Learning Societies unConference 2017

We are pleased to share with you that we are co-hosting the next Learning Societies Unconference in Bangalore with Bhoomi College and Shikshantar from December 26-30, 2017. This unconference will bring together all kinds of amazing people of all ages working on alternative education, deschooling, decolonization, sustainable living, social entrepreneurship and expanding consciousness. We are expecting more than 800 people from around the country. The entire event will be in an unconference format.

We would like to invite you to join us for this event. Please also pass this onto your team.

Here is a little video glimpse of the immense joy we experienced at the 9th Learning Societies unConference 2016. The unConference took place from December 14 – 19, 2016 at Gandhi Vidya Mandir, Sardarshahr, Churu (Near Bikaner)  Rajasthan. It was hosted in Hindi, English and regional languages.

THIS YEAR’S LEARNING SOCIETIES CONFERENCE IS IN BANGALORE AT BHOOMI COLLEGE FROM DECEMBER 26-30, 2017.

Participants are requested to join for the entire duration of the unConference so as to explore, express and nourish our creative energies together. This intergenerational gathering will bring together leading “thinker-doers” from around South Asia who are active in challenging the monopoly of factory-schooling and monoculture, and nurturing diverse learning communities, vernacular traditions, intercultural dialogues, deep consciousness and swaraj.  There will be alternative educators, organic farmers, artists, artisans, activists, designers, ecologists and nature lovers, filmmakers, healers, social entrepreneurs, homeschoolers, unschoolers, barefoot innovators, grandparents, youth, spiritual seekers, and more. As with all learning societies events, the unConference welcomes families, youth and children.

In an unConference, the participants co-create the agenda together around what matters deeply to them. We believe each participant is a resource person, even children. We believe in sharing our stories, talents and gifts from our hearts. There will be a lot of open space for participants to self-organize in groups around questions, experiences, experiments, workshops, play, music, talks, dance, ultimate frisbees, cooking food, treks, art, etc., in the spirit of deep dialogue and friendship. The gathering seeks to engage the heart, hands, head and home, all of our senses and sensibilities, for re-imagining our lifestyles and systems.

We hope to build upon the reflection, dialogue and co-motion that have been initiated in the Learning Societies network already. There will be a lot of space in the unConference to explore radical ideas, proposals and projects. This is a fantastic opportunity to really re-think everything and  share our life experiments and questions. Most importantly, the central purpose of this gathering is to build strong friendships and critical connections across the country. Previous unConferences have been held in Sardarshahar (Raj), Pune, Himachal Pradesh, Udaipur, Mumbai, Brazil, Jordan, Pakistan and Iran.

Co-hosted by: Shikshantar Andolan · Bhoomi College · Aikyam Network for Sustainable Living · Volunteers Cafe · Swashikshan Association of Indian Homeschoolers · Vikalp Sangam · Multiversity Network · Swaraj University · Abhivyakti Media for Development · Digital Empowerment Foundation · Banyan Tree Bookstore · Moved by Love · Blue Ribbon Movement · Anubhavshala · Project DEFY

REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN HERE. Please register online before December 12, 2016. NOTE: Those co-creators who are coming for the entire duration of the unConference will be given priority for registration and accommodation.

More Event Details

Costs. The unconference runs on the principle of gift culture. We want to ensure that everyone who is interested in participating can join us for this event. The suggested contribution is Rs.6000 per person for the event which covers set-up, accommodation and meals. You can pay what you feel is appropriate for your situation. If possible, you are invited to sponsor someone else’s participation. No one will be turned away due to lack of funds.

Accommodation. There are shared hostel rooms for 800 co-creators to live together for 5 days in the spirit of community living. There will be local hotels also available for those who require them (at your own additional personal cost). You can also bring a tent and set it up on the campus.

Food. There will be simple vegetarian food available, with vegan options. We are trying our best to source as much organic food as possible. There will also be some common kitchen facilities for those interested in group cooking.

Special Request. This is a family-friendly event. We would like to create a safe environment for co-creators of all ages. For this reason, we would like to keep this gathering drug-free and alcohol- free. This is a strict policy of the LSUC.

We also want to make this a zero waste event so please bring your plates, cups, spoons, glasses and leave your plastic at home.

Travel. Bhoomi College is in Bangalore and is accessible by bus, train, car and flight. Here are details how to reach  and a little map.

While making travel and stay bookings, please note that we will be starting at 11:00 am on 26th December and concluding by 8:00pm on 30th December (latest departure is at 9:00am on 31st).

After you register online, you will receive a mail inviting you to join our mailing list. You can also join our Facebook Group on this link.

If you have any questions, please write to us at lsunconference@gmail.com or call Shikshantar (Udaipur): Harsh: +919958311401 Or call our local contact person in Banglore Sandeep: +917204034050.

See www.shikshantar.org/lsuc for more details.

Pls let us know if you have any questions. We look forward to hearing positively from you.

Love and Care

Manish, Claude, Harsh,Vidhi, Urmila, Isheeta, Abhishek, Adil, Sandeep, Vidhya .