Brainstormed Discussion Topics
- International Networking meeting location: London, Leeds or Brighton?
- Hosting another international meeting?
- The future of Info Tours
- How to feedback to Dissent UK and Groups in Germany
- How to integrate groups into the network
- How to respond to parallel requests for Dissent networks in other countries
1. International Networking meeting location: London, Leeds or Brighton?
- The planning for a proposed International Networking meeting in London on March 26th is already underway.
- There was concern that there may be some over lap with what takes place in Leeds and what takes place in London
- Some understood the London meeting to be conditional
- Leeds will be hosting a feedback session on the meetings in Germany the same weekend as the London meeting.
- It was recognised that these may be different types of meetings.
Proposal:
In order to limit confusion and overlap, it was suggested that the London international networking meeting take place on March 26th while International networking issues are dealt with on march 27th in Leeds.
It was further proposed that there be clear coordination in advance of both meetings between those in London and Leeds regarding the agendas for both meetings and, in the case of London, informing Leeds what transpired in London so this information may be incorporated into the meeting.
Consensus was reached on this proposal
2. Hosting another International meeting?
- It seems that there have been requests for a future international networking meeting in a similar fashion to the one held in Germany.
- Questions were raised as to who would host it and when.
- May was suggested as a potential time for the next meeting, in Europe and most likely in southern Europe.
- It was noted that in addition to holding another international meeting, a clear invitation to all internationals should be made to come to all future Dissent gatherings as well as the Festival of Dissent.
Proposal:
A proposal was made that the possibility of hosting another International meeting should be posed back to the larger Tubingen gathering. Further, the gathering should also be asked for input as to whether the next meeting should be in Scotland or in Europe - potentially Italy.
Consensus was reached on this proposal
3. The future of Info Tours
- It was acknowledged that there are currently limited resources both in people and in money for Info Tours. However, the importance of the Road Show was stressed.
- A suggestion was made that Info Tours should focus on places where Dissent UK does not yet have any connections.
- A suggestion was made to get as much international material as possible on to the website as it was felt that an increase in information may decrease the amount of requests for Info Tours. The information could take the form of a Power Point presentation and someone did volunteer to begin putting together a multimedia presentation for use by international groups.
- Request for information have focused on networking tours, building relationships and groups are asking how their actions may fit into a wider network.
- There are currently Info Tour requests from: Ireland, Spain, Sweden and the Netherlands.
- It was noted that there are the potential for Information/Workshops in Finland.
- With respect to how to deal with Info Tour request and in light of the strain on resources, it was decided to deal with Info Tour requests on a case by case basis. Where possible it is hoped that the host group will cover at least some of the expenses of the Info Tour. However, if the requesting group could not cover expenses, this would not necessarily mean that an Info Tour would not happen.
- Japanese translation is available and will be done for major Dissent documents.
- The production and distribution of an Info CD, possibly using Power Point presentations, and including maps and other resources was discussed. It could serve as a kind of "electronic Dissent! delegate".
4. How to feedback to Dissent UK and Groups in Germany
- Minutes can be a one source of feedback
- Feedback will be given in Leeds and Edinburgh
- If people have any additional questions regarding feedback they should contact the international networking group.
5. How to integrate groups into the network?
- There was a desire expressed not to replicate all Dissent groups at both local and international levels.
- It was felt that various groups should be encouraged to make their own international links where possible although it was recognised that the Dissent International UK group is often the first point of contact.
- Working groups should develop wish lists of supplies needed.
- Proposal for a working lists of documents before Leeds of various publications/research documents in the pipeline that can be placed on the Web.
6. How to respond to parallel requests for Dissent networks in other countries
- It was pointed out that there is already a German precedent for the use of the Dissent name.
- It was agreed that if people wish to call themselves Dissent, they should be empowered to do so and this is a decision they must make on their own.
- If people are looking for assistance, they should be encouraged to come to the Festival of Dissent.