Propose a Track, Practice Space, or Network Gathering for AMC2015
Attention media-makers, artists, technologists, and all who work towards a more just, creative and collaborative world! The AMC is accepting proposals for tracks, practice spaces and network gatherings for the 17th annual Allied Media Conference, June 18-21, 2015 in Detroit.
What are tracks, practice spaces, and network gatherings (TPSNG)?
A Track is a series of AMC sessions that are joined by a shared theme. Examples of tracks include: Media Strategies for Transforming Justice, Community Radio, and Sci-fi for World-building and Survival.
A Practice Space is a fixed space at the AMC that features ongoing activities and hands-on sessions around a theme. Examples of practice spaces include: Transformative Arts, Movement//Movement, and the Future Design Lab.
A Network Gathering is a day-long mini-conferences convened by a local or national network on the Thursday of the AMC. They can be open or closed meetings. Examples of past network gatherings include: International Trans Women of Color, Education for Liberation, Research Justice.
What is the Allied Media Conference?
We’re glad you asked! The Allied Media Conference is an annual gathering of technologists, artists, organizers, and allies who exchange skills and strategies for using media-based organizing to create, connect, and transform their communities. The conference takes place every summer in Detroit and features over 250 workshops, strategy sessions, and art and music events. If you have not attended the AMC before, make this the year to join us! You may not want to propose a TPSNG unless one or more members of your coordinating team have experienced the AMC.
Who should coordinate a TPSNG?
You should consider coordinating a TPSNG if you are doing some kind of media-based organizing and you want to expand your skills, ideas and relationships through the AMC. “Media-based organizing” is any collaborative process that uses media, art, or technology to address the roots of a problem and advance holistic solutions towards a more just and creative world. It is ideal for coordinators to have attended at least one AMC in the past, but it is not required.
Which should I propose? A track, practice space or network gathering?
We know it is hard to choose – but here if a formula! If your toes were being held over a fire and you were forced to choose one of these options – which would you choose?
A) a space where people can come and learn hands-on skills that will empower their media-based organizing
B) a gathering of folks to do focused work or strategy development
C) a mix of panels and workshops, focused on a specific theme, that are open to everyone at the AMC
If you picked A, you should probably propose a Practice Space. If you picked B, you should probably propose a Network Gathering. If you picked C, you should probably propose a Track.
Boom! Science.
Can I be on more than one TPSNG coordinating team?
Being on a coordinating team can be a lot of work so we do not recommend this.
What does being a TPSNG coordinator involve?
Being a TPSNG coordinator for the Allied Media Conference involves working with a team to curate a space within the conference where we can explore media-based organizing through the particular lens your team develops. Each track, network gathering and practice space should have at least three coordinators who can commit several hours per week between December 2014 and June 2015. The work hours needed is variable and may be more like 2 hours per week earlier in the year and closer to 15 or 20 hours in the final weeks leading up to the AMC. The work may include: recruiting participants and session presenters and fundraising to help get them to the AMC, documenting your process and giving feedback to AMP throughout. Each coordinating team is required to send at least one person to a planning meeting in Detroit over the weekend of January 16 – 18, 2015. Network Gathering coordinators can also expect to develop the content of their gathering and manage their participants attendance and logistics.
What if I have an idea but no other coordinators?
If you have an idea for a track, practice space or network gathering but aren’t quite sure who could help you coordinate it, let us know! Email us at amc@alliedmedia.org with the idea and a request to be connected to other people who may be awesome at facilitating a TPSNG with you. If we can’t find a good fit, don’t worry. We will still be happy to work with you to submit a session proposal.
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.
What is the general timeline for coordinating a TPSNG?
Fall
- Select and finalize descriptions of TPSNGs.
Winter
- Annual Coordinator’s meeting in Detroit (usually during MLK weekend)
- Release of calls for AMC 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 18-21, 2015: 17th annual AMC!
Approximately how much time will it take to coordinate a TPSNG?
Each track, network gathering and practice space should have at least three coordinators who can commit several hours per week between December 2014 and June 2015. The work hours needed is variable and may be more like 2 hours per week earlier in the year and closer to 15 or 20 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 meeting in Detroit, January 16 – 18, 2015 (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, Network Gatherings, and Practice Spaces will be eligible for a limited number of mini-grants to support grassroots fundraising to get their networks to the AMC.
Can I bounce ideas 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.