This Fall, NAVEL welcomes all to propose ASSEMBLIES which are creatively and critically engaging with social, economic and environmental justice. While we welcome proposals of all kinds, we are particularly seeking groups with an intersectional and pleasure activistic approach to social and racial justice, black liberation, anti-racism/oppression, and with a focus on mutual aid and creative initiatives that redistribute resources, actively dismantle white supremacy and challenge the individualism of capitalist culture. And as adrienne maree brown puts it: how can we make our work towards justice and liberation pleasurable?

All ASSEMBLIES will be hosted online. We will provide a $700 stipend per group for organizers and offer an anti-racism/oppression training for all participants. Additionally, all collected participation fees are evenly distributed amongst the groups, who decide democratically how to use them.

Since the intention of ASSEMBLIES is to cultivate a learning environment where there is time and space to connect, build trust and foster collaboration, the groups include a maximum of 20 participants and are not publicly open. This term however, each group will have the opportunity to co-organize a virtual public event.

The deadline to submit a proposal has been extended to Sunday, August 23, 2020 at 11:59PM PST. Everyone submitting a proposal is asked to present publicly on Sunday, August 30 from 4-6PM PST. Learn more about how to propose below.

All are welcome to apply regardless of background, experience, ability or expertise. QTBIPOC and people with disabilities are especially encouraged to apply. We will not support groups promoting violence, racism, xenophobia, anti-semitism, misogyny, misandry, patriarchy, ableism, racism, classism, ageism, sexism, homophobia or transphobia.

ASSEMBLIES Fall 2020 is made possible in part by a grant from the Wilhelm Family Foundation.

ASSEMBLIES

ASSEMBLIES is NAVEL’s platform for collaborative research, discussion and creation supporting community-led, socially-engaged and multidisciplinary learning groups forming around a topic, practice or project.

For three months, NAVEL provides each ASSEMBLY with space (currently online), community, support, tools and resources—including a peer network, micro funding, facilitation and anti-oppression training.

Read about the ASSEMBLIES program, our principles & values for braver, caring and collaborative learning, and what NAVEL provides here. Learn more about the previous ASSEMBLIES here.

How to propose an ASSEMBLY?

Everyone submitting a proposal is asked to present their proposal publicly at the ASSEMBLIES Pitch Meeting on Sunday, August 30 from 4-6PM PST. Review the presentation guidelines here.

Before you propose, we recommend that you read the expectations and responsibilities of organizers to make sure you carefully consider the scope of this engagement.

From the feedback we received from many of the previous ASSEMBLIES organizers, we strongly advise that you submit proposals as a pair and co-lead your groups. Previous organizers spent on average 10-20 hours work/month doing organizing work for their ASSEMBLIES when on their own. Groups that were co-organized found it really helpful to share the workload and have someone to reflect with. In the case that we receive more than 20 proposals, we will prioritize the proposals that are co-lead. Get in touch with amanda@navel.la if you would like our help to identify a potential co-organizer.

Note that we are offering a $700 per group for organizers. If you are 2, you would receive $350 each (dispersed half at the beginning of the term and the other half at the end).

This Fall 2020, we will support 5 groups, which are selected through a community vote. Learn more about the voting process here.

How do I participate in an ASSEMBLY?

The cost to participate in an ASSEMBLY is $25-75 sliding scale and no one is turned away for lack of funds. Learn more here.

Stay tuned for the sign-up period from September 16 - October 1, 2020.
Sign-up to our newsletter or follow us on IG for updates.

Fall 2020 Calendar

*Open Call: July 28-August 23, 2020
Pitch Meeting: Sunday, August 30 from 4-6PM PDT 2020
Community Vote: September 3-8, 2020
Sign-Up period: September 16 - October 1, 2020
Term Dates: October 1 - January 15, 2020
Anti-Oppression Training: 2 available sessions the first week of October
Final Presentations**: January 2021