Think Outside the Bomb

THINK OUTSIDE THE BOMB GRASSROOTS CONVERGENCE
“Inspiring Action for Nuclear Abolition”
August 15/16-19
UC Santa Barbara

~Apply Now! – http://www.thinkoutsidethebomb.org ~


The Think Outside the Bomb network is pleased to announce its third annual conference at the University of California, Santa Barbara. A space for experienced activists and relative newcomers to political organizing alike, the four-day event will provide a rich backdrop for in-depth learning and discussion. We will develop detailed strategies to guide the TOTB network’s pursuit of nuclear abolition in both the near- and long-term.

Free travel will be provided to out-of-town attendees with financial need. Lodging will be provided free of charge for all participants. Free food will be provided for all, throughout the course of the event. A $20 registration fee is suggested.

The Think Outside the Bomb network is committed to doing our part to end racism, sexism, and all forms of oppression. Indigenous people, people of color, working class people, women, and l/g/b/t persons are strongly encouraged to apply, as well as all advocates of social justice, peace, and a livable future. Applicants between the ages of 15 and 29 will receive first priority. Please be aware that space is limited at the conference.

Aside from nuclear abolition, the conference will explore such interconnected themes as localized resistance to militarism & empire, demilitarizing higher education, supporting indigenous resistance to what is referred to as “nuclear colonialism,” and turning back the resurgence of “poisoned power” (nuclear energy). The conference will include workshops, panels, dialogues, and skills trainings to strengthen our analyses of nuclear weapons’ role in the global political order, empower ourselves with new tools for effective community organizing, and deepen our commitment to building a better world.


Speakers
Confirmed speakers include: Ray Acheson, coordinator of the Women’s International League for Peace & Freedom’s Reaching Critical Will project; Darwin BondGraham, ground-breaking researcher and writer on the intersection of science, technology, militarism, and higher education (http://www.fiatpax.net) and a founding member of the Student DOE Labs Oversight Committee (http://www.doeloc.org); Ester Ceja, Snake River Alliance; Carlos DeMenezes, director of the internationally award-winning -- but virtually barred from distribution in the US -- film Trespassing (http://www.trespassingdocumentary.com/); Pilulaw Khus, long-time anti-nuclear activist and medicine elder of the Chumash Nation; David Krieger, president of the Nuclear Age Peace Foundation; Andrew Lichterman, visionary researcher, writer, and thinker on a wide range of issues related to nuclear weapons and global empire (http://www.wslfweb.org); Pamela Meidell, co-founder of the Atomic Mirror (http://www.atomicmirror.org); David Meieran, Pittsburgh Organizing Group (http://www.organizepittsburgh.org/); Julia Moon Sparrow, co-founder of the Shundahai Network (http://www.shundahai.org); Jennifer Nordstrom, nuclear disarmament organizer; Michael Novick, Anti-Racist Action Los Angeles; Myrna Pagán, Committee for the Rescue and Development of Vieques; Shigeko Sasamori, Hiroshima atomic bomb survivor; Michael Spies, Lawyers Committee on Nuclear Policy; and many others.



More information – http://www.thinkoutsidethebomb.org.

August 15 -- One-Day Conference Pre-Training
On August 15th, the Nuclear Age Peace Foundation will host a special all-day training session at its office in downtown Santa Barbara, CA. The training will provide general background information on nuclear weapons and the nuclear fuel chain, the nuclear disarmament movement, and Think Outside the Bomb’s current projects. It is designed to help UCSB conference attendees be fully informed and empowered during conference discussions and activities. For more information, fill out the appropriate boxes on the application form.



August 20th -- “Optional” Direct Action
A significant part of the conference will be dedicated to planning and carrying out an “optional” non-violent direct action at the headquarters of a major Santa Barbara-based war profiteer and weapons manufacturer. More details to follow!



Apply
To apply for the conference, visit http://www.thinkoutsidethebomb.org. If you have any questions, or to request a paper application form, e-mail youth [at] napf.org or call (805) 965-3443.