaming about Chicago's possibilities before & after the forum, and taking some collaborative planning steps- it will be facilitated similarly to previous info sessions. Come meet & greet, pick up some inspiration, & find ways in which the USSF works for ya. The overall goal: a Chicago that works for everyone.

April 13, 2010
6pm – 8:30pm
At Access Living
115 W. Chicago Avenue
Chicago, IL

Access Living is wheelchair accessible. Please contact road2detroit(at)gmail.com with general inquiries and rollingfrida(at)gmail.com for access-related inquiries.

Visit http://roadtodetroit.blogspot.com for information about the Chicago Road to Detroit Delegation

Visit http://ussf2010.org to join the national USSF listserv, register online for the USSF and download resources for your local outreach, logistics planning and fundraising. We'll also be doing live onsite registration at this info session with a handy dandy laptop.

R2D is on the facebook.

Proposal Deadlines Extended!

2010-03-25T15:18:00.007-05:00

The US Social Forum, happening in Detroit this June 22-26, is the next most important step in our struggle to build a powerful movement that transforms this country and changes history.

Luckily, the workshop proposals deadline was extended!

How to Submit a Workshop Proposal

Read the Call for Proposals
Register your organization
Login in to the USSF website
Go to http://organize.ussf2010.org/workshops and click on “Propose a Workshop” (off to the right)
Fill out the form! That's it!

How to Submit a Cultural Event, Film, or Performance Proposal

Register yourself and/or your organization
Go to http://organize.ussf2010.org/node/add/cultural-submission
Fill out the form! That's it!

Due date is April 20: Check out the 14 major tracks used to organize workshops.

Little Village & Pilsen - Where you at?

2010-03-25T15:09:00.002-05:00

Little Village & Pilsen Open US Social Forum Info Sessions

Thursday, April 8, 6:30pm, Yollocalli Arts Reach (1401 W. 18th St)
Thursday, April 8, 9:30am, Catedral Cafe (2500 S. Christiana, back room)  
Wednesday, April 14, 6:30pm, La Villita Community Church (2300 S. Millard Ave.)
Wednesday, April 14, 9:30am, Common Good Community House (2221 W. 21st St)

Come learn with Little Village/Pilsen area folks mobilizing to get to Detroit!

Chicago for the People May Day Blast

2010-03-25T15:08:00.000-05:00

Huge Fundraiser for the Road to Detroit - Spread the Word!

Friday, April 30
8pm-2am
Logan Square Auditorium, 2539 North Kedzie
On the Facebook

Sound Culture with Never a Dull Moment Productions and Leftist Lounge are continuing the Chicago tradition of celebrating International Workers’ Day, May Day, with a huge party and concert at Logan Square auditorium. Spread the word far & wide!

We're bringing the party to benefit grassroots groups of immigrant workers, city-wide youth, and public housing residents fighting eviction on their way to the US Social Forum in Detroit this June.

The event will also be a release of the Chicago for the People CD, a compilation of local musicians put together to benefit grassroots social change taking the city that works and making it the city that works for everyone.

2010-02-20T20:07:00.005-06:00

Raising our awareness about each others needs and struggles is part of the Social Forum process and a necessary step toward building a stronger movement...

People who attend political actions, marches, meetings, rallies etc. come from all walks of life, classes, abilities, sexual orientations, genders, generations, diverse cultures, values, beliefs, and political spectrums. It’s important to be as inclusive as possible to people with disabilities. Here are some basic accommodations for people with hidden and visible disabilities who will want to attend and participate in indoor and outdoor public events, i.e. rallies, marches, meetings etc

Disability-friendly Publicity

When publicizing your events on flyers, on-line, word of mouth, etc., include a contact number as well as a TTY number or a email. Not everyone can use a standard telephone, so it is important to provide an alternative option for communication.
Include a name of a contact person who has knowledge, understanding, and experience with accommodations for people to call for accommodation needs.
Include information such as "smoke-free space", wheelchair accessible, disability parking available, ASL interpreters provided, and if possible give out the address of the wheelchair accessible entrance if it’s not the main entrance.
Post "out of consideration for people who have chemically or environmental sensitivities, please refrain from wearing perfumes and other scented products," on flyers .
Include "to request disability accommodations, please contact _name______ at least 10 days in advance at __ phone # __,__fax __, __e-mail address __”. This will give you time to arrange a sign language interpreters or personal assistants.
Do outreach to disability communities, organizations, and agencies.

Accessible Meeting

In the beginning of the meeting, please include, if you are speaking, announce your name first, do not talk over one another in the housekeeping rules. This is helpful for people who are blind and the sign language interpreter when interpreting to a person with a hearing disability.
Please also indicate where bathrooms are located, especially wheelchair accessible bathrooms if needed.
Please make all working group sessions inclusive to all people with disabilities. Don’t assume that all disabled people would want to be in the same group, and don’t insist on it either.
People with hearing disabilities generally like to sit near the front, so as to better see. Please save a space for those persons with a disability and the sign language interpreter. If you are presenting don’t block the sight lines of the people watching the interpreter. Please be conscious of the speed you are talking, fast talking is hard for the sign language interpreter to interpret.

Common Courtesies

If you normally shake hands with people you meet, offer your hand to someone with a disability as well.
Be considerate of the extra time it might take a person with a disability to get things done or said. Let the person set the pace in walking and talking.
When talking to someone who speaks slowly or with great effort, don’t pretend to understand. Politely ask them to repeat what you did not understand or ask if writing notes would be okay.
The wheelchair is part of the individual personal space, don’t lean on it. Also, don’t push someone in a wheelchair without asking for their permission first.
When speaking with a person who is blind or has low vision, always remember to identify yourself, introduce others with you and indicate when you move from one place to another and when the conversation is at an end.

Always face a person who is deaf or hard of hearing so that they can read your lips. When in doubt- if they understood, what you said ask if it would be OK to write it. Speaking loudly does not mean you will be heard, and is sometimes perceived as very patronizing and offensive.
When talking to a person with a disability, speak directly to him or her rather than through a companion or sign language interpreter. Make eye contact with the person you are talking to.
Do not pet service animals as they are working.

Language Issues

Certain words or phrases are generally offensive to many people with disabilities. For example, “mentally or physically challenged,” “retard,” “handicapable,” “crippled,” “gimp,” “deaf and dumb,” “mute,” “blink,” “paralyzed,” “wheelchair bound,” “crazy” and so forth. The safest course is to use “person first” language, which refers to a person and then to whatever their condition or identity is. So, one might say “ a person with Down syndrome” or “people with spina bifida.” Or you can just refer to the person by his/her name.

Due to cultural issues, referring to hearing “impairments” is generally shunned (because Deaf people might say you are “Deaf impaired!”). You can refer to people who are Deaf or hard of hearing.

Political Perspectives

It may help to understand disability as a political frame of reference, or a philosophical lens, or a cultural perspective. It is not simply a matter of bodily, mental or psychological difference---it refers to an entire viewpoint. In the disability community, expecting difference is the standard mode of operating. Disability affects every single issue and cause that exists. There is ALWAYS a disability spin on an issue. Airing knowledge or ignorance of disability helps prevent the disability perspective from becoming invisible.

Just like any other movement or community, we have our radicals and our moderates and our conservatives. Not every person with a disability will identify as such or feel compelled to focus on disability as an important part of their lives. Others will feel driven to place the disability perspective at the center of their experience. Not everyone will feel they are necessarily part of the “disability community.” However it pays to bear in mind that according to the last census, there are 54 million people with disabilities in the US, and 600,000 of them live in the metropolitan Chicago area.

Fundraising kicking off with EMPACT

2010-02-19T18:50:00.025-06:00

Just reporting back on the EMPACT event that was thrown Feb 17 in honor of the Chicago Road to Detroit US Social Forum Delegation. (http://bit.ly/9SLx8c)

We had a really good turnout - about 110 folks donated and over 150 came. Thank you! The vibe was really friendly and we have much gratitude for John, Jake, Doug & Robert who throw the EMPACT series and offered up the space. Also love to the band Planta Azul & the "Passistas" Samba dancers who rocked it and to the People's DJs Collective for keeping the dance floor on its toes.

Thank you all so much for helping to get the word out, person the door, take signups, talk up the US Social Forum, and show off your dance moves. Special thanks to the artists who painted the huge banner that graced the stage. Looking forward to the next!
(photos by AJ Viola)

Notes: February 2nd Info Session

2010-02-17T16:27:00.006-06:00

The February 2nd Info session started with a general information presentation about the US Social Forum process using:

The 2007 video: http://bit.ly/bqcHLv
A powerpoint slideshow on the USSF Process and tentative schedule: http://bit.ly/dooamA

About 75 folks from the city, suburbs and NW Indiana participated and organizations represented included (partial list) – Adapt, Brazil’s Landless Workers Movement, Central District Organizing Project of Gary IN, Chiapas Media Project, Chicago Coalition Against War and Racism, ISO, Loyola Medical Center, LVEJO, Nicaragua Solidarity Community, Northside Action for Justice, FUFA, Nuestra Voz, PASO, Peace Justice and the Environment Project Center, ARC09, AREA Magazine, Public Housing and Anti-Eviction Campaign, SEIU, Teachers for Social Justice, Transforming Justice Law Project, Yolocalli Arts Reach

Notes below are from collective brainstorming around the questions “What movement building opportunities already exist in Chicago with the US Social Forum?” and “How can we all use the USSF to build the movement here?”

A Concern: It’s good that we’re coming together at the USSF, but why isn’t that uniting happening here and now?
At what point do we sit and say, we’re on the same page, let’s meet here and set off in a mutual direction together?
It should have both art and fun
It’s an opportunity to build some trust in each other, to become one big movement
It’s time – and this may be the place – to form some larger, regional and national organizations to help us mobilize and change together
The time is now, during the buildup, to commit to assisting each other’s movements
There are people coming together in the US – to promulgate war, oppress LGBTQ people, prevent sane healthcare. Those people are the two parties in power – the opportunity is there for a third party to arise and be the only ones pursuing justice
USSF is a chance to reinforce and rebuild the movement from the left that supported Pres. Obama
Regarding youth, how can we reach them since they can’t come (being under 18 and without parents’ consent). These issues affect them directly, they deserve to know there are people advocating for them.
This could become a real chance for people to get out of their particular grooves, for a People’s Assembly to continue and be a consistent source of cooperation
The internet should be fully utilized for maximized access
For Chicago’s mayoral election in 2011, the USSF functions as a place to expose the partnering of the government with banks against the people. People will come together over that issue if it’s raised.

Brainstorms for Actions to Buildup Funds or Excitement for the USSF

Anti-war march on March 18 (M20 movement)
ICIRR actions March 10 in Chicago and March 21 in DC
May Day march + afterparty
April 16^th Fundraiser at Danny’s
Changethemusic.net
Evictions blockades action on February 26^th
Open Arts Day at Yolocalli in Pilsen, February 14^th
Contacting potential big-name supporters, such as Michael Moore, to come to Chi (communications people already discussing)
Greeting busloads of people right as they get off in Chicago, with actions
Asking unions for money
Monthly meeting of Chicago healers for acupuncture and meditation
What’s the last date to reserve buses, and is there anyone pursuing this option?
indymedia Chicago, tinyurl.com/chicagoactivist, AREA Magazine and roadtodetroit.blogspot.com all have calendars and information. we're working with groups to create an improved Chicago activist calendar

Working Groups have formed for folks interested in building relations & Chicago coalition towards supporting an open Chicago delegation and various other delegations coming from the area.

Next Open Informational Session will be March 9 at Access Living. Details on the main page at roadtodetroit.blogspot.com

Join the mailing list for Chicago happenings by dropping a line to road2detroit@gmail.com. Thanks.

Info Session for Youth going to the USSF

2010-02-16T21:49:00.001-06:00

Tuesday February 23 6pm-8pm

Who: Youth and their adult allies

What/where: Youth Road to Detroit Interest Meeting @ 226 S. Wabash, 9th floor Chicago Illinois (Illinois Caucus for Adolescent Health office).

Office space is accessible.

Why: Chicago Youth want to be present at the 2010 USSF

To RSVP or if you have questions/concerns contact Tiffany Pryor, organizing Intern at organizingintern1(at)icah.org or call 312.427.4460 x239.

US Social Forum Salsa Night!

2010-01-25T15:30:00.000-06:00

Sunday, March 28
7pm to 2am
Cole's Bar, 2338 N. Milwaukee Ave., Chicago, IL

Celebrate the immigrant worker rights movement with a night of Salsa, Cumbia, Bachata, and more featuring DJ Ang.G from the People's DJ Collective in preparation for the historic peoples' movement building towards the USSF.

The night includes free salsa lessons! $5 suggested donation. Proceeds benefit the Chicago Day Laborer Delegation to USSF. No one turned away for lack of funds.

This event is wheelchair accessible. 21+ only unfortunately. It's also on spacebook.

The US Social Forum Process

2009-10-21T10:39:00.002-05:00

Click the navigation to view this powerpoint from the USSF National Planning Committee.

Download this Presentation for use in your own outreach.

Click 'actions' at the bottom and then 'download as PPT' for the Powerpoint File.

Outreach Resources

2009-10-20T11:00:00.002-05:00

HELP SPREAD THE WORD!
Share these resources in your communities...

View and print a Chicago version of the flyer you see at the top-left by clicking HERE for color and HERE for black & white.

There is a Chicago-USSF Orientation Packet for download HERE, for info on logistics, costs, and working groups. It's slightly dated but may be helpful for now to offer a sense of organizing for Detroit.

Maybe you know some folks that would be interested in checking out this orientation packet (pdf).

And perhaps you've got a group that you'd like to use this power point presentation with.

There is a Chicago Road to Detroit Facebook 'group' HERE

Healing Delegation Fundraiser

2009-06-11T09:36:00.000-05:00

:: Come help send Chicago-based healers to the US Social Forum!!!

Where: Zocalo Restaurant, 358 W Ontario

When: Thursday, June 17th at 9 pm

The People's DJs will be spinning!

Come out to support the role of healing in grassroots social change efforts!

Another World is Possible!

For more details, see our facebook invite!
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=110921012288218&ref=ts

Yard Sale Fundraiser

2009-06-04T18:24:00.000-05:00

USSF Yard Sale Fundraiser

Saturday June 5

9am - 5pm

1734 N. Wilmot Ave. (behind the Wicker Park Public Library)

Come find great bargains, while supporting day laborers, domestic workers, pushcart vendors, and other low-income, immigrant workers in Chicago to get to the US Social Forum— a convening of grassroots organizations working for social change, from June 22-26 in Detroit.

One sale you'll find: fecords, clothes, furniture, computers, electronics, doodles and much more!

Extras will include: coffee in the morning, Old Style after 12:00pm, other drinks TBD, $1 donation for song requests, "Arizona is for Haters" t-shirt screen printing, Chicago for the People CDs

Help Youth attend the USSF!

2009-06-01T22:59:00.001-05:00

Community members and Parents of the youth will prepare food for the event.

Please RSVP to:
Victor Arrroyo
(773)403-3637

graphicssss

2009-05-28T13:56:00.000-05:00

Bike to Detroit!

2009-04-23T17:32:00.000-05:00

Bike Delegation Info Session TODAY!

Tuesday April 27th, 20106pm

Illinois Caucus for Adolescent Health
226 S. Wabash Suite 900
Chicago, il 60649

RSVP to
biketheroadtodetroit@gmail.com

2009-04-17T10:42:00.000-05:00

Volunteer Work Session!

Each week from now until the forum we will try and have "volunteer work days." We're gonna get together, hang out and do some work to support the Road to Detroit. This week Outreach, Outreach, Outreach!!!

April 20st is the last day to submit workshop proposals. That means many people will be scrambling on the 19 to get registered & get their programming in. But it also means those unaware of the deadline may miss their chance to contribute to the official programming of the Forum. Come help us make phone calls to individuals and organizations to remind and support them in submitting a workshop and registering there organizations. Come for an hour, Bring a friend!!

Monday April 19th
2006 S. Ashland
(3rd floor unfortunately this space is not wheelchair accessible )
10am - 1pm

RSVP:
Stacy Rene
312-513-1399

* Stay tuned for information on volunteer opportunities.
* all are welcome... if you haven't been involved yet, now's the time!

YOUTH Interest Meeting

2009-04-17T10:36:00.001-05:00

All youth and allies interested in participating in the US Social Forum are invited:

April 21, 2010

6pm - 7:30pm
Address Updated!
1428 N. Greenview. (North and Asland)

it's not actually at ICAH, as previously noted

Inquiries can be sent to zahra@icah.org or call 312.427.4460 ex 239

Workshop Deadline Approaching!

2009-04-17T10:26:00.000-05:00

COUNTDOWN: 5 DAYS LEFT...

Workshop submissions are DUE April 20th, by midnight

The national organizers are so excited to receive all of your brilliant ideas for workshops don't keep them waiting... submit your workshop proposal TODAY!

Visit http://organize.ussf2010.org/workshops to submit your workshop.

Don't forget! The workshop limit has been increased!

Organizations can now submit 2 two-hour workshops or 1 four-hour workshop.

Organizations must be registered to submit workshops. To register, visit: http://www.ussf2010.org/register.

Projects in Chicago

2009-04-13T17:26:00.002-05:00

There are many awesome Chicago people paving many exciting roads to Detroit. Here are some projects you might want to learn about or get involved with...

Bike Delegation

Journeys Around Chicago

Healing Justice

Do you have a project you want to share with others on the Road to Detroit?
email: road2detroit@gmail.com

Social Forum Program Schedule

2009-04-05T07:45:00.002-05:00

The 2010 USSF dates are June 22nd - 26th.
Registration check-in begins the morning of June 22nd.

Day-by-day thematic focus:

Tuesday, June 22 -- Opening March/Opening Ceremony
Wednesday, June 23 -- Theme is Detroit and the Region
Thursday, June 24 -- Theme is International Resistance & Solidarity
Friday, June 25 -- Another World Is Possible
Saturday, June 26 -- People’s Movement Assembly

Program at a Glance:

Another World is Possible!

2009-04-05T07:06:00.010-05:00

The Social Forum is neither a single event nor a conference – it is a process. One of the great benefits of the Social Forums has been the relationships established among diverse actors during the organizing. It is an experience that unites people from different sectors, ethnicities, cultures and geographies to discuss a broad spectrum of political issues, how they relate to each other, and how to build a movement beyond specific interests. Movement building in the U.S. has suffered from the divergence of progressive political movements, fragmentation, and a lack of a broader vision. The Social Forum provides a “big tent” where movement activists working on housing, militarism, workers rights, education, and environmental justice, and many other issues, can all interact.

The first USSF, in Atlanta, was organized by multiple bodies. A National Planning Committee was comprised of more than 40 organizations, including national networks, labor federations and grassroots, community-based organizations. Project South, American Friends Service Committee and a number of organizations comprised the Atlanta Organizing Committee which anchored the process locally. Hundreds of organizations throughout the country led the organizing process at different levels through Working Groups, local planning committees and regional social forums.

On the eve of the first USSF, the NPC agreed that the USSF process should continue beyond Atlanta in order to build upon the foundation established in 2007 and provide more opportunities for strategic convergences. A smaller interim NPC has continued to meet during the past two years, laying the groundwork for the 2010 USSF in Detroit.

The overall goals of the second USSF are similar to those of the first:

Create a space for movement convergence to strengthen and expand progressive relationships and infrastructure for long term collaboration and work for fundamental change
Initiate dialogues that explore movement building challenges, opportunities and key global and national issues
Shape and influence the public conversation and policy in ways that convey momentum and hope
Model diverse, representative movement building that is cross cutting, democratic and effectively integrates process and outcome

The World Social Forum

The United States Social Forum was born from, and is part of, the international phenomenon known as the World Social Forum (WSF). Initiated in 2001 in Porto Alegre, Brazil, the WSF was a response by global social movements to the challenge of economic policies that have concentrated wealth and political power in fewer hands, while forcing millions of people into poverty. The domination of global politics by institutions like the World Bank and International Monetary Fund and mechanisms like free trade agreements have allowed for greater capital mobility while diminishing the rights of workers and communities. The root cause of many of today’s key issues are rooted in these policies– including global migration, the tenuous state of labor, and the ecological, health, and economic crises.

The WSF was founded as a space to seek alternatives to the neoliberal model. Under the banner of “Another World is Possible”, up to 150,000 people have gathered each year for a weeklong experience filled with dialogues, debates, cultural events and mobilizations. The WSF has been a key point of convergence for many social movements and is credited with helping to advance sweeping political changes in regions such as Latin America. The WSF has also spawned hundreds of other social forums organized by geographic areas as small as neighborhoods, and as large as continents. There are also thematic forums where important topics like global migration are analyzed.

2009-04-04T14:27:00.000-05:00

REGISTER! REGISTER! REGISTER!

So you're thinking about going to the Social Forum?
Take the plunge! Make the commitment!

Registration is the first step on your Road to Detroit...
The deadline for early registration is May 1st.
Go to www.ussf2010.org/register and register now to get the discounted rate!

Road to Detroit Disability Teach-In

2009-04-01T15:10:00.000-05:00

Calling all non-disabled allies and people with disabilities! On April 3, come join radical disability activists at Access Living in Chicago to discuss issues related to disability work in the progressive and radical movements.

* Saturday, April 3rd
* 11:00am - 3:00pm
* Access Living, 115 W. Chicago Avenue
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=112126642137873&ref=ts

As we approach the gathering of thousands of grassroots folks and activists in Detroit in June for the US Social Forum, it’s important to think about real inclusion and alliance of the disability movement across America. Chicago is known across the country as home to a vibrant and powerful community of disability activists, who tackle everything from transportation to education to freeing people from nursing facilities.

Addressing the disability factor in your work is a challenging learning process. Often, everything you thought you knew about social justice gets turned on its head when you honestly learn to work with the disability perspective. How can activists organize accessible events and programs? What do activists need to know about disability awareness and etiquette? How can non-disability activists recruit people with disabilities into their work, and vice versa? And finally, what does disability as a political perspective really mean? What are disability rights and what is disability justice?

Many of our radical folks with disabilities are also well versed in nonviolent civil disobedience direct action tactics. Chicago is also known as a center for disability pride, arts and culture, and hosts the country’s best known Disability Pride Parade each July.

RSVP needed?: Yes, please RSVP to Monica Heffner at rollingfrida@gmail.com or (312) 404-6021 so we know how much food we will need.
Please bring $5 to cover the cost of lunch.

*Parking is metered and somewhat difficult, but AL is located on the 156 and 66 bus routes, and just a couple blocks from both the Red and Brown Lines.

**ASL interpreters will be present. Access Living is universally designed. Please contact Monica ASAP if you have need disability-related supports such as a personal attendant in order to participate.

Please spread the word!

Accessibility for People with Disabilities at Public Events

People who attend political actions, marches, meetings, rallies etc. come from all walks of life, classes, abilities, sexual orientations, genders, generations, diverse cultures, values, beliefs, and political spectrums. It’s important to be inclusive as possible to people with disabilities. Here are some basic accommodations for people with hidden and visible disabilities who will want to attend and participate in indoor and outdoor public events, i.e. rallies, marches, meetings etc

Disability-friendly Publicity

When publicizing your events on flyers, on-line, word of mouth, etc., include a contact number as well as a TTY number or a email. Not everyone can use a standard telephone, so it is important to provide an alternative option for communication.
Include a name of a contact person who has knowledge, understanding, and experience with accommodations for people to call for accommodation needs.
Include information such as "smoke-free space", wheelchair accessible, disability parking available, ASL interpreters provided, and if possible give out the address of the wheelchair accessible entrance if it’s not the main entrance.
Post "out of consideration for people who have chemically or environmental sensitivities, please refrain from wearing perfumes and other scented products," on flyers .
Include "to request disability accommodations, please contact _name______ at least 10 days in advance at __ phone # __,__fax __, __e-mail address __”. This will give you time to arrange a sign language interpreters or personal assistants.
Do outreach to disability communities, organizations, and agencies.

Accessible Meeting

In the beginning of the meeting, please include, if you are speaking, announce your name first, do not talk over one another in the housekeeping rules. This is helpful for people who are blind and the sign language interpreter when interpreting to a person with a hearing disability.
Please also indicate where bathrooms are located, especially wheelchair accessible bathrooms if needed.
Please make all working group sessions inclusive to all people with disabilities. Don’t assume that all disabled people would want to be in the same group, and don’t insist on it either.
People with hearing disabilities generally like to sit near the front, so as to better see. Please save a space for those persons with a disability and the sign language interpreter. If you are presenting don’t block the sight lines of the people watching the interpreter. Please be conscious of the speed you are talking, fast talking is hard for the sign language interpreter to interpret.

Common Courtesies

If you normally shake hands with people you meet, offer your hand to someone with a disability as well.
Be considerate of the extra time it might take a person with a disability to get things done or said. Let the person set the pace in walking and talking.
When talking to someone who speaks slowly or with great effort, don’t pretend to understand. Politely ask them to repeat what you did not understand or ask if writing notes would be okay.
The wheelchair is part of the individual personal space, don’t lean on it. Also, don’t push someone in a wheelchair without asking for their permission first.
When speaking with a person who is blind or has low vision, always remember to identify yourself, introduce others with you and indicate when you move from one place to another and when the conversation is at an end.

Always face a person who is deaf or hard of hearing so that they can read your lips. When in doubt- if they understood, what you said ask if it would be OK to write it. Speaking loudly does not mean you will be heard, and is sometimes perceived as very patronizing and offensive.
When talking to a person with a disability, speak directly to him or her rather than through a companion or sign language interpreter. Make eye contact with the person you are talking to.
Do not pet service animals as they are working.

Language Issues

Certain words or phrases are generally offensive to many people with disabilities. For example, “mentally or physically challenged,” “retard,” “handicapable,” “crippled,” “gimp,” “deaf and dumb,” “mute,” “blink,” “paralyzed,” “wheelchair bound,” “crazy” and so forth. The safest course is to use “person first” language, which refers to a person and then to whatever their condition or identity is. So, one might say “ a person with Down syndrome” or “people with spina bifida.” Or you can just refer to the person by his/her name.
Due to cultural issues, referring to hearing “impairments” is generally shunned (because Deaf people might say you are “Deaf impaired!”). You can refer to people who are Deaf or hard of hearing.

Political Perspectives

It may help to understand disability as a political frame of reference, or a philosophical lens, or a cultural perspective. It is not simply a matter of bodily, mental or psychological difference---it refers to an entire viewpoint. In the disability community, expecting difference is the standard mode of operating. Disability affects every single issue and cause that exists. There is ALWAYS a disability spin on an issue. Airing knowledge or ignorance of disability helps prevent the disability perspective from becoming invisible.

Just like any other movement or community, we have our radicals and our moderates and our conservatives. Not every person with a disability will identify as such or feel compelled to focus on disability as an important part of their lives. Others will feel driven to place the disability perspective at the center of their experience. Not everyone will feel they are necessarily part of the “disability community.” However it pays to bear in mind that according to the last census, there are 54 million people with disabilities in the US, and 600,000 of them live in the metropolitan Chicago area.

USSF Public Dialogue at Columbia

2009-04-01T08:19:00.000-05:00

People's CARNIVAL Planning Meeting

2009-03-29T15:14:00.000-05:00

Tuesday, March 30
6pm-7:45pm
Lozano Library, 1805 S. Loomis Ave

Join The Up Movement as we plan this summer's "People's Carnival" where music, visual, and performance art will be used to shine a humorous light on the contradictions in our city and society.

Help us to build momentum for the upcoming US Social Forum in Detroit by taking part in a collective effort to inspire change and raise consciousness.

Come to the information session to learn more about the carnival (to be held early June) and decide how you will contribute. This space is accessible. Details Also on facebook.

Support Chicago's Road to Detroit

2009-03-08T17:21:00.009-05:00

The Road to Detroit Coalition is planning and organizing resources to bring close to 1,000 Chicagoans to the US Social Forum in June! We are reaching out to individuals like YOU to raise funds and pool necessary resources to ensure communities most affected are represented at the US Social Forum.

The purpose of the US Social Forum is to meet with others from across the country, build a mass movement, make connections among issues, and to work for a more just and equitable society.

Our goal is to raise $10,000 and support grassroots mobilization! Because it takes enormous time and resources to get poor people and affected communities to the Forum, please consider donating as an act of Solidarity. Your donation of $100, $300, $750, $1000 or any amount is greatly appreciated.

Your donation will:

Help to offset costs ($300 per person) for constituencies most affected*, such as immigrant workers, youth, people with disabilities, LGBTQ people, and residents fighting foreclosures and evictions.

Support resources in Detroit:

A Chicago tent- an umbrella for Chicago delegations to ground together
Food- salad and sandwich bar as a low-cost option for meals
Information Tables- for Chicago delegations to display organizational, project or coalition information.
Material and Print costs

We have mobilized over 500 individuals to attend the forum thus far. These are folks most affected by racial and economic injustice. We need your help to get them to Detroit!

P.S. *If you have a particular affinity with a specific constituency, please write a note when you make your donation or email road2detroit@gmail.com. We will make sure your donation is allocated accordingly.

Fundraising to get to Detroit

2009-01-26T15:14:00.000-06:00

Feed the Roots

Grassroots fundraising can be a form of movement building! Here are some grassroots fundraising resources that you can use to raise money for the USSF, for your participation in the USSF, or for your organization’s grassroots work.

How Much It Costs To Attend the USSF 2010 Sample budgets you can use to help plan your fundraising.

Feed the Roots A general flyer you can use to raise money for the US Social Forum, either to support the USSF process or to raise money to get you or your group to Detroit.

Creative FUNdraising Tactics written and illustrated by Sha Grogan-Brown. Examples of fun ways to engage volunteers in grassroots fundraising.

Giving Circles: A Round by Jessica Hoffman and Irina Contreras. Profiling the participatory, collective-minded and accessible structure of Giving Circles. Published by make/shift feminisms in motion. http://www.makeshiftmag.com/

Excerpts from You Can Do It: A Volunteer’s Guide to Raising Money For Your Group, written and illustrated by Vicki Quatmann. Incredibly clear and inspiring popular education workbook on grassroots fundraising. Buy the full manual from Appalachian Community Fund: http://www.appalachiancommunityfund.org/html/pubs.html Or Download the Order Form here.

Grassroots Fundraising Journal, published 6 times a year by the Grassroots Institute for Fundraising Training (GIFT), a multiracial organization that promotes the connection between fundraising, social justice and movement-building. The Grassroots Fundraising Journal provides proven, practical strategies that will increase your income and diversify your sources of funding with special events, direct mail, major donor programs, membership campaigns, and more. Subscribe to the Grassroots Fundraising Journal

Articles Courtesy of GIFT:

Prospect Identification: You Already Know All The People You Need To Know To Raise All The Money You Need To Raise by Kim Klein
Fifty-Three Ways for Board Members to Raise $1,000 by Kim Klein
Why People of Color Need to Be Good Fundraisers by Mike Roque

Also:

56 Ways to Raise $500

Chicagoans are Biking to Detroit!

2009-01-25T15:51:00.005-06:00

That's right.. Chicagoans are organizing to travel as a bike caravan to Detroit, and are joining in the spirit of folks from around the country who plan to bike the Road to Detroit.

Imagine 5,000 bicyclists riding into Detroit, the Motor City, to help bring about a different world. We see thousands of cyclists coming from every direction converging on the United States Social Forum next June, voting with their legs for a greener, cooler, fairer society. Folks are taking that ride, a you're invited to join.

Check out www.spokenheartcollective.org for Chicago information. To help with organizing efforts, please contact Zahra with questions. She has stepped up to help coordinate Chicago efforts and can be contacted at biketheroadtodetroit(at)gmail.com.

Information for the Chicago and National Bike Tour will be updated at: http://bikeit.org/

Publish Post

Chicago Call for Healers Interested in the US Social Forum

2009-01-25T14:43:00.000-06:00

Sitting on the Road (to Detroit and Beyond!)

Please join Chicago healers, community organizers, activists, and peacemakers in mindful meditation as we prepare for the US Social Forum and the world beyond.

There will be a few chairs and cushions available. You are welcome to bring your own cushion, yoga mat, or anything you desire to sit comfortably as well as any poetry, readings, or meditations you would like to share!

All ranges of meditation experience welcome!

Calendar of Events

Sunday, January 17th
10: 00 a.m. at Devi Health: 1901 N. Clybourn Avenue, Suite 304
Dial 009 to buzz in and come to the 3rd floor

Sunday, January 24th
10: 00 a.m. at Devi Health: 1901 N. Clybourn Avenue, Suite 304
Dial 009 to buzz in and come to the 3rd floor

Sunday, January 31st
10: 00 a.m. at Devi Health: 1901 N. Clybourn Avenue, Suite 304
Dial 009 to buzz in and come to the 3rd floor

Sunday, February 7th
10: 00 a.m. at Devi Health: 1901 N. Clybourn Avenue, Suite 304
Dial 009 to buzz in and come to the 3rd floor

Sunday, February 14th
10: 00 a.m. at Devi Health: 1901 N. Clybourn Avenue, Suite 304
Dial 009 to buzz in and come to the 3rd floor

Sunday, February 21st
10: 00 a.m. at Devi Health: 1901 N. Clybourn Avenue, Suite 304
Dial 009 to buzz in and come to the 3rd floor

To add a date, time and location to the calendar, please respond to this note or contact tjagernauth(at)gmail.com

Resources:
http://www.ussf2010.org/
http://www.winterfeastforthesoul.com/
http://roadtodetroit.blogspot.com

Contact Road to Detroit Organizers

2009-01-23T04:57:00.002-06:00

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Chicago Info Session - February 2nd

2009-01-20T16:54:00.000-06:00

Another World is Possible. Another US is Necessary. A New Detroit is Underway

Learn about the Social Forum Process and Chicago's "Road to Detroit" Delegation. This is one of monthly general information sessions leading up to Detroit in June.

February 2nd
6pm – 8:30pm
At Access Living
115 W. Chicago Avenue

20,000 changemakers will be gathering in Detroit in June from all different sectors and communities to share vision, strategy, practice, and action.

This information session is for people new to the Social Forum process and those who have plans in the mix who'd like to stay connected to collaborative resources. It will orient Chicagoans to the history of the World Social Forum, the plan for Detroit, and how Chicago can use this as a movement building moment.

Hundreds from Chicago are getting together to fundraise, coordinate travel, and plan events to support the participation of youth, low-income, people of color, and neighborhood folk from affected communities. Come to the session to see how we can link up and build a Chicago that works for everyone.

Access Living is wheelchair accessible. Please contact road2detroit(at)gmail.com with any inquiries.

Chicago Info Session, 1/5

2009-01-02T13:21:00.000-06:00

Another World is Possible. Another US is Necessary. A New Detroit is Underway

Learn about the Social Forum Process and Chicago's Road to Detroit.

January 5th. 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Access Living. 115 w. Chicago Ave.

20,000 changemakers will be gathering in Detroit in June from all different sectors and communities to share vision, strategy, practice, and action.

This information session is for people new to the Social Forum organizing. It will orient Chicagoans to the history of the World Social Forum, the plan for Detroit, and how Chicago can use this as a movement building moment.

Hundreds are getting together to fundraise, coordinate travel, and plan events to support the participation of youth, low-income, people of color, and neighborhood folk from affected communities. Come to the session to see how we can link up and build a Chicago that works for everyone.

Meeting Agenda

Welcome

Introductions / Ice breaker

What is the US Social Forum? General introduction

History of the Forum Process / Reflections on Atlanta

2010 Social Forum details / what to expect

Why Detroit? What’s happening there now?

Chicago’s Road to Detroit:

Outreach efforts

Fundraising update

Tech update

How to plug in

Action Planning Meeting

2008-06-11T09:51:00.000-05:00

The Social Forum is just weeks away! Can you feel the energy building? Come help be part of the momentum. Join us to plan an action for June 21st that will welcome delegations from across the country and launch Chicago on the Road to Detroit!

Planning Meeting
Saturday June 12th

1-4pm

Cafe Catedral

2500 S. Christiana

Disability Community Trivia Night

2008-06-02T15:50:00.000-05:00

Test your pop culture knowledge and support Chicago's delegation of people with disabilities going to the US Social Forum!

Friday June 4
5:30pm - 8:30pm
Access Living
115 W. Chicago Avenue

$30 entry fee for each team of up to 4 contestants

ASL Interpreters will be available.
Feel free to bring yr own snack treats and non-alcoholic beverages. Email Adam at aballard@accessliving.org to register yr team or download the flyer/registeration form here and fax to 312.640.2101.

ACTION PLANNING MEETING

2008-06-02T11:34:00.000-05:00

The US. Social Forum Road to Detroit invites you to a meeting to plan for the US Social Forum kick-off action; Chicago style

Around 300 hundred people from different delegations traveling to the Social Forum in Detroit will be stopping in our city on June 21. In the spirit of the Social Forum, we are planning a welcome lunch for the delegations and a city wide march to city hall to deliver the people's demands in Education, Housing, Health and Jobs.

Be part of the planning:
Friday, June 4th
11:00 am
Blocks Together - 3453 W. North Ave.
This is wheelchair accessible
Phone 773-276-2194

Any questions please feel free to call me 773-606-3918 (Rodrigo Paredes)

We all know that our city is working for just a select few people and corporations. Our voices are not at the table, our educational system is broken, thousands of people are facing foreclosure, and our public clinics are closing. We need to get together and show Chicago that we want a city that works for all, we need to put our demands on the table and say loud and clearly that we will not accept any more abuses and privatizations.

We need to mobilize our city -- We need you to help us to organize this event!

Meeting agenda:
* Introductions/ ice breaker
* Goal of the meeting
* Short description of the proposed action
* Question/answer/feedback about the proposed action.
* Outreach,logistics,press/ roles responsibilities
* June 12 movement assembly/ people's demands.
* Closing questions.
* Next meeting.
* Salud!!

graphics

2008-05-17T21:54:00.001-05:00

Disability GiG Fundraiser!

2008-05-12T12:38:00.001-05:00

Come party with the Chicago disability community and help raise money to send people with disabilities to the US Social Forum in Detroit! The USSF is June 22-26 and we need people with disabilities to go and REPRESENT.

Wednesday, May 19th
7pm - 10pm
Simone's Bar
960 W. 18th Street


Tickets are $10! Bring your wallets cuz we will have a raffle/auction and an EGG AND SPOON RELAY! Not to mention, we'll be rocking to some fantastic DJs and scarfing up some good Simone's food and drinks. Plus, come so you can learn about our upcoming trivia night fundraiser! This event is wheelchair accessible if you enter from the Peoria side of the building. An ASL interpreter will be present for announcements. Simone's has multiple accessible restrooms, including one that is gender neutral. Please contact Monica Heffner at (312) 404-6021 or rollingfrida@gmail.com. FREE OUR PEOPLE as we say in the disability community!

Labor is coming to the U.S. Social Forum!

2008-05-10T08:20:00.000-05:00

Come learn more about the USSF and support fundraising efforts to bring a large Chicago labor delegation to Detroit. Refreshments will be provided.

Thursday, May 20th
5:30-8:00pm
Workers United Hall
333 S. Ashland Ave. Chicago, IL

The National Planning Committee of the U.S. Social Forum has nearly 100 organizations, including the AFL-CIO, AFSCME and Jobs with Justice. The USSF 2010 has been endorsed by the Metro Detroit AFL-CIO, which has urged its affiliates to take part.

The labor movement can play a big role in the struggle for the change that millions of Americans voted for in 2008. The USSF in Detroit this summer can help ignite a broad movement for real change across the country. Now’s the time! Join us in Detroit at Cobo Hall – June 22-26!

USSF FUNDRAISER FOR LITTLE VILLAGE & PILSEN

2008-05-09T18:24:00.000-05:00

Rooftop party!
Friday, May 21st
9pm - ?
1320 W. 18th St.

BYOB = $5 at the door
or pay $3 at the door and support even more by buying
affordable drinks inside

Dance to the terrific sounds of the People's DJs and mingle with awesome like minded individuals!

===

¡Gran Pachanga de Azotea!
Viernes 21 de mayo
9pm - ?
1320 W. 18th St.

BYOB = $5 en la puerta
o paga $3 en la puerta y apoya aun mas comprando bebidas en la fiesta

Baila al magnifico ritmo de los People's DJs y comparte con gente maravillosa como tu!

Bike It! Skill Share

2008-05-09T17:53:00.000-05:00

May 23rd
3-6pm
1428 N Greenview
RSVP to Wendy at wemironov at gmail.com

Home-made panniers (aka. bike bags) are affordable, super visible, water-proof, animal-proof, and recycled from 5 gallon plastic containers. Total cost for a set, as long as we find enough containers, will be around 15 dollars, maybe less. It's best to have your back bike rack at the skillshare, so that the panniers can be custom made to fit.

RSVP to attend, so we can make sure to rustle up enough 5 gallon buckets for all. This skill share is specifically planned to build gear for people biking from Chicago to the US Social Forum, but all are invited to attend as space allows.

OPEN INFO SESSION

2008-05-02T11:09:00.000-05:00

Thinking about going to the US Social Forum this June? Come learn more and meet others who plan to participate!

May 11th
6pm - 8pm
Access Living
115 W. Chicago Avenue

The Latest from the Road to Detroit

2008-04-23T11:35:00.000-05:00

There's SO MUCH happening on the Road to Detroit,
we've made a digest post so you can see it all...

IMPORTANT UPDATES from the Social Forum Organizing Committee

Healing Justice & the US Social Forum (April 25th)

Chicago for the People May Day CD Release Party (April 30th)

CALL TO ACTION - March with the Road to Detroit this May Day (May 1st)

IMPORTANT UPDATES

2008-04-23T10:39:00.000-05:00

Workshop Deadline Extended

you've got a few more days... get those workshop proposals in by APRIL 25th!

http://www.ussf2010.org/call_for_proposals

Early Registration Deadline Approaching

if you haven't registered yet, do it before May 1st and save!

http://www.ussf2010.org/register

Trip Planning Logistics

Do you know how you're getting to Detroit, and where you're going to stay once you're there?

New logistics information is being released all the time on the USSF website. Check it out and get your trip planning underway!

http://www.ussf2010.org/logistics

Healing Justice!

2008-04-22T17:40:00.000-05:00

Calling all wonderful, magical healers of Chicago,
Come share a meal and strategize around healing justice as we make our way to Detroit and beyond..

Sunday, April 25th
11am-3pm
1629 s throop street

Please pass the word and RSVP (hwallerstein@gmail.com) by April 18th as space may be limited!

Our agenda is as follows:

11 am: yoga and eating

12pm: Intros, names, pronouns

--Report back from last meeting
--Values overview and chance for people to contribute values

12:45: Skits activity: "What does it look like to apply our collective values to healing justice work?"

1:30: State of Chicago, discussion of current health disparities, challenges

--Question: how do we move from real to ideal? Collective brainstorm.

1:45: Logistics: how do we get to Detroit? Do we want to come up with a collective action before Detroit? Etc.

2:45: Closing

if you are coming, let us know if you have any specific food or other needs we can prepare for!

If this is your first time getting word of this process-welcome!

Some info about the purpose of this...

This year, the US Social Forum (USSF) is happening in Detroit, June 22nd - 26th. Community organizers, activists, peacemakers, healers, and those invested in creating the kind of world we want to live in will be gathering to "come up with the peoples’ solutions to the  economic and ecological crisis."

"The USSF provides spaces to learn  from each other’s experiences and struggles, share our analysis of the problems  our communities face, build relationships, and align with our international  brothers and sisters to strategize how to reclaim our world." (see http://abc.ussf2010.org)

As you know, health and healing is an essential part of creating peace and justice. More and more, national and local movements for social justice are incorporating health modalities into their work, recognizing the impact of trauma on our lives and work, honoring the need for self care within the struggle for justice, and seeking sustainable ways to practice self and community care.

This is a crucial time for your voice to be included in shaping these dialogues and trends. The USSF will provide us with some amazing opportunities to connect with healers and health care practitioners across the nation.

Why don't we gather a fierce crew of Chicago healers and health practitioners to attend the USSF to participate, learn, contribute, and ultimately build a strong Chicago network of healing and health practitioners?

This Friday!!! Doors Open at 8pm

2008-04-22T11:01:00.000-05:00

Logan Square Auditorium ~ 2539 N. Kedzie Ave.

Sneak Peak: 2 Tracks off the Chicago for the People Album!

We Gonna Make It by Rebel Diaz
<a href="http://rebeldiaz.bandcamp.com/track/we-gonna-make-it">We Gonna Make It by Rebel Diaz</a>

Sweet Chariot by Ami Saraiya and Anna Soltys

Road to Detroit Peace Party, April 12!

2008-04-11T15:12:00.000-05:00

Come and share a dance floor with folks from all over Chicago heading to the forum- you know you want to... And spread the word far and wide! DJs Naomi Walker, Jeff Parker, Dave Marques & Jocelyn Brown will be spinning funk & soul vinyl all night. Half of the bar proceeds go to USSF efforts. This space is not accessible.

Countdown to the Social Forum!

2008-04-08T10:53:00.000-05:00

The 2010 US Social Forum is happening in Detroit, June 22nd – 26th

With just 11 weeks to go, we are now in countdown range!

Each week between now and the Social Forum, we’ll send an update suggesting things you might want be thinking about and doing to make sure your trip to Detroit is organized and stress-free, and as fulfilling and inspiring as possible!

This week…

REGISTER! REGISTER! REGISTER!

So you’re thinking about going to the Social Forum… Take the plunge! Make the commitment! Registration is your first step you need to take to get on the Road to Detroit. The early registration deadline is May 1st, so register now to get the discounted rate. Go to www.ussf2010.org/register to turn your Social Forum dreams into reality!

SUBMIT PROPOSALS

Don’t just attend, PARTICIPATE! The US Social Forum is calling for proposals for workshops, events, performances, visual art exhibitions, films, videos and more…

Deadline for submissions is APRIL 20th!

Proposal guidelines, application procedures, review process and
presenter responsibilities here: www.ussf2010.org/call_for_proposals

If you are an artist, you may also submit a proposal to participate in the performance and visual art showcase: organize.ussf2010.org/node/add/cultural-submission

And you can propose your film or video for the Another World is Possible Progressive Film Festival: organize.ussf2010.org/ussf-film-fest

Attend an Info Session

To learn more about the Social Forum, come to the next city-wide info session:
April 13th, 6pm – 8pm
Access Living, 115 W. Chicago Avenue

SHARE YOUR PLANS &

FIND OUT WHO ELSE IS GOING!

Visit http://roadtodetroit.blogspot.com/2010/04/groups-in-motion_04.html and add your group to a map of Chicago-based delegations planning for the Social Forum. This tool will help us know who else is going, so we can build together before, during and after the Social Forum!

Accessibility at the USSF

2008-04-05T11:52:00.001-05:00

Disability Access Accommodations

Do you need accessibility accommodations to register or to participate fully in the US Social Forum? Visit the accessibility page on the USSF website for information regarding alternative formats and accommodation requests: http://www.ussf2010.org/access

Language Access

The US Social Forum has made a commitment to providing Spanish language translation for all Forum initiated events, including plenary sessions. Organizers in Detroit are still in the process of identifying qualified translators and translation equipment, which will be available on a first-come-first-serve basis. Individuals and groups are encouraged to coordinating their own translation when possible, as Social Forum organizers cannot guarantee availability of translation in every workshop. If you would like to find out more about language access, or would like to offer translation skills or equipment, contact: Roberto Tijerina - roberto@ussf2010.org

Volunteer in Detroit

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A lot of help is going to be needed - both in preparation for the Social Forum and the week-of.

Information about how to form a work brigade to Detroit to help in advance and how to sign up to volunteer during the Social Forum will be available soon...

Join a Working Group

2008-04-05T10:35:00.000-05:00

Let's Get Logistical!

2008-04-05T10:09:00.006-05:00

This handy Logistics Packet contains all the information on this site and more.
Download the PDF in English or Spanish...

Propose a Workshop!

2008-04-05T09:10:00.003-05:00

The US Social Forum is calling for Workshop Proposals!

The deadline for proposal submissions is APRIL 20th. Get your proposal in today...

Upon Registering, organizations can submit up to two workshop proposals online. You can find out more about the proposal guidelines, application procedures, review process and presenter responsibilities at: www.ussf2010.org/call_for_proposals

Check out workshop proposals that have already been submitted at: http://organize.ussf2010.org/workshops

Workshops will be organized around these tracks:

Capitalism in Crisis: tearing down poverty, building economic alternatives & a solidarity economy

Climate Justice: sustainability, resources and land

Indigenous Sovereignty

Displacement, Migration, Immigration

Democracy and Governance

To the Right: internationally and domestically

To the Left: building a movement for social justice: intersections and alliances across race, class, gender, sexuality, ability, etc

Strategies for building power and ensuring community needs (housing, education, jobs, clean air…)

Organizing a Labor Movement for the 21st Century: crisis and opportunities

Media Justice, Communications and Culture

Transformative Justice, Healing and Organizing

Endless War: militarization, criminalization and human rights

International Solidarity and Responsibility: building a unified response to global crisis Detroit and the Rust Belt

Places to Eat

2008-04-05T08:45:00.000-05:00

There will be food options on-site at the US Social Forum—including self-organized cooking, meal sharing spaces, and vendor food courts. There are also many greater Detroit food options in the immediate area.

Local Restaurants

See below "places to eat" info collected by AMC2009.

WSU Towers Cafeteria
*Located in the Towers Residential Hall.
* Breakfast available during morning hours. Lunch and dinner selections include salad bar,

   grill, pizza, and stir fry, with vegetarian and vegan options.
* Wheelchair accessible.
* Hours: WED-FRI 7:00AM-9:00AM, 11:30AM-2:00PM, 5:30PM-7:00PM; SAT 7:30AM-
   9:30AM, 12:30PM-1:30PM; SUN CLOSED.
* $6.50 adults; $5.00 for 16 and under.

Wasabi Korean + Japanese Cuisine
* 15 E Kirby St. (at Woodward)
* Sushi, noodles, and Korean/Japanese entrees. $10-$25.
* Hours: Mon-Fri 9AM-9PM; Sat 11AM-9PM; Sun 9AM-5PM

Byblos Cafe and Grill
* 87 W Palmer (between Woodward and Cass)
* Mediterranean food, breakfast options. $4-$10.
* Hours: Mon-Fri 9AM-9PM; Sat 11AM-9PM; Sun 9AM-5PM

La Pita Fresh Restaurant
* 5056 Cass (between Warren & Putnam St.)
* Full menu, mid-eastern cuisine. Coffee & fresh juice. Breakfast options. $4-$10.
* Free wi-fi.
* Wheelchair accessible.

Olympic Grill
* 119 W Warren Ave (between Woodward and Cass)
* Diner food, breakfast. $6 - 10
* Hours: Fri: 7am - 8pm, Sat: 8am - 4pm, Sun: 8am - 3pm

Cass Café
* 4620 Cass Ave (between Forest and Prentis)
* Full menu. $6-$15.
* Hours: Mon-Thurs, 11AM-2AM (kitchen closes at 11PM); Fri & Sat, 11AM - 2AM (kitchen
   closes at 1AM); Sun, 5PM - 1AM (kitchen closes at 10PM)
* Free wi-fi.
* Wheelchair accessible.

Passport Pizza
* 4445 Second Ave. (between Prentis and Canfield)
* Pizza, salad and panini. $5-$10.
* Hours: Sun-Wed 11AM-midnight; Thurs-Sat 11AM-3AM

Bronx Bar
* 4476 Second Ave. (between Prentis and Canfield)
* Breakfast, burgers and sandwiches, soup.
* Hours: Mon-Fri 11AM-2AM; Sat & Sun noon-2AM

Motor City Brewing Co.
* 470 W. Canfield (between Cass and Second)
* Tasty local brews, pizzas and salads with high-quality ingredients, soup, appetizers. $6-$10
* Free wi-fi.
* Wheelchair accessible.
* Hours: Mon-Sat 11AM-1AM; Sun Noon-1AM

Traffic Jam & Snug
* 511 W. Canfield (between Cass and Second)
* Full menu based on in-house bakery, microbrewery and dairy. $7-$20.
* Hours: Thurs 11AM-10:30PM; Fri 11:00AM-midnight; SAT 11AM-midnight; SUN 11AM-8PM
* Wheelchair accessible.

Avalon International Breads
* 422 W Willis St (between Cass and Second), next door to Goodwell's.
* Hours: Tues-Sat, 6AM-6PM; Sun, 7AM-3PM
* Community bakery with organic, fair trade coffee, juice, bread, muffins, and sandwiches.
* Free wi-fi.

Goodwell's Natural Foods
* 418 W Willis St. (between Cass and 2nd Ave.), next door to Avalon.
* Vegan/vegetarian sandwiches and amazing soups, plus produce and snacks. $5-$10.
* Hours: Mon-Sat 10AM-6PM; Sun noon-4PM. Call 20 minutes ahead to place your order:
   313-831-2130.

Majestic Café
* 4140 Woodward Ave. (between Willis and Alexandrine)
* Full menu. $10-$25.
* Free wi-fi.
* Wheelchair accessible.
* Hours: Daily, 11AM-2AM; Kitchen Hours: Mon-Thurs until midnight, Fri & Sat until 1AM, Sun
   until 11PM.

Sgt. Pepperoni's Pizzeria & Deli
* 4140 Woodward Ave. (between Willis and Alexandrine)
* Detroit style pizza, salads,sandwiches. $5-$10.
* Free wi-fi.
* Wheelchair accessible.
* Hours: Daily, 11AM-2AM.

Honest John's
* 488 Selden St (between Cass and 2nd Ave.)
* Bar with full menu and sports on TV. $4-$10.
* Wheelchair accessible
* Hours: Open until 2AM daily.
* Free wi-fi.

Bangkok Express
* 4126 Woodward Ave. (between Willis and Canfield)
* Thai food, bubble tea, very spacious. $6-$10
* Hours: Mon-Fri 11AM-9:30PM; Sat & Sun noon-9:30PM
* Free wi-fi

Get Creative!

2008-04-05T08:39:00.028-05:00

If you are an artist, make a proposal for the performance and visual art showcase: organize.ussf2010.org/node/add/cultural-submission

Film and video makers can submit work for the Another World is Possible Progressive Film Festival: organize.ussf2010.org/ussf-film-fest

Getting Around in Detroit

2008-04-05T08:18:00.003-05:00

BY PUBLIC TRANSPORT
The Detroit Department of Transportation (DDOT; 888-336-8287; www.ridedetroittransit.com) handles local bus service ($1.50).

The Suburban Mobility Authority for Regional Transportation (SMART; 866-962-5515; www.smartbus.org) handles service to neighboring towns ($1.50 to $2).

The public library is a good place to find bus schedules.

BY BIKE
If you decided to bike to Detroit, or you've walked to Detroit and feel like you need the kind of speed that only two wheels can give you, here a few bike shops:

Wheelhouse Detroit
1340 E. Atwater St.
Detroit, MI 48207
Phone: (313) 656-2453
www.wheelhousedetroit.com
A bicycle shop located in Downtown Detroit that offers rentals of cruisers, hybrids, road, tandem and kid's bikes, full service, guided tours and retail accessories.

The Hub of Detroit
3611 Cass Ave

Detroit MI 48201
Phone: (313) 879-5073

thehubofdetroit.org
This shop is located close to Wayne State University. It sells bicycles, accessories and parts, and does bicycle repairs.

Livernois Bike Shop
16885 Livernois Ave
Detroit, MI
48221-3037
Phone: (313) 864-8734
This shop is close to the University of Detroit Mercy.

BY CAB
For cab service, call Checker Cab (313-963-7000).

BY RENTAL CAR
Detroit is a car friendly city and if you need to rent one, Avis, Hertz and other rental agencies have offices at Metro Airport (call from the courtesy phones) and around town.

Wheelchair Getaways
6005 Carscadden Way
Highland, MI 48357
Phone: (800) 887-7868

www.wheelchairgetaways.com

Wheelchair accessible conversion vans and mini-vans. Hand controls available. Offering delivery to home, office or airport. Call for reservations.

Alamo Rent-A-Car
Detroit Metro Airport
Building 338, Lucas Drive
Detroit, MI 48242
Phone: (734) 784-2280
Toll Free: (800) GO-ALAMO
www.alamo.com

Avis Rent-A-Car
Detroit Metro Airport
287 Lucas Drive
Detroit, MI 48242
Phone: (734) 229-0862

Enterprise Rent-A-Car
Detroit Metro Airport
11375 S. Middlebelt
Livonia, MI 48150
Phone: (734) 784-2119
Toll Free: (800) RENT-A-CAR
www.enterprise.com

National Car Rental
Detroit Metro Airport
Bldg. 338, Lucas Drive
Detroit, MI 48242
Phone: (734) 784-2280
www.nationalcar.com

GETTING TO/FROM THE AIRPORT
Detroit Metro Airport (DTW; 734-247-7678; www.metroairport.com) is 15 miles southwest of Detroit. Transport options from the airport to the city are few: you can take a cab for about $45, or you can take the No 125 SMART bus ($1.50), but it takes an hour and a half to get downtown.

GETTING TO CANADA
Transit Windsor (519-944-4111; www.citywindsor.ca/transitwindsor) operates the Tunnel Bus to Windsor, Canada. It costs $2.75 (American or Canadian) and departs from Detroit Windsor Tunnel (on Randolph St, across from the Renaissance Center) as well as other spots downtown. Bring your passport.

Places to Stay

2008-04-05T08:06:00.000-05:00

So you’re going to the Social Forum! Now where are you going to stay???

There are accommodation options to suit a variety of budgets and sensibilities. Here are some that we know of:

Tent City
If you’re interested in camping out, you can band together with other campers to form a Tent City (location TBA). Campers should bring their own tents, sleeping bags and any other necessary gear. There may be a small fee for use of the land. Details should be available soon on the Social Forum website: www.ussf2010.org

Couch Surfing
Social Forum organizers are not coordinating couch surfing connections between local residents and out-of town guests. But there are several local residents who participate in http://www.couchsurfing.org. For safety reasons, the Social Forum discourages the use of Craigslist for housing match ups.

Solidarity Housing - $5-$15/night
If you’re looking to be affordable and communal accommodations, Solidarity Housing is the thing for you! The Organizing Committee in Detroit is identifying local churches and communities spaces willing to offer up their floor space to visitors for a small fee. Plan to bring your own sleeping bag or other bedding. Information about Solidarity housing options, accessibility of these locations and how to reserve space should be available soon on the social forum website: www.ussf2010.org

Wayne State Dorm Rooms - $35/person/night
Geared toward groups traveling and staying together, a block of rooms in the Wayne State dorms can be reserved cy contacting the Detroit Local Organizing Committee’s logistics team at 313.964.2500

Discounted Hotels - $80-$129
The hotels listed below have committed to offering discounted rates for Social Forum participants. Both semi- and fully-accessible rooms can be reserved. When booking your reservation, ask for the US Social Forum rate.

The Atheneum
1000 Brush St, Detroit, MI 48226
313-962-2323 local/ 1-800-772-2323 national
www.atheneumsuites.com
Rate: $129 per night

Detroit Marriott/Ren Cen
Renaissance Center Detroit, MI 48243
313-568-8000/1-800-352-0831
www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/dtwdt?groupCode=ussussa&app=resvli...
Rate: $129 per night

Doubletree Fort Shelby
525 W. Lafayette, Detroit, MI 48226
313-963-5600/1-800-222-TREE
Rate: $124 per night

Courtyard by Marriott
333 E. Jefferson Ave, Detroit, MI 48226
313-222-7700/1-800-353-8365
www.marriott.com
Rate: $129 per night

Hilton Garden Inn
351 Gratiot Ave, Detroit, MI 48226
313-967-0900/1-800-STAY-HGI
www.hiltongardeninn.com
Rate: $109 per night

Holiday Inn Express
1020 Washington Blvd, Detroit, MI 48226

313-887-7000/1-800-444-8904

www.ihg.com/h/d/EX/1/en/rates/DTTWB?groupBookingCode=USF&_IATAno=...

Rate: $81 per night

A Chicago Canopy at the USSF!

2008-04-04T16:07:00.000-05:00

Help us organize a Chicago Canopy to have at the USSF all week. A meet up spot for Chicagoans- a central resource for literature, shared food, emergency kit, and healing/health supplies.

More info coming soon. Please contact road2detroit@gmail.com if you'd like to help plan a Chicago canopy.

Getting To Detroit

2008-04-04T14:40:00.005-05:00

People are traveling to the US Social Forum from across the nation, using almost every form of transportation you can think of! Here are some suggestions for how you or your organization might get to Detroit this June:

Air

Delta/NW is offering a discount on flights to Detroit. Reservations must be made by phone: 1.800.328.1111 Use Ticket Code: NG29M to receive:

5% off to Detroit from Atlanta, Cincinnati, Memphis, Minneapolis and Salt Lake City.

7% off from non-hub markets.

Southwest is offering a similar discount, but we have no Ticket Designator code to share. Contact the Group Rate Office at: (800) 433- 5368.

Rail

US Social Forum organizers are in the process of negotiating special reduced fares for Social Forum participants traveling on Amtrak. Details are not yet available, but keep an eye out for updates and be sure to inquire about Socail Forum rates when contacting Amtrak. Regular roundtrip tickets from Chicago to Detroit on Amtrak start at $60 when booked in advance, and increase when purchased closer to the dates of travel. Group prices are available for 20 or more who book together. Discounts can be as much as 20% per passenger. You can find out more at the Amtrak website: www.amtrak.com, or by calling their group travel representative at 1-800-872-1477. Amtrak is wheelchair accessible and offers assistance in the case of high platforms with ramps for boarding trains.

Bus

For individuals and small groups traveling to Detroit, both Greyhound and Megabus offer multiple trips per day.

For early bookers, Megabus tickets can be a cheap as $2 round trip, although they will most likely go up to $30-$45 as June approaches. According to the Megabus website, passengers with disabilities can book their tickets by phone and Megabus will allocate a bus with a ramp or lift to that trip. Visit: www.us.megabus.com

Greyhound tickets start at $56. Greyhound offers lift assisted buses and assistence boarding and exiting the bus. Please be advised, however, that passengers with disabilities have reported negative experiences traveling on Greyhound, and the company is also known to collaborate with immigration enforcement and perform checkpoints en route. Visit: www.greyhound.com

Van Rental
If you’re coordinating travel for a group, 15 passenger vans are a good way to go. You can rent 15 passenger vans from most standard car rental companies. You can expect a one-week rental to cost around $735 with 750 miles included, plus $.25 for each additional mile. Detroit is about 250 miles from Chicago, so 750 miles will easily get you there and back, and also let your group get around comfortably while in Detroit.

Ride Share

The Allied Media Conference has set up a housing and ride share board for participants of both AMC and USSF. Connect with others traveling to Detroit and find sleeping arrangements here: http://talk.alliedmediaconference.org/message-boards/

Charter Bus

Our research seems to show that with the plethora of travel options between Chicago and Detroit, chartering a bus may not be the most affordable way to go. Still, a charter could be the most convenient way to travel as a large group. If you think you might want to charter a bus, you can shop around for the best rates at http://www.busrates.com

Bike

Folks are biking to Detroit from around the country, and you can too! The Chicago bike caravan to Detroit is leaving Chicago on June 11th, and planning to arrive in Detroit on the 18th, in time for the Allied Media Conference before the USSF. The trip is 250 miles, and the caravan will be taking a slow pace of no more than 50 miles a day. The caravan will be a welcoming space for folks of all genders, and strives to support and encourage people who have never biked long distances before. Find out more and get involved with the planning by contacting biketheroadtodetroit@gmail.com

Walk

Walk? That's right, people from across the country are walking to Detroit, raising awareness of environmental justice issues and meeting with communities along the way. Are you interested in walking the road to Detroit? Check out the Poor People’s Economic Human Rights March for inspiration: http://old.economichumanrights.org/index.shtml and contact roadtodetroit@gmail.com. We’ll try to link up Chicagoans who want to walk the walk…

People in Motion

2008-04-04T14:11:00.006-05:00

Check out this map of Chicago-based individuals & delegations in motion toward the 2010 US Social Forum in Detroit!

Will be updated soon...

View Chicago's Road to Detroit in a larger map

To add yourself or your group to the map, send email to: road2detroit@gmail.com

Please include the following info in your email:

Individual or Group Name
Contact information
Website (if applicable)
Your Neigborhood / Where you'd like to be represented on the map
Sector / Areas of Interest
Brief description of your plans for the Social Forum

2008-02-19T20:33:00.004-06:00

Road to Detroit

Chicago and the "Road to Detroit"

Why a social forum?

Why Detroit?

Why a Chicago Road to Detroit Coalition?

June 21st Kick Off the Road to Detroit!

To the Streets!

Volunteers Needed!

Chicago Welcomes You!

THROWBACK THURSDAYS

Neo-Liberalism in our Communities

Amazing May Day March

MAY DAY CALL TO ACTION!

People's Movement Assembly at Mess Hall

Open USSF Info Session- April 13

Proposal Deadlines Extended!

How to Submit a Workshop Proposal

How to Submit a Cultural Event, Film, or Performance Proposal

Little Village & Pilsen - Where you at?

Chicago for the People May Day Blast

Fundraising kicking off with EMPACT

Notes: February 2nd Info Session

Info Session for Youth going to the USSF

US Social Forum Salsa Night!

The US Social Forum Process

Outreach Resources

Healing Delegation Fundraiser

Yard Sale Fundraiser

Help Youth attend the USSF!

graphicssss

Bike to Detroit!

YOUTH Interest Meeting

Workshop Deadline Approaching!

Projects in Chicago

Social Forum Program Schedule

Another World is Possible!

The overall goals of the second USSF are similar to those of the first:

Road to Detroit Disability Teach-In

Accessibility for People with Disabilities at Public Events

USSF Public Dialogue at Columbia

People's CARNIVAL Planning Meeting

Support Chicago's Road to Detroit

Fundraising to get to Detroit

Feed the Roots

Chicagoans are Biking to Detroit!

Chicago Call for Healers Interested in the US Social Forum

Contact Road to Detroit Organizers

Chicago Info Session - February 2nd

Chicago Info Session, 1/5

Action Planning Meeting

Disability Community Trivia Night

ACTION PLANNING MEETING

graphics

Disability GiG Fundraiser!

Labor is coming to the U.S. Social Forum!

USSF FUNDRAISER FOR LITTLE VILLAGE & PILSEN

Bike It! Skill Share

OPEN INFO SESSION

The Latest from the Road to Detroit

IMPORTANT UPDATES

Healing Justice!

This Friday!!! Doors Open at 8pm

Road to Detroit Peace Party, April 12!

Countdown to the Social Forum!

Accessibility at the USSF

Volunteer in Detroit

Join a Working Group

If you're interested in volunteering your time and skills to local organizing in the lead up to the Social Forum, fill out this form and we'll be in touch...

Let's Get Logistical!

Propose a Workshop!

Places to Eat

Get Creative!

Getting Around in Detroit

Places to Stay

A Chicago Canopy at the USSF!

Getting To Detroit

Ride Share

People in Motion