Internet,19/05/2012. International Virtual Meeting of Convergence of Cultures. 

CC | Virtual Meeting 19/05/2012

Points of Contact

Barcelona, Spain
Buenos Aires, Argentina
Kaolack, Senegal
Mar del Plata, Argentina
Milan, Italy
Nairobi, Kenya
Roma, Italia
Santiago, Chile
Torino, Italy

The exchange was made through Skype in Spanish and Italian, with English-Spanish translation when James from Kenya intervened and written translation into English for him, when the other participants were talking. There were 9 points connected most of the time and only Senegal had difficulties maintaining a stable connection.

The days before the agenda was agreed on by those interested in participating in the proposed meeting: description of activities at each point, proposals for future actions, proposals for the implementation of global funds, encouraging international coordination around common themes.

1. Following the agreed agenda, we begin with a brief description of the activities taking place at each point.

Turín

Continues publication of the journal Conexion (www.conexion-to.it). It offers space in the magazine to publish information sent from elsewhere. They are preparing the 3rd edition of the Multiethnic Republic (June 2), with participation of various communities and associations.(www.repubblicamultietnica.it)

Milan

Restructuring and growth in members, sustained contact with communities of different cultures (Asian, African, South American) and participation in activities against racism and discrimination against immigrants, networking with other related associations.

Organization of a new edition of the Celebration of Diversity, under the slogan "change that comes from the deep."

Buenos Aires

To hold up the national website: www.laconvergencia.org.ar

Support activities for indigenous communities struggling for their rights. Editing of the publication Mosaico, which offers different communities a place of expression. You can see the first number on the web.

Roma

Comment on how, initially, it was to review and understand the profile of the organism, positive exchange with other groups in Toledo Park.

Participation in the organization of a new "Forum of the peoples of the Arab countries", with friends from other countries.

Madrid

Emphasis on the organization of the "Forum of the peoples of the Arab countries" mentioned from the people in Rome, seeking to highlight the importance of that culture and its contribution to the current time of change in the world.

Chile

In the process of rebuilding after the departure of other members. Organization of activities in a new park under construction, seeking to integrate the people (peasants) from three neighboring towns.

Barcelona

Neighborhood work around the proposals of 15M (interesting integration with neighbors) and the policies and measures that discriminate immigrants, especially the Detention Centers for Foreigners. Denunciation and diffusion with other organizations.

Kenya

It is clarified that in the country every tribe has a culture different from the others. During the election period, has been promoting peaceful relations between tribes usually encountered. Similarly working in schools looking for harmonious coexistence between children of different backgrounds.

2. The various topics proposed for this chat were briefly explained, after 15-minute interval to consider and interchange together. The proposals and conclusions were presented briefly.

2.1 Making worldwide forums (or continental), on topics like eg. discrimination, with the participation of other organizations. It seems premature to organize international meetings. It is proposed to initiate by country.

2.2 Work against discrimination toward immigrants (legal status, expulsion, detention centers for foreigners, etc…), in a coordinated form in the different countries, building on existing contacts with associations and people from different communities. Harnessing on the international character of our organization to give weight and volume to our action.

2.3 Develop from the world team ideological positions on the issues and conflicts that seem most important. Publishing a virtual international newspaper, which express these views and can reach many places and organizations? Although not resolved who would develop the positions, there is virtual consensus on the paper by a team.

2.4 Application of global funds. It suggests the possibility of investing in the printing of materials in different parts (e.g. the notebook of CC), also the option to apply to the organization of a continental forum. After the exchange, we agree to postpone its application for near future (maybe a year), reserving the funds for a joint project that requires it.

2.5 Acting in each place as a kind of sounding board for what we do in other countries. Spreading through the press, through organizations we have good relations with, through friends and supporters, using the international character of CC and our internal information flow.

2.6 Making virtual meetings (chat) periodically with broad agenda or about specific issues. There is general consensus on this point. We suggest a monthly or bimonthly rhythm.

2.7 Deepening the work on cultural conflicts, which are gaining increasing importance. This is a subject that no one attends and which we could be referenced in many places.

3. It was proposed to all the friends and to recommend to others, participating as candidates in the next elections of Convergence of Cultures.