SoS 2007 Fact Sheet
WHAT is it? SOS is a bunch of workshops, forums and presentations on environmental, sustainability and social justice issues. SoS is open to students, activists and anyone who cares about the state of our planet today. SoS provides participants with an opportunity to network with like minded mob from around Australia, keeping themselves informed, inspired and connected.
This year, SoS is coming to Perth!!!
Why is SoS so important?
The conference fulfils a vital role in Australian Environmental Education because no other environment conference attracts such a diverse range of participants. SoS brings together young people, students, activists, community group members, politicians, indigenous people, academics, and members of the general public. This diversity in delegates and speakers allows for a broad spectrum of issues to be addressed: from the corporate sector to student activism, indigenous land management to the recycling industry, this conference offers delegates an extremely broad insight into environmental issues in Australia and the South Pacific. Public concern around issues of sustainability has increased dramatically in recent years, and these issues are often in the media spotlight.
The concept of sustainability is likely to become, of necessity, one of the underlying principles governing our society. For this reason, it is vital that Australians, particularly young Australians, are given the opportunity to fully explore the concept of sustainability and to deepen their understanding of the ethics and logistics behind this concept.
SoS recognises that education is a key aspect in working towards a sustainable future. It is about creating a forum for environmental education that involves everyone, inspires and facilitates lifelong participation, is holistic and creates connections and most importantly is practical. SoS endeavours to provide environmental education using a wide range of information sharing techniques to promote the formulation of a progressive, positive vision for the future.
Aims of SoS
• to inspire ecologically sustainable practices as an alternative - to current societal values
• to empower individuals and groups to bring about positive social and political change through open forums, skill sharing opportunities
• to create national and international networks of environmentally-minded people
• to integrate environmentalism with other progressive movements such as human rights and cultural awareness movements
• and to create a conference that is accessible to as many people as possible.
Respect Nyungar Country!
Indigenous elders from all over Australia will be invited to speak on a range of issues.
International Guests will be Speaking on Issues such as:
Iraq or Iran: The 'war on terror' aka US war for oil control. Iran may soon be
another casualty of the US 'war of terror.'? ?Vieques: (pacific island) successfully ended US training/bombing of their country after years of protest. Relevant to current War Games and SeaSwap joint Aust/US training operations taking place in Australia.
?Rwanda: Post genocide democracy. Rwanda currently has 50% representation of women in federal parliament and some really interesting progressive legislation concerning women’s rights.? ?Latin America: Indigenous solidarity! For years Indigenous peoples in Latin America have been struggling for basic rights to life, land, resources, health and education. SoS provides an opportunity for Indigenous peoples to share knowledge, experience and resources.? ?Nepal: Some amazing happenings in Nepal in regards to water rights. (Very relevant to the current water crisis in Australia.)? ?We will also be inviting representatives from Indonesia, West Papua, PNG and Timor.
Local Guests will include Speakers on Climate Change; Co-operatives; LETS; Nuclear Industry; Community Building; War; Cycle Power; Renewable Energy; Womyn’s and Queer Issues; Culture Jamming; Media; Activism; Music; Permaculture; Water issues; and anything else you can think of!!!!
Check Out the Webpage: www.studentsofsustanabledevelopment.org
GET IN TOUCH!
Email us: HYPERLINK "mailto:SOS2007@yahoogroups.com.au" SOS2007@yahoogroups.com.au
Or you can phone an SoS07 organiser on: Bron 0408 862 781 or Tim 0420 225 059.
