Solidarity through Community: Fostering Dialogue Through Times of Dissonance - 1st Presentation

Group Submission Type: Special Session

Description of Session

Over the past 18 months, our field has faced strong headwinds with unexpected upheavals and unconventional challenges. Navigating through these moments have left us wondering about the vitality and future of our work and the personal and professional costs we have experienced. Many of the challenges we face are interlinked, and as power continues to shift both globally and locally, there is less agreement on how to overcome tensions that continue to press upon the mission and vision of comparative and international education.

As a society, we are in a period of flux, but as a Society, we recognize we are stronger when we are working together. We recognize that the best way to create and foster solidarity is to be in community with each other. We also recognize that connections can only exist when our members feel seen, heard and valued in a way where they can give and receive without judgement. This session aspires to create and foster:

1. a deeper understanding of how we continue to shape and be shaped by these forces;
2. feelings of community and solidarity as we consider how we prepare for an uncertain future; and
3. a shared approach to making meaning despite the forces we are experiencing.

This interactive session will allow for people to work together to build community through solidarity. Recognizing that our connections with each other through formal and informal affinity groups, communities of practice and professional circles offer pathways for resistance through solidarity, we invite CIES members to come join the conversation!

Sub Unit

• General Pool

Chairs

• Supriya Baily, George Mason University

• Jeffrey Lee, Community Development Network, NGO