An invitation to funders – WSF 2016

An Invitation to Funders Participating in the 12th World Social Forum

Montreal, Canada

August 9-14, 2016

Funders and donors attending or considering participating in the World Social Forum in Montreal are invited to join us in a series of activities being organized by EDGE members with foundation colleagues who have long been associated with the WSF process. Together with Forum organizers and movement partners we will deepen our understanding of WSF 2016 context and goals, share information about activities, initiatives and key themes being discussed during formal and informal gatherings during the week, and have opportunities to come together with members of the philanthropic community to share insights and explore opportunities to build alignment and collaboration over the coming period.

The efforts are being organized within the context of EDGE’s efforts to develop an intersectional space for funders and various movement partners – organizers thought leaders and practitioners – to build alignment by cultivating a shared understanding of the visions, values, principles and pathways of a “just transition.”

To better assist members and funder allies to participate at the WSF, EDGE will organize the following activities:

An orientation call in early August to discuss the WSF process and goals, highlight Just Transition-oriented sessions planned, and lay out our plans to convene funders and movement allies during the forum itself.

A lunch briefing on the opening day of the WSF for EDGE members, (12noon – 2pm, August 9th, Location TBC) led by key WSF organizers and local hosts, after which the delegation with join social movements for the opening march in downtown Montreal.

On the evening of the second day, and following a screening of This Changes Everything (4pm – 6pm, August 10th, Concordia’s Hall Building) – there will be an evening reception and dinner (7pm – 10pm, location TBC) where funders will get a chance to meet key social movement organizers and thought leaders working on system change campaigns and movement strategies for alternative economic models that serve the long-term needs of people and planet.

On afternoon of August 11th, there will be a Just Transition Collaborative workshop to discuss strategies for organizing philanthropy to be better aligned with the emergent needs of systems change strategies and movement needs. This workshop will also start to generate plans and proposals for the Just Transition Collaborative, on the road to Barcelona and beyond.

In addition to these activities, organized by EDGE Funders, the following are a few relevant workshops and assembly spaces that you may wish to mark in your calendar.