The Midwest Social Forum (formerly aka RadFest) is an annual gathering of grassroots organizations, community activists, working people, educators, students, artists, and others committed to social justice movement
building. Each year, the Forum has grown in size and scope, and it is now poised to make its most significant leap forward.

See below for updates on how you can get involved.



1. CALL FOR PARTICIPATION & PROPOSALS
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The Midwest Social Forum Organizing Committee invites you to organize activities and submit proposals for Midwest Social Forum 2006. There is no hard deadline. However, to be assured of acceptance and advanced publicity, registration and proposal forms should be submitted by NO LATER THAN APRIL 15.

Fill out an online form (or download a form to mail in) at www.mwsocialforum.org/get_involved/

A preliminary program will be available on the website by early May.

2. MWSF REGIONAL INFO MEETINGS
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A series of informational meetings about the Forum will be held this week, in Minneapolis on Thursday, March 23 and in Chicago and Madison on Saturday, March 25.

The info sessions are designed to:
1) Provide details about the Forum
2) Learn from you what will make the Forum useful for you and your organization
3) Answer any questions you may have about how you and your organization can get involved in the Forum

The info sessions will be held at the following times & locations:

MINNEAPOLIS
Thursday March 23rd @ 7pm
Resource Center of the Americas, 3019 Minnehaha Ave., Room 55406
More info: Teresa Ortiz, 612-276-0788, ext.22,

CHICAGO
Saturday March 25th @ 1pm
At the offices of the Little Village Environmental Justice Organization, 2856 S. Millard Ave.
More info: Kim Wasserman, 773-762-6991

CHICAGO
Saturday March 25th @ 4pm
Trinity United Church of Christ, 400 W. 95th St., Room 203 (from the parking lot, enter the lobby, take the elevator to the second floor and turn right)773-962-5650
More info: Karen Bond, (847) 328-4849,

MADISON
Saturday March 25th @ 2pm
Neighborhood House, 29 S. Mills St.
More info: Kevin Walsh, 608-262-1420,

For maps and more info, check
www.mwsocialforum.org/get_involved/infosessions.htm

We hope you will join us at one of the info sessions and learn how local organizations and individuals can get involved in the Forum and contribute to the growing movement for social change.

To organize your own information session in another city or area, get in touch with us at info(at)mwsocialforum.org or 608.262.0854 or 608-262-1420.



3. CALL FOR ARTISTS
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The Midwest Social Forum is also a space for showcasing the artistic movements that are the creative force of our diverse communities. The Forum's location--the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee's Student Union building--offers ample opportunity for all kinds of artistic display: it contains a full size cinema theater, a major ballroom- type venue and other show spaces. There will be a concert each night, a continuous showing of films, and ongoing gallery spaces. There will also be opportunities for graffiti, theatre, poetry, open mic and soapboxing, and other spontaneities.

All artists in Hip-Hop, Rock, Spoken Word, Folk, Dance, Cinema/Film, etc are encouraged to send in demos and press kits (cd/video) to:

YO! The Movement
Attn: MWSF
420 N 5th Street Ste 1040
Minneapolis, MN 55402

Questions, comments, and concerns will be fielded by Kevin Walsh at 608-262-1420 or email: info(at)mwsocialforum.org.


4. HELP PUBLICIZE/VOLUNTEER
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Want to help publicize? We can send you posters, postcards, digital files, and other materials to help you get the word out about the Forum.

Please put a banner on your website to promote the Forum. For instructions, go to www.mwsocialforum.org/get_involved/banners.htm

If you live in Milwaukee, we also need particular help organizing housing, meals, child care, transportation and other logistics.

Call 608.262.1420 or email info(at)mwsocialforum.org if you want to help.



5. DONATE/SPONSOR
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The continued growth and success of the Midwest Social Forum depends on the financial contributions of many individuals and organizations committed to social justice movement building. Your contribution will not only make it possible to cover the costs of organizing the Forum, but will also provide scholarships to low-income participants. Please make a contribution of $25, $50, $100, $250, $500, $1000 or more, and help to make a better, more just world possible.

You can contribute by using our secure web-connection or by sending a check or money order made out to: Havens Center, 8117 Social Science, 1180 Observatory Drive, Madison, WI 53706.

To donate, or for details about sponsorship opportunities, see www.mwsocialforum.org/donate/

6. REGISTRATION
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Registration will open in April: www.mwsocialforum.org/registration/