Study In Action March 2010 Opening Keynote Panel. From left to right: Jaggi Singh, Catherine St-Arnaud-Babin, Poya Saffari, Sharmeen Khan, Gord Hill.

• 19 undergraduate paper and community group presentations
• 3 key events (an opening keynote panel, a post-keynote social event and a 2-day conference)
• 7 undergraduate visual art installations
• over 350 student and community member participants
• student participants from all four of the major Montreal universities, and also from across Canada including Dalhousie University, Ryerson University and University of Waterloo.

Please check out the photo-essay of the conference:
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=19587&id=100000171973013&l=8d3663a7ea

If you’ve attended any of the events of the conference, including the opening keynote panel, please consider filling out a feedback form in either English
http://qpirgconcordia.org/studyinaction/feedback-form/
or French:
http://qpirgconcordia.org/studyinaction/formulaire-de-commentaires/

Keep an eye out for a Study In Action journal!  See you around campus and at next year’s conference.

<3 The Study In Action Organizing Committee

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To stay up-to-date about QPIRG Concordia activities:
-> Follow us on twitter!: http://www.twitter.com/QPIRG_Concordia
-> Join our facebook group: http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=51128113822
-> Join our low-volume, moderated, e-mail announcements list: https://lists.riseup.net/www/info/qpirgsprouts

Speakers includes:
-> Gord Hill: Indigenous (Kwakwaka’wakw) artist and organizer, author of “500 Years of Indigenous Resistance,” member of the Olympics Resistance Network
-> Sharmeen Khan: environmental justice and anti-racist activist, writer and researcher
-> Poya Saffari: farmer and activist active with le Coop jardins de la résistance & Solidarity Across Borders
-> Catherine St-Arnaud-Babin: queer feminist activist and ex-squatter, member of the eco-radical collective Liberterre

Keynote panel followed by a reception at QPIRG-Concordia (1500 de Maisonneuve Ouest, #204).
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SATURDAY, March 13 (10am-6pm) & SUNDAY, March 14 (10:30am-6pm)
PANELS, DISCUSSIONS, WORKSHOPS & ART EXHIBIT AND FOOD
7th Floor, Hall Building, 1455 de Maisonneuve West
THEME: “Environmental Justice”

Topics include: Radical Environmentalism; Racism in Canada; Food Security and Urban Agriculture; Urban Renewal and Public Space; Greenwashing NGOs; Indigenous Land Issues and Development; Impacts of Canadian Mining; “Greening” Prisons; and more

DETAILED DESCRIPTIONS OF PANELS & WORKSHOPS:
http://qpirgconcordia.org/studyinaction/schedule

-> The Study In Action conference is free. Welcome to all!
-> Breakfast, lunch and beverages are provided free during the conference.
-> Wheelchair accessible.
-> Childcare available on-site (please phone 48 hours in advance).
-> Whisper translation available for all panels and workshops in English and French.

Please pre-register here:
http://qpirgconcordia.org/studyinaction/register-here/
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Opening Panel: OTHER INCONVENIENT TRUTHS
Beyond “sustainability”, towards environmental justice
FRIDAY, March 12, 6:30pm
de Sève Cinema, 1400 de Maisonneuve West

Speakers:

GORD HILL (Kwakwaka’wakw) is an indigenous artist and organizer who has been active with the Native Youth Movement and other groups. He is a main contributor to www.no2010.com as well as Warrior Publications, and is active with the Olympic Resistance Network of the Coast Salish Territories. Gord has been repeatedly targeted by the Vancouver Integrated Security Unit (VISU) in relation to his unrepentant advocacy for direct action in defense of the land and anti-Olympics organizing on the theme: “No Olympics on Stolen Native Land”. He is the author/artist of the graphic novel: “500 Years of Indigenous Resistance”.

SHARMEEN KHAN works at OPIRG-York in Toronto and is on the Advisory Board of Upping the Anti: A Journal of Theory and Action. She has been active in media activism, environmental justice and anti-racism for many years and has organized with the Bus Riders Union in Vancouver and currently programs for CHRY 105.5FM in Toronto.

POYA SAFFARI is an Iranian-born farmer and activist based both in Montreal and Ormstown. He is a member of Coop jardins de la résistance an ecological farming project that grows a diversity of vegetables and fruits according to ecological practices, while also striving to develop meaningful links with communities in Montreal. During the past several years Poya has also been active with migrant justice struggles with groups like No One Is Illegal and Solidarity Across Borders.

CATHERINE ST-ARNAUD-BABIN was a member of the former eco-radical collective Liberterre, as well as the former Anti-Capitalist Convergence (CLAC), and has been active in transcontinental movements against the Free Trade Area of the Americas (FTAA). She is a radical queer feminist and ex-squatter who is currently a community worker with immigrant families. She is also a member of the Collectif de recherche sur l’autonomie collective (CRAC). Through these different struggles and experiences, Catherine proposes a reflection on the environment, and the different relationships within the notion of space and time, that show the various intersections of oppressions from an anti-capitalist and anti-authoritarian point of view.

For more information:
studyinaction@gmail.com
tel: 514-848-7585.
www.qpirgconcordia.org/studyinaction

STUDY IN ACTION is a project of the Quebec Public Interest Research Group (QPIRG) at Concordia.
Community – Research – Resistance

Tuesday, November 10th, 2009, 4pm @ QPIRG Concordia
(1500 de Maisonneuve ouest, #204 – above Café Depot)
Please e-mail studyinaction@gmail.com to confirm you can attend.

Accessibility:
- Scent-Free
- Unfortunately, right now, because of construction which blocks the ramp, the space is not wheelchair accessible. There are about 6 stairs which to get into the first set of doors, of which there are two. There is an elevator but the hallway on the second floor is not very wide.

Study in Action is an undergraduate student conference on social and environmental justice designed to link students and community activism. The conference is a space for students to present research and develop greater knowledge of social and environmental issues and build ties with community organizations. This year’s conference will take place from March 12-14, 2010 on the Concordia campus, and with focus on Environmental Justice.

Environmental Justice
Environmental issues are social and political issues. We see this connection in many ongoing struggles for social and environmental justice. This year, we are presenting an environmental justice stream at the conference, and we are encouraging submissions that connect environmentalism with racism, poverty, gender and other issues.

Study In Action not only crosses disciplinary lines, but also transcends the borders between academic and popular knowledges. We invite submissions to interpret our mandate with as much innovation as possible.

SUBMISSIONS DEADLINE: December 10th, 2009
(note: If you wish to submit a paper, you need only first submit a 250-word summary before the above date)

NEED MORE INFO? WANT TO GET INVOLVED?
studyinaction@gmail.com
514-848-7585
www.qpirgconcordia.org/studyinaction

ÉTUDES EN ACTION 2010
Une conférence qui relie les étudiant-e-s avec l’engagement communautaire

APPEL DE SOUMISSIONS
NOUVELLE DATE DE TOMBÉE: Le 26 janvier 2010

Études en action est une conférence qui porte sur la justice sociale et environnementale et a été créée pour relier les étudiant-e-s au premier cycle et l’engagement communautaire. La conférence est un espace où les étudiant-e-s peuvent présenter leur recherche et développer une plus grande connaissance des enjeux sociaux et environnementaux et de créer des liens avec des organismes communautaires. La conférence aura lieu les 12-14 mars 2010 à l’Université Concordia.

La conférence Études en action accepte les soumissions en français et en anglais. Veuillez noter que vous n’êtes pas obligé-e de soumettre une rédaction complète ou présentation pour la date de tombée du 10 décembre, mais seulement une proposition (détails ci-dessous) et une courte introduction qui explique comment votre soumission à rapport au mandat d’Études en action, qui est la justice sociale et environnementale.

Accent sur la justice environnementale
Les enjeux environnementaux sont des enjeux sociaux et politiques. Nous voyons cette connexion dans plusieurs luttes sociales et environnementales. Cette année, nous voulons souligner la justice environnementale à la conférence. Nous encourageons les soumissions qui relient l’environnementalisme avec le racisme, la pauvreté, les rapports sociaux de sexe et autres enjeux.

Des sujets ou approches pourraient inclure:
-Un historique de l’opposition aux compagnies minières Canadiennes
-Une analyse critique du changement vers le développement durable à travers des réformes techniques dépolitisées
-Les implications de promouvoir des modes de vie verts basés sur la consommation personnelle
-La justice environnementale dans le contexte des luttes autochtones

Avec votre contribution, la conférence de 2010 va engager avec ces genres d’enjeux et explorer les liens entre les luttes pour la justice sociale et environnementale.

Veuillez noter que ceci est juste un des plusieurs sujets qui seront présentés à la conférence sous le plus grand mandat d’Études en action. Quelques soumissions qui étaient présentées à la dernière conférence ont inclus:
-”Les réponses au crime du niveau communautaire dans les quartiers défavorisés de Winnipeg”
-”L’immigration et le contrôle des frontières: perpétuer les inégalités mondiales”
-”La recherche des explosifs militaires à McGill de 1967-2007″
-”La colonisation, la violence racisée et la criminalisation de la prostitution à Vancouver”

Études en action croise non seulement les lignes disciplinaires, mais transcende les frontières entre les connaissances académiques et populaires. Nous invitons les soumissions à interpréter notre mandat de façon aussi innovatrice que possible.

JOIGNEZ-VOUS AU COMITÉ ORGANISATEUR
Nous sommes toujours à la recherche pour des nouvelles personnes à nous aider à organiser Études en action. Les étudiant-e-s de tous les
campus et membres de la communauté montréalaise sont la bienvenue. Contactez-nous à studyinaction@gmail.com ou au 514-848-7585 pour plus de renseignements.

ÉTUDIANT-E-S DE PREMIER CYCLE
Veuillez nous fournir un résumé de 250 mots environ nous expliquant votre projet. Si vous désirez soumettre un projet qui est déjà complété, vous pouvez nous en fournir une copie. Le projet peut prendre les formes suivantes:
a) la présentation d’un travail de 9 à 15 pages
b) une présentation multimédia
c) une oeuvre d’art qui sera exposée dans le cadre de la conférence.
Nous invitons les étudiant-e-s au premier cycle des universités montréalaises et d’ailleurs à nous soumettre leurs projets.

ORGANISMES COMMUNAUTAIRES
Veuillez nous fournir un résumé d’environ 250 mots qui explique votre atelier. Veuillez y inclure une estimation du temps nécessaire, du nombre maximal de participant-e-s et tout autre besoin relatif au matériel ou d’espace nécessaire. Votre atelier peut prendre les formes suivantes:
a) un atelier interactif de 1 à 2 heures (les ateliers pourront aussi être considérés comme faisant partie de panels, avec une durée de 15 à 20 minutes)
b) une présentation multimédia
c) la participation a un panel présenté en collaboration avec la conférence Études en action
Nous sommes en mesure d’offrir une compensation financière aux groupes communautaires qui participeront à la conférence.

ARTISTES
Veuillez nous fournir une description d’environ 250 mots de l’oeuvre d’art qui va être fournie, incluant comment l’oeuvre à rapport au mandat, la grandeur et les paramètres d’installation. Veuillez nous fournir des photos ou échantillons si possible.

VEUILLEZ ENVOYER TOUS LES SOUMISSIONS À studyinaction@gmail.com avant le 26 janvier 2010.

STUDY IN ACTION 2010

CALLOUT FOR SUBMISSIONS
NEW DEADLINE: January 26, 2010

Study in Action is an undergraduate student conference on social and environmental justice designed to link students and community activism. The conference is a space for students to present research and develop greater knowledge of social and environmental issues and build ties with community organizations. This year’s conference will take place from March 12-14, 2010 on the Concordia campus.

The Study in Action conference will accept submissions in English and French. Please note you do not have to submit a completed paper or presentation by our December 10th deadline, but only a proposal (details below) and a brief introduction that explains how your submission relates to Study In Action’s mandate of social and environmental justice.

Focus on Environmental Justice
Environmental issues are social and political issues. We see this connection in many ongoing struggles for social and environmental justice. This year, we are presenting an environmental justice stream at the conference, and we are encouraging submissions that connect environmentalism with racism, poverty, gender and other issues.

Potential topics or approaches could include:
- A history of community opposition to Canadian mining companies
- A critical analysis of the move towards “sustainability” through depoliticized technical reforms
- The implications of promoting “green” lifestyles based primarily on individual consumption choices
- An exploration of environmental justice in the context of Indigenous land struggles

With your contribution, the 2010 conference will critically engage with these kinds of issues and explore the links between struggles for social and environmental justice.

Please note that this is just one of the many subjects that will be presented at the conference under Study In Actions broader mandate of social and environmental justice. Some papers that were presented at last year’s conference included:
- “Community-Level Responses to Crime in Inner City Winnipeg…”
- “Immigration and Border Controls: perpetuating global inequalities”
- “Military explosives research at McGill from 1967-2007″
- “Colonization, Racialized Violence and the Criminalization of Prostitution in Vancouver…”

Study In Action not only crosses disciplinary lines, but also transcends the borders between academic and popular knowledges. We invite submissions to interpret our mandate as innovatively as possible.

JOIN THE ORGANIZING COMMITTEE
We are always looking for new people to help us organize Study In Action. We welcome students from all campuses and community members from across Montreal. Contact studyinaction@gmail.com or call 514-848-7585 to find out more.

SUBMITTING AS AN UNDERGRADUATE STUDENT|
Please provide a 250-word summary of your submission. If you are submitting a work that is already completed, you are free to include it as well. Your conference presentation may be:
a) a 9-15 page paper for presentation
b) an audio-visual presentation
c) a work of art to be exhibited as part of the conference.

*We encourage submissions from undergraduates at universities in Montreal and elsewhere.

SUBMITTING AS A COMMUNITY ORGANIZATION
Please provide a 250-word summary of your proposed presentation of workshop, including estimates of how much time will be required, a maximum number of attendees, and any other specifications relating to space or supplies that you will need. Your conference presentation may be:
a) a 1-2 hour interactive workshop (please note: workshop presentations may also be considered as part of panels, in a 15-20 minute format).
b) an audio-visual presentation
c) a speaker or panel event co-presented with the conference

SUBMITTING AS AN ARTIST
Please provide a 250 word description of the artwork being submitted, including how it relates to the mandate, as well as size and installation parameters. Please provide pictures or samples if possible.

PLEASE SEND ALL SUBMISSIONS TO studyinaction@gmail.com BY JANUARY 26, 2010