York University’s Department of Political Science will host a community participant and graduate student centred workshop entitled “The Politics of the Possible: Community Engagement in Momentous Times” on May 2 and 3.
The event is envisioned as a space for progressive activists, community organizers and
academics to share knowledge, build relationships and mobilize to counter domination for a world where power comes from the people. It draws inspiration from and seeks to contribute to social justice campaigns, organizations, and movements in Toronto and around the globe.
Organizers note that such activism harnesses the progressive political imagination, creates novel political spaces and practices, and is part of building a different world – a better world – for everyone. It aims to bring together more than 40 participants, including members of grassroots organizations, current and former York University political science graduate students, York faculty from political science, as well as York faculty and students from education, environmental studies, geography and social work, a York visiting scholar and a doctoral student from the University of Toronto.
The “Politics of the Possible” workshop will feature two international keynote speakers: Kieran Allen, professor, University College Dublin; and Ann Withorn, professor emeritus, University of Massachusetts (Boston).
“It is especially exciting to have two esteemed international scholars to join in these discussions,” said Karen Murray, York U political science professor and one of the workshop’s organizers. “There is so much to learn about community engagement from experiences outside of Toronto and Canada, but the process of learning will also be mutual, and hopefully also generate long-lasting collaborations.”
Murray notes the event could not have been possible without generous funding from many sponsors in addition to the Department of Political Science – specifically, Liberal Arts & Professional Studies, Founders College, Faculty of Graduate Studies and the Jean Monnet Chair (York University).
The event is open to all members of the York University community. Space is limited, so attendees will be admitted on a first-come, first-seated basis. Both days commence at 9am, and take place in the Verney Room, 674 South Ross Building.