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Detroit Expanded Workshop Event

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The Social Forum process aims to build communities and networks in Detroit, the United States, and the world. Detroit Expanded (or, "Dex") is one way that your organizing efforts towards the 2nd US Social Forum directly benefit your community.

Hundreds of thousands of people have participated in Social Forum processes over the last decade. However, millions of people struggle in their own communities on an ongoing basis to create social change. We don't expect millions of people in Detroit. But with the use of technology, the US Social Forum can be open to all.

Belex event with Belem, Brazil

WHO | Organizations sending small number of delegates to Detroit connect with their base group "back home" during the forum. Also groups and individuals unable to arrive in Detroit local space due to economic hardship, war, or visa requirements.

WHAT | Moments of connection via chat, VoIP calls, unconnected solidarity forums with publicity on a common website and in the printed program, streaming audio & video, recorded media shared 1-day later.

WHERE | All over the entire globe! Events range from multi-day local forums to individual points of connections with individuals in politically restrictive or physically remote locations.

WHEN | Simultaneous events scheduled during the self-organized activities, open workshop programming, lead-up organizing began months in advance to secure local venues and publicity.

WHY | Travel restrictions and costs, politics of displacement, global-local participation, outreach and organizing tool through collaboration and networking.

If you are an organization that would like to participate but cannot come to Detroit
Currently, all Dex events requesting connection with a room of USSF-Detroit participants must be a registered workshops. Once your group has registered at the reduced International rate, you may then propose a workshop. This ensures capacity to virtually and physically host you and your workshop participants in Detroit!

Here is a short list of steps for participating in the US Social Forum from your community.

  1. CONNECT.

    2. Send delegates to host a workshop, find partnering organizations that are hosting their own workshops, gather your group to watch and discuss our streaming content.

  2. PLAN.

    3. There are many options for method of connection. USSF organizers and volunteers recommend using Free and Open Source Software, such as the following solutions:

    • Online Video Streaming
      Your workshop can be featured for 30 minutes in the main USSF streaming video broadcast. If you would like to stream your own

      Online Audio Streaming
      Video Conferencing

    • Audio Conferencing: Voice over IP (look for GPL/Free Software under license)
    • Webinar Software: Big Blue Button

      • Slideshow / Still Photography
      Recorded/online Video
      Collaborative Software
      Other

    • streaming video/video conferencing
    • chat
    • Collaborative Democracy software
    • Dropping Knowledge platform
  3. PUBLICIZE.

    4. For your community: create fliers. For Detroit: all registered USSF workshops will be publicized in the printed and online program. For the world: add your event to this site's map and calendar.

  4. PREPARE.

    5. Test your connection method with your partnering organization, do more outreach!

  5. FOLLOW-UP.

    6. Post media about the event.