Centre for the Study of Education and Work: Update 13th January 2013

Education Crisis

CENTRE FOR THE STUDY OF EDUCATION AND WORK: UPDATE 13th JANUARY 2013

EVENTS
HMNYC (HISTORICAL MATERIALISM NEW YORK CITY) 2013: CONFRONTING CAPITAL

April 26-28, 2013
New York University

HMNY 2013 is an intervention into the present to provide a theoretical space for debate and discussion, urgently needed on the left at this juncture. Moments like this are especially fertile for new looks at old debates, from the history of capitalism to new modes of resistance. HMNY 2013 will be a venue where figures representing the breadth of current leftist thought will convene to exchange ideas.

Historical Materialism (HM) is one the foremost journals of Marxian theory. HM’s conferences have long drawn hundreds of scholars from around the world. HMNY 2013 will begin with a reception on the evening of Friday April 26th, and will take place on April 27th-28th at the New York University in downtown Manhattan. All participants are encouraged to stay for the whole duration of the conference.

The themes for this year’s conference will include:
– politics of socialist planning and utopias
– history and future of social democracy
– political economy of capitalism
– history of international communism
– debt, austerity, and finance
– critical geographies
– ecology and climate change
– law, punishment, and incarceration
– queer studies and sexuality
– theories of the state and politics
– race and capital
– Empire and the third world
– history of capital and labor
– feminism and Marxism
– critical philosophy
– socialist strategy today
– education under capitalism
– aesthetic ideologies
– culture and the crisis

The deadline for the submission of abstracts is February 15, 2013.

To contact organizers, email organizers@hmny.org

For more info: http://hmny.org/about/

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CRISIS, RESISTANCE, AND PROSPECTS: THE ARAB REVOLUTIONS AND BEYOND

March 1st, 2nd, and 3rd, 2013
York University
Toronto, ON

Call for Papers

The objective of this conference is to provide a critical intervention that seeks to challenge the dominant neo-liberal interpretation of the Arab Spring and the concomitant reductionist tendency to explain this transformative process as one resulting from liberal democratic triumphalism, social media, and youth movements. Rather, this conference is designed to introduce a dialogue that highlights the multifaceted, complex, and contradictory dimensions of the significant historical transformation and social struggle that is ongoing in the Middle East and North Africa. The introduction of this dialogue will be achieved through providing an exploration and analysis of the following themes: Democracies, Social Movements, and Political Power; New Media and Cultures of Resistance; The Social Question; Capital, State, and Internationalization; and Imperialism & Anti-Imperialism.

Interested participants are invited to submit conference paper proposals.

January 21, 2013 – Abstract Submissions Due
February 21, 2013 – Submission of Final Papers/Presentation

More info: http://arabrevolutions2013.com/

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LAUNCH OF THE SOCIALIST REGISTER 2013: THE QUESTION OF STRATEGY

Thursday, January 31, 2013
6:30 pm
Lula Lounge
1585 Dundas St. West, Toronto

There will be a panel discussion with Greg Albo, Sam Gindin, Meg Luxton and Joan Sangster as contributors and Leo Panitch as Chair.

The resurgence of social movements in recent years has put the question of strategy back on the left’s agenda. This volume of the Socialist Register surveys some of the most explosive mobilizations around the world. But it also asks, what are the challenges, both political and intellectual, for the anti-capitalist left today? Some of the issues it takes up:

– the crisis of vision in trade unions — can they still serve as a vehicle for working-class organization?;
– the place of gender struggles in left movements today;
– the emergence of Greece as the epicentre for anti-neoliberal movements in Europe;
– the condition of new anti-capitalist parties in Europe;
– a balance sheet for the Occupy Wall Street movement;
– the contradictions of progressive governments in South Africa and Bolivia;
– the promise and pitfalls of ‘horizontalism’ in the new movements;
– the mixed legacy of Leninism as a strategic vision.

Sponsored by York University Bookstore, Brunswick Books, Socialist Project, and the Socialist Register.

To order a copy: http://socialistregister.com/index.php/srv#.UPJF43esOSp
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BOOK LAUNCH – TOWARD THE UNITED FRONT: PROCEEDINGS OF THE FOURTH CONGRESS OF THE COMMUNIST INTERNATIONAL, 1922

Sunday, February 3
4:00-6:00 PM
Room 5280
Ontario Institute for Studies in Education (OISE)
University of Toronto
252 Bloor St. W. (at St. George subway).

Editor and translator John Riddell will reflect on lessons of translating the rich conversations and debates that shaped a generation of revolutionaries and the implications for activists in current conditions of global capitalism. John has translated and edited seven volumes of documents of the Communist movement in the era of the Russian revolution. Two further volumes are now in preparation, which will complete this extraordinary project.

And hear comments from some of those who supported the work involved in this important publication: David McNally, Suzannne Weiss, Paul Kellogg and Greg Albo.

Moderated by Abbie Bakan. Followed by book signing and refreshments.

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REVOLUTIONIZE YOUR VALENTINE’S DAY: RADICAL LOVE AND THE SPIRIT OF SOCIAL JUSTICE

Saturday February 9, 2013
2 – 5 pm
PSAC Boardroom
90 Eglinton Ave East
Workshop fee: $30

Mayworks is pleased to invite you to an interactive workshop and fundraiser celebrating radical love and social justice on Saturday, February 9th. This workshop is an opportunity for us not only to raise funds for the upcoming 2013 festival, but also to celebrate the spirit of social justice.

This interactive workshop is for you if:
– Your vision of social justice is fueled by love and compassion.
– Your vision of social justice recognizes the inter-relatedness of all life.
– You are interested in drawing on emerging science and ancient wisdom to strengthen your political and artistic work.
– You want to support Mayworks and our communities.

The workshop will allow you to:
– Experience the mind/body/emotion/spirit connection.
– Explore the relationship between art, science, activism and spirituality.
– Be inspired by the sharing of knowledge and wisdom across cultures.
– Gain knowledge and practices that promote individual and collective wellbeing.
– Increase your capacity to sustainably contribute to social change movements.

Facilitator:
Zainab Amadahy is a singer-songwriter, author and community worker. Many of her recent writings can be found at http://www.zainaba.com/publications.html, rabble.ca and http://www.muskratmagazine.com Keep an eye out for Zainab’s forthcoming book: Wielding the Force: The Science of Social Justice.

To register and purchase tickets:
– Online: please visit: http://mayworks.ca/support You will receive an email confirmation of your donation of $30 as well as your registration information.
– Cheque or cash: please email registration@mayworks.ca with the subject line “REVOLUTIONIZE VALENTINE’S DAY”. You will receive an email with instructions.

* If you are unable to attend the workshop, but would like to contribute to Mayworks, please visit http://mayworks.ca/support/ for more information. Your support will be greatly appreciated!

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NEWS & VIEWS

SOCIAL DETERMINANTS OF HEALTH ARE KILLING PEOPLE EVERYWHERE

Sometimes it is eerie how things come together.

The other day I was working with several researchers with GHETS (Global Health through Education, Training and Services), a US-based non-profit head by a colleague Dr. David Egilman, to expand the emphasis on community organizing and community action as a critical tool in training health professionals around the world in developing countries. We were discussing what they call the “social determinants of health,” which in layman’s language concentrates on the huge numbers of poor people in many areas around the globe who are killed or cut down way to early in some ways by the very nature of their poverty, as manifested in inadequate sanitary conditions, unsafe water, poor housing, inadequate diet, blocked access to education, pollution, and the endless obstacles that no amount of praise for bootstrapping can ever overcome.

At the same time the National Research Council and Institute of Medicine released a report this week finding that life expectancy in the United States trails 16 other industrialized countries. The reason for Americans’ sorry prospects, according to the summary in the Wall Street Journal, was cited largely as the “high mortality for men under age 50…” though women were also “lagging.” Reading more closely, why do you reckon, damned if it wasn’t all about the “social determinants of health.”

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SECRETS AND LIES OF THE WALL STREET BAILOUT

It has been four long winters since the federal government, in the hulking, shaven-skulled, Alien Nation-esque form of then-Treasury Secretary Hank Paulson, committed $700 billion in taxpayer money to rescue Wall Street from its own chicanery and greed. To listen to the bankers and their allies in Washington tell it, you’d think the bailout was the best thing to hit the American economy since the invention of the assembly line. Not only did it prevent another Great Depression, we’ve been told, but the money has all been paid back, and the government even made a profit. No harm, no foul – right?

Wrong.

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OBITUARY: THE WELFARE STATE, 1942-2013

After decades of public illness, Beveridge’s most famous offspring has died.

For much of its short but celebrated life, the Welfare State was cherished by Britons. Instant public affection greeted its birth and even as it passed away peacefully yesterday morning, government ministers swore they would do all they could to keep it alive.

The Welfare State’s huge appeal lay in its combination of simplicity and assurance. A safety net to catch those fallen on hard times, come rain or shine, boom or bust, it would be there for all those who had paid in.

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WHY IDLE NO MORE HAS RESONATED WITH CANADIANS

Imagine a country where the national government introduces and passes legislation that detrimentally affects all of its First Nations communities but it doesn’t bother to consult with them. Then a chief of an impoverished northern First Nation community goes on a hunger strike to get a meeting between the First Nations leadership and the government several months after this legislation was passed. Does this have implications for all Canadians? You bet it does. This will not be the last time that individuals or groups will take such extreme measures in response to the federal government’s
public policy process or lack thereof.

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HELP SPREAD THE WORD ABOUT FRIDAYS LABOR FOLKLORE!

Fridays Labor Folklore is a free newsletter featuring the stories and songs of the labor movement.

Invite a friend to join the mailing list. Ask them to send an email to fridaysfolklore@gmail.com and say “subscribe me.”

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SIX WAYS GOVERNMENT BOSS STEPHEN HARPER IS KILLING DEMOCRACY

If we look at actions taken by Harper, it’s easy to draw the conclusion that because of Harper and the Conservatives, democracy is dying in Canada.

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RE-DEFINING EMPLOYMENT INSURANCE

Several key changes to Employment Insurance came into effect on Sunday. The EI program is about to get grinch-ier, especially for those who happen to have needed it more than once.

JOBS

PAID ORGANIZING APPRENTICE – FULL-TIME ORGANIZER, SEIU

The Service Employees International Union, Local 2 is now recruiting activists across Canada for the launch of its 2013 Organizing Apprenticeship Program. We’re hoping to hire up to four (4) full-time organizers at the conclusion of the program.

A union organizer is a union representative who helps non-union workers join a union in order to have a voice at work and improve working conditions. We run campaigns that focus on increasing market density in various sectors (i.e. our Justice for Janitors campaigns) in order to raise industry standards.

To Apply:
Send cover letter, resume and three professional references to asharma@seiulocal2.ca by January 15, 2013. No phone calls, please. Only complete applications submitted by email will be considered.

More info: http://justiceforjanitors.ca/community-resources/paid-organizing-apprentice-full-time-organizer/

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FOODSHARE – DESKTOP PUBLISHING, DESIGN, AND COMMUNICATIONS INTERN

FoodShare is looking for a passionate individual, who cares about Good, Healthy Food for All and would like to put their design experience to work in our vibrant work environment. The Desktop Publishing, Design and Communications Intern will be hired through the YMCA Digital Skills Youth Internship Program, and support FoodShare with the design and layout of program materials, educational resources, toolkits and reports.

Hours of work: Monday to Friday 9am-5pm. Some evenings and weekend availability may be required.

Rate of pay: $16.00/hr

Main Job Components: The intern will shoot and edit video footage, assist with storytelling and blogging, conduct online research, and support the social media for the organization and well as direct support for a provincial campaign on increasing the consumption of Healthy, Local Foods in Schools. The intern will gain mentorship from FoodShare’s Field to Table Schools program and Fundraising and Communications Departments.

Qualifications: https://www.dyip.ca/dyip_admin/_dyip_apply/application/index.php?l=en&dyip_interest=y

Submit an application: https://www.dyip.ca/dyip_admin/_dyip_mentor/mola_appShow.php?arg=13352&arg_who=CAND&parm_Language=E

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GRADUATE ASSISTANTSHIPS FOR LABOR-ORIENTED STUDENTS

Penn State University,Department of Labor Studies and Employment Relations Master of Science (M.S.) Degree

The Master of Science degree in Human Resources and Employment Relations is a two-year program designed for students anticipating careers in some aspect of labor, labor management relations, or human resources. The Dept. of Labor Studies and Employment Relations has two full graduate assistantships available for students with an interest in unions and the American labor movement and are considering a career working for unions.

The two-year graduate assistantship includes a full tuition scholarship and a stipend paid in exchange for 20 hours of work per week assisting one of the Dept faculty with research or teaching. The Department also makes a commitment to assist students in finding union internships and full-time positions with unions upon graduation.

The Department is particularly interested in potential students with an interest in international labor issues (including sweatshops, labor standards, corporate responsibility, child labor, etc.). Such students would have an opportunity to work with the Department’s newly-created Center for Global Workers Rights (see http://lser.la.psu.edu/gwr/).

Penn State LSER program has a long tradition of preparing students to work in the American labor movement. Our alumni currently work for a wide variety of unions, including the United Steelworkers, AFSCME, SEIU, UFCW, the Pennsylvania AFL-CIO, the American Federation of Teachers, the Pennsylvania State Education Association, and the New York State United Teachers.

For more information contact Paul F. Clark, Professor and Head, at pfc2@psu.edu.
Deadline is Feb. 28, 2013. Additional information on the program, as well as application information, can be found at http://lser.la.psu.edu/.

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ABOUT CSEW (CENTRE FOR THE STUDY OF EDUCATION & WORK, OISE/UT):

Head: Peter Sawchuk
Co-ordinator: D’Arcy Martin

The Centre for the Study of Education and Work (CSEW) brings together educators from university, union, and community settings to understand and enrich the often-undervalued informal and formal learning of working people. We develop research and teaching programs at the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education (UofT) that strengthen feminist, anti-racist, labour movement, and working-class perspectives on learning and work.

Our major project is APCOL: Anti-Poverty Community Organizing and Learning. This five-year project (2009-2013), funded by SSHRC-CURA, brings academics and activists together in a collaborative effort to evaluate how organizations approach issues and campaigns and use popular education. For more information about this project, visit http://www.apcol.ca

For more information about CSEW, visit: http://www.csew.ca

**END**

‘Human Herbs’ – a new remix and new video by Cold Hands & Quarter Moon: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Au-vyMtfDAs

‘The Lamb’ by William Blake – set to music by Victor Rikowski: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vw3VloKBvZc

Posted here by Glenn Rikowski

The Flow of Ideas: http://www.flowideas.co.uk

MySpace Profile: http://www.myspace.com/glennrikowski

Rikowski Point: http://rikowskipoint.blogspot.com

Volumizer: http://glennrikowski.blogspot.com

Glenn Rikowski on Facebook at: http://www.facebook.com/glenn.rikowski

Glenn Rikowski’s MySpace Blog: http://www.myspace.com/glennrikowski/blog

Online Publications at: http://www.flowideas.co.uk/?page=pub&sub=Online%20Publications%20Glenn%20Rikowski

Glenn Rikowski’s paper, Critical Pedagogy and the Constitution of Capitalist Society has been published at Heathwood Press as a Monthly Guest Article for September 2012, online at:

http://www.heathwoodpress.com/monthly-guest-article-august-critical-pedagogy-and-the-constitution-of-capitalist-society-by-glenn-rikowski/

Heathwood Press: http://www.heathwoodpress.com

All that is Solid for Glenn Rikowski