We now prepare for the ‘second D’
as we look towards Dakar for the next World Social Forum scheduled over the
week of February 6 – 11, 2011.
The originally stated goal of D2D is “to promote issues related to Africa and the African Diaspora, at the U.S Social Forum in Detroit while also making strategic links towards the World Social Forum in Dakar, Senegal in 2011.” The immediate objective for D2D participants is to ensure advanced preparation to maximize the outcome of our involvement and participation in the Dakar WSF. We prioritize and invite Africa-focused individuals and organizations within the U.S. to mobilize and strategize to be part of the preparations for Dakar. Nunu Kidane of Priority Africa
Network & Walter Turner of Global Exchange visited Dakar recently
representing D2D and participated in two meetings: 1. the Africa Secretariat of
the World Social Forum and the International Council of the World Social
Forum. These visits afforded an
opportunity to learn more about the proposed plans for the Forum in Dakar,
logistical and mobilization strategies that are important for those of us
planning to attend the WSF in Dakar. If you’re thinking of attending
the World Social Forum but are not sure of how or want to learn more, we invite
you to join D2D. We don’t have all the
answers but are confident that we can join forces to get the information we
need and to raise the funds to get ourselves and our communities there. It is important to consider that the process
of preparation and coordination is itself useful. It helps build further awareness of the work
in our respective regions, to build relations among ourselves and partners in
Africa; and to learn of the different initiatives that are changing our
communities/our world and contributing to people-centered movement
building. This document is prepared to lead up to the teleconference and will be amended as we move along in our plans over the coming months.
|
