New This Year: MAVA’s 2021 Dismantling Inequities Unconference Session

What is an unconference session?

Unlike traditional conference structure, an unconference session is a participant-oriented gathering where attendees decide on the agenda and topics. The unconference format decolonizes spaces and shares power by setting aside time to break down typical formal workshops and conferences that feature experts. Conference attendees will submit topic ideas  in answer to the question: "how do we dismantle inequities in volunteerism". You do not need to be an expert to lead a topic– all you need is to be interested in the topic and willing to engage in conversation around it. By submitting the topic, you are signing up to lead the conversation on that topic.

The goal with the unconference format is to cultivate space for peer learning, collaboration, and creativity. Attendees have the opportunity to lead together, engage in conversations on topics that interest them, and learn from one another. It is unlike what you will find at typical conferences and is very open in structure. The format is built upon the concept that we all have something to teach, and we all have something to learn! 

REFERENCES

Young, K. (2020). unConference-how to prepare to attend an unconference. unConference. https://unconference.net/unconferencing-how-to-prepare-to-attend-an-unconference/

Budd, A., Dinkel, H., Corpas, M., Fuller, J. C., Rubinat, L. Devos, D. P., Khoueiry, P.H., Förstner, K. U., Georgatos, F., Rowland, F., Sharan, M., Binder, J. X., Grace, T., Traphagen, K., Gristwood, A. & Wood, N. T. (2015). Ten Simple Rules for Organizing an Unconference. PLoS Computational Biology, 11(1). https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pcbi.1003905