2010 United States Social Forum
Potential Host City under consideration

Detroit, Michigan
El Paso, Texas
New Orleans, Louisiana

In September of 2008, the NPC will announce the Host City for USSF 2010.

The National Planning Committee (NPC) of the US Social Forum (USSF) has formed a Site Selection Committee of the NPC to identify the Host City for the 2010 social forum. Final dates will be determined in partnership with the host city.

The 2010 USSF will build on the dynamic events of the summer 2007 in Atlanta; host city for the first Social Forum ever held in the United States. This will be a continuation of activities that are part of a larger global process of ‘convening’ for progressive movements, community organizers and activists known as the World Social Forum (WSF).

History

Another World is Possible-Another US in Necessary was theme that brought over 12,000 activists, labor and community organizers, students/youth and movement leaders together in June 2007. The International Council (IC) informed this process for the WSF who encouraged people’s movements in different countries to hold their own Social Forums, modeled on the WSF process. The 2007 USSF followed that recommendation as we anchored an open forum and invited groups to use it as an opportunity to highlight issues, dialogue, and build community together.

We have a wealth of lessons and experience from ATL, there will be a transition team, staff and some financial support.

Lessons gleamed from Atlanta include:

• The 2010 USSF will have 5 full time staffers.
• Anchor Organizations in the Host City will be free to focus on and define their roles in creating an infrastructure in their city to host the social forum. The Anchor Organizations will convene the Local Organizing Committee, and Outreach to organizations and individuals in their outreach area, which they will define. The number of representatives from the Host Site has been increased to five (5). Working Groups made up of people from across the nation and the host city/region. The dedicated staff will take a lot of pressure off of the anchor organizations and allow them to be more focused in carrying out their roles.
• It is expected the Local Organizing Committee in the Host City will fully participate in the NPC through national working groups; lead the local organizing effort to involve all sectors in the host city and surrounding areas (be that the state or region); generate press and media buzz in the host city, state and/or region; and work with the staff Local Logistics Organizer to create a safe and inspiring space and infrastructure for the forum.
• The People’s Movement Assembly will anchor the mobilization process for the USSF with a goal to assist organizations to understand how to make the most effective use of the social forum and its processes.

Another World is Possible! Another USA is Necessary!