NEAN Assembly: May 22-25 in Ithaca, NY

Greetings NEAN friendly people,

This is a message delivered straight from a group of Ithaca folks who've taken on organizing for the NEAN assembly May 22-25.

We are are eager, enthused and honored to host NEAN for a second time. The opportunity to revisit what was a very empowering experience last year is one whose good fortune is not taken for granted by us. Thanks.

That said, we have some info for you and you have some info for us:

On Friday May 22, we will begin welcoming arrivals at the Worker's Center at 115 The Commons, in the space upstairs from Autumn Leaves Used Books. Most large group activities will take place there. More space location info to come as the weekend schedule coalesces.

Thus far, working groups for meals, housing, facilitation, and conflict resolution have been formed.

Food: contact person is Greg (gregdov@gmail.com)

Let us know if you have specific food needs that we should bear in mind. Do expect vegan and gluten free accomodation at bare minimum.

Housing: contact person is Zeke (toothpickmonster@riseup.net)

We currently have housing available for 23 people. That number will undoubtedly grow quickly as we've had but one day of looking into it so far. Space in houses will be available but we are a semi-rural area so if you want to camp/sleep outside, bring gear to do that ('cuz you can!). We can arrange child friendly, women only, queer/trans only, sober, etc. spaces if you let us know that you need them. Please RSVP!! Seriously. It helps us a lot.

Facilitation: Contact person is Dirk (kalewillprevail@riseup.net)

We would like to propose a deadline of May 8th as final day to send in any material related to agenda planning. This gives us time to go over it with the facilitation team and send it out for comment and then revision before the assembly. We do not wish to alter the agenda during the assembly itself unless something very serious and unexpected occurs.

We are currently unsure of the format of the weekend (that is to say, what combo of meetings, workshops, presentations, social/games). We understand that some folks have been working on that and we're eager to join that discussion and be brought up to speed.

Conflict Resolution: contact person is Jason (jcriss@solutionphoto.com)

Is anyone interested in being a part of a conflict resolution team? Do you have skills and experience in that area? Can you come a day early to meet and discuss? Let's talk.

In the spirit of being prepared in case of accidents, we'd like to know that we have a medic or two with first aid kits. Any volunteers?

If there are needs that you feel we have not adequately addressed, please contact us ASAP.

We look forward to a great weekend. Cross your fingers for favorable weather and we just might go swimming in a waterfall or two.

From the rolling hills of the Finger Lakes