Here are some answers to your frequently asked questions about coordinating a track, practice space or network gathering for the next Allied Media Conference.
The deadline to propose a track, practice space, or network gathering (TPSNG) for AMC2016 is November 6, 2015 at 11:59 EST.
Click to here to learn more about how to submit your proposal.
What is “media-based organizing”?
All of the content of the AMC is focused on “media-based organizing” and we are seeking proposals for tracks, practice spaces, and network gatherings that focus on media-based organizing.
Media-based organizing is any collaborative process that uses media, art, or technology to address the roots of problems and advances holistic solutions towards a more just and creative world.
What are “Tracks,” “Practice Spaces” and “Network Gatherings?
Through an open proposal process in the early fall, we select the thematic focus areas of the following year’s conference. These focus areas take the form of tracks, practice spaces, or network gatherings.
A Track is a series of sessions connected by a shared theme.
A Practice Space is a hands-on open studio space dedicated to a creative practice.
A Network Gathering is a day-long mini-conference convened by a local or national network on the Thursday of the AMC.
Do I need to have attended the AMC in order to coordinate a TPSNG?
In order to coordinate a track, practice space or network gathering, you need a team of at least three people – with a minimum of one person who has attended the AMC.
What is the annual Coordinators Meeting and do I need to participate?
All coordinating teams are required to send at least one representative to Detroit for a meeting over MLK weekend, January 15-17, 2016. At the meeting we will work together to develop plans for fundraising for your TPSNG, plans for outreach and recruiting sessions for your TPSNG, and sharing facilitation skills for managing your TPSNG.
What is my role in coordinating a track?
If your are coordinating a Track you will…
- Recruit up to 10 sessions (and two meet-ups) between Fri-Sun of the conference that explore some aspect of media-based organizing.
- Recruit presenters who will present a range of sessions including: panels, hands on sessions, strategy sessions, screenings and/or performances.
- Participate in session review
- Support presenters in their logistics through the weekend
- Fundraise to support the participation of presenters and participants who will enrich your content area.
What is my role in coordinating a practice space?
If you are coordinating a Practice Space you will…
- Curate three days of hands-on media-making in one space throughout the weekend, ideally culminating in a shareable project such as: a film, radio station, piece of choreography, or mural.
- Create a space for all AMC participants to engage at different skills and experience levels.
- Provide opportunities for people to drop in for short periods of time or stay the whole weekend.
- Structure each day’s content to build upon each other.
- Fundraise to support the participation of presenters and participants who will enrich your content area.
What is my role in coordinating a network gathering?
If you are coordinating a Network Gathering you will…
- Convene a group of up to 150 people in your organization, network or community for a day-long gathering on the Thursday of the AMC that explores media-based organizing within the context of the network.
- Support your participants in proposing and presenting at least two sessions during the AMC that connect with the content of your Network Gathering.
- Fundraise to support the participation of presenters and participants who will enrich your content area.
What if I have an idea but no other coordinators?
Because of the incredible numbers of proposals for Tracks, Practice Spaces and Network Gatherings (that grows in number every year!)–we are only accepting proposals from teams with a minimum of three fully committed coordinators. If you are looking for suggestions of a fourth, fifth or sixth coordinator (or a person who can enrich your content/perspective), we’re happy to connect you to people in the AMC network who may be able to add to your team’s perspective and connections.
Coordinating teams will have the opportunity to add or remove coordinators after the proposal has been accepted.
Can youth apply to coordinate?
Absolutely! We are really excited to receive content that is youth-driven. We would like youth submitting proposals to have adult allies with whom they can work to coordinate logistics.
If I’d like to coordinate a TPSNG and propose sessions. Is that okay?
Yes!
What is the timeline for organizing a Track, Practice Space or Network Gathering?
The general timeline is as follows:
Fall
- Select and finalize descriptions of TPSNGs.
Winter
- Annual coordinator’s meeting in Detroit (usually during MLK weekend)
- Release calls for session proposals.
- Coordinators begin fundraising for their TPSNGs.
Spring
- Session proposals are reviewed and selections are made.
- Finalization and publication of AMC sessions.
- TPSNG fundraising and logistical planning continues.
Summer
- JUNE 16-19, 2016: 18th annual AMC!
Approximately how much time will it take to coordinate a Track, Network Gathering or Practice Space?
Each Track, Practice Space, and Network Gathering should have at least three coordinators who can commit several hours per week between December 2015 and June 2016. The time you spend coordinating will vary and may be more like two hours per week earlier in the year and closer to 15 hours in the final weeks leading up to the AMC.
What support will I receive from AMP?
AMP staff will advise on the development of vision and content of Tracks, Practice Spaces, and Network Gatherings and facilitate connections between coordinators, potential participants and potential funders.
Coordinators must send at least one representative to a group coordinators meeting in Detroit, MLK weekend (bundle up—it will be cold!). At the retreat we will share and develop essential skills for the AMC organizing process: facilitative leadership, popular education, grassroots fundraising, online communications infrastructure, and accessibility.
All Tracks, Practice Spaces, and Network Gatherings will be eligible for a limited number of mini-grants to support grassroots fundraising to get their networks to the AMC.
All Tracks, Practice Spaces, and Network Gatheringswill have access to AMP’s online communication tools for organizing throughout the year.
Can I bounce my ideas and questions off somebody at AMP before submitting my proposal?
Yes! Email amc@alliedmedia.org. You can also get in touch with us via our Facebook page, or on Twitter @alliedmediaconf.