[ Endorsements ] [ Conference Program ] [Register!]

You can also download the following Word Documents:

About N11 (rtf) - more background information on N11
Conference Program (rtf) - lists all workshops and speakers
Conference Flyer (rtf) - a double-sided pamphlet about the conference

Invitation to attend the N11 Conference

This is an invitation to the broad progressive movement: unionists and environmentalists, Church and social reformers; lefties and libertarians, the women's and Indigenous movements.

The last few years have seen an increased openness towards working together. This day will be an opportunity to examine the alliances we have and the ones we want to build. It has been called in a spirit of goodwill and collaboration; it is a day to examine commonality and identify differences.

We plan a series of workshops featuring a panel of four speakers providing an overview, followed by discussion. The conference will have the following major themes:

Alliances — the last few years have seen the rise of broad-based movements centred on alliances between autonomous groups (Seattle, Washington DC, Prague, in Asia and elsewhere). What are the experiences internationally, and their relevance for Australia today?

Workshops will provide updates on regroupments that are developing around the world: the Workers Party in Brazil; the London Socialist Alliance; Jubilee 2000; the mass organisations against the MAI, WTO, IMF and World Bank; campaigns that involve trade unionists and environmental and social activists. There will be space for discussions on current and future activities.

Trade Unions and the ALP — a range of discussions around this key question will be offered, including the role of Bracks in S11, and the historical drift to the right from Whitlam to the accord period.

Trade Unions and S11 — what are the lessons from the S11 experience? This workshop will provide the opportunity to discuss the significance of recent mass mobilisations "Seattle to Prague via Melbourne".

Trade Unions and Green politics — a discussion on differences, diversity and decision-making — are they problems or opportunities? Exploring and understanding the cultural differences between the movements.

Globalisation — Global capital, its flight and implications; international agreements and their impact upon the environment, workers and human rights.

Putting Social Justice on the Agenda — A cross-section of issues confronting a globalised world. Anti-militarism and defence policy; Aboriginal issues; the churches and social change; Third-world debt and feminised poverty.

The conference will open with a plenary session, with brief contributions from a range of organisations expressing their views on the above. The day will conclude with a discussion of some observations drawn from the day’s workshops and leave time to discuss the future of any shared perspectives.

Proposals for workshops are invited by 1 November.

Proposals for future action and outcomes from the conference are welcome. Please send these to Earthworker by 9 November; they will be debated on the day.