The overall goals of the conference are to:

Raise the level, depth, and breadth of public dialogue and awareness on core issues. The conference examines dimensions and dynamics of “The OTHER” on individual and group levels, and considers how enemy identity is formed, perpetuated, and manipulated – including fear-based belief systems, negative stereotypes, projection, prejudice, polarization, and scapegoating.

Identify and compile fundamental questions, dilemmas, and implications for further deep inquiry and examination in an expanding public dialogue, and to challenge embedded negative belief systems that promote adversarial perceptions of the “The Other.”

Tap our shared wisdom, compassion, and responsibility as a community – from the local to the global – in developing practical applications. Participants are encouraged to develop and share practical recommendations and strategies for applying results to the current state of local and world relationships to promote increased understanding, sensitivity, and compassion as a means of countering and neutralizing hostility, particularly inter-group hostility.

Create Networking Opportunities to promote collaboration and action planning.

 

The language of the conference will be English.

Registration is now open. A reduced rate is available to those who belong to supporting organisations, co-sponsoring organisations and fulltime students. If you can only attend two conference days, they also have half conference registration. There is also a reduced rate for those who register before September 25^th 2009. If you register after November 1^st, a late fee will apply.

 

Fees and registration methods can be found here.

  

Exhibition and advertisement tables are available for the entirety of the conference. There is a pricing difference between NGO and commercial space so click here for more information.

The conference organisers have not specified how many volunteers they need specifically however; there is a volunteer form and information available for pre, onsite and post conference opportunities. 

 

Pre conference tasks include: conference publicity using the internet, contacting relevant organisations, posting and distributing flyers, media coordination, website management, clerical and logistical support. Onsite support involves providing technical support, helping with registration, monitoring meals, presenter support, note taking during dialogue groups, taking conference photos and conducting interviews with presenters. Post- conference tasks involve data compiling and organising, assisting in putting together the E-journal and other materials for publication, website maintenance, E-newsletter and blog support. More information can be found here.