Democracy – Inclusion - Youth (English)
Exchange ideas, research and best practices!
Explore the power of place-based work around the world at the 2012 gathering of the International Federation of Settlements and Neighborhood Centers in Stockholm, Sweden. Neighborhood centers have always been havens of inclusion for youth and other excluded communities, providing a home base for people to participate fully in the civic realm. Join us as we explore how the community meeting place plays a central role in supporting grass roots efforts for global change.
While “DIY” stands for “Do It Yourself,” and neighborhood houses certainly support individual empowerment, skill-building and activation, our work also brings people together to build bridges across tremendous divides. At no time has this work been more important.
We will also examine the concept of “DIY” for our own institutions. How can settlement houses continue to adapt through social enterprises, community asset-building, and social media? Are we stronger when we “do it ourselves?”
During four intensive days, we will exchange ideas, research and best practices, and connect our work at home to each other and the larger world. In addition, we will celebrate 100 years of the settlement house movement in Sweden, as we learn proven methods and cutting edge strategies for the next 100 years.
Join us in Stockholm!
Michael H. Zisser, Chair, IFS
Donald Forssten, Chair, Fritidsforum
Exciting topics for everyone! Schedule. Venues and Visits >
Registration (closes April 25) >
Register by March 30, 2012 for the early bird rate.
Up-to-date conference plans, travel information, fees and hotel prices at www.ifsnetwork.org!
Conference Hotels
Hotel Oden is walking distance or one subway stop away from the conference location at Sveavagen. IFS group price Reference number is G:305 136; book rooms by April 20, 2012 for group rates, which include breakfast (see conference rates at www.ifsnetwork.org).
Karlbergsvagen 24
www.hoteloden.se
Hostel and Hotel Fridhemsplan is three subway stops from the conference location. Breakfast buffet is extra $11 per day. Discounts for groups of 10 or more with a purchase of international membership (see the Fridhemsplan website for these details).
S:t Eriksgatan 20
www.fridhemsplan.se
ABF (Workers Educational Association) is also celebrating its 100th anniversary this year and is generously co-sponsoring this conference.
Welcome Youth!
This year’s IFS conference coincides with the Fritidsforum annual youth festival of democracy, called “Life is a Party,” starting Friday, May 25th, where over 600 Swedish youth will begin a weekend of workshops and community.
IFS delegates will join with “Life is a Party” on Friday evening for a spectacular show featuring successful Swedish artists who started out in local settlement houses and youth clubs, alongside the youth of today. The exciting Berns Salonger venue – known as “one of the best concert venues in town” – will ensure a fabulous night for the anticipated 1,000 guests.
IFS organizations are strongly encouraged to bring youth members and youth workers (ages 18 – 26) to the entire conference week, and on Saturday, May 26th IFS youth from around the world will be invited to join the “Life is a Party” workshops, as well.