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AMC2017 Track, Practice Space, and Network Gathering FAQS

Words by Allied Media Conference

Here are some answers to your frequently asked questions about coordinating a track, practice space or network gathering for the 19th annual Allied Media Conference.

The deadline to propose a track, practice space, or network gathering (TPSNG) for AMC2017 is November 7, 2016 at 11:59 EST.

Click here to learn more about how to submit your proposal.

Graphic to "Propose a Track, Practice Space, or Network Gathering" for the 19th Annual Allied Media Conference with a light blue background and a collage of abstract shapes of orange, yellow, green, dark blue, and black on white patterns

Frequently Asked Questions

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.

You can browse past tracks, practice spaces, and network gatherings from AMCs 2007-2015 here.

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 13-15, 2017. At the meeting we will work together to develop plans for fundraising for your TPSNG, outreach and recruiting sessions for your TPSNG, and sharing facilitation skills for managing your TPSNG.

What is my role in coordinating a track?

If you 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.

I’d like to coordinate a TPSNG and propose sessions. Is that okay?

Yes!

What is the timeline for organizing a Track, Network Gathering or Practice Space?

The general timeline is as follows:

Fall
Select and finalize descriptions of TPSNGs.

Winter
Annual coordinator’s meeting in Detroit (usually during MLK weekend)
Each TPSNG releases a call 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 15-18, 2017: 19th annual AMC!

See a more detailed organizing timeline here.

Approximately how much time will it take to coordinate a Track, Network Gathering or Practice Space?

Each Track, Network Gathering and Practice Space should have at least three coordinators who can commit several hours per week between December 2016 and June 2017. 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, Network Gatherings, and Practice Spaces 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 TPSNGs will have access to AMP’s online communication tools for organizing throughout the year. All coordinating teams receive:

  • Complimentary registration to the AMC
  • Support with housing including discounts on campus dorm housing
  • Access to a $550 mini-grant to seed grassroots fundraising efforts
  • Scholarship offers to subsidize travel (if available)

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.