Power of Sport Summit - June 14 & 15, 2008

Dear Friends,

On behalf of the Center for the Study of Sport in Society, we would like to cordially invite you to the first Power of Sport Summit: A Participatory Forum on Sport and Social Change on June 14th and 15th, 2008 to be held at Northeastern University in Boston, Massachusetts. The Summit will be an interactive meeting of academics, practitioners and advocates working together to define and address current and emerging issues involving the intersection of sport and social justice. The objective of the Summit is to generate discussion around current trends, including what's working, what's possible, and what important actions are needed to help advance the sport and social change movement.

All those interested in the intersection of sport and social justice are invited to attend and participate in the Power of Sport Summit, where experts in the fields of research, education and advocacy will unite to celebrate, reinvigorate and advance this very important work.

The Power of Sport Summit marks the conclusion of a year of innovative research carried out by Sport in Society’s inaugural team of Research Fellows. Their research activities cut across disciplines and demonstrate the powerful connection between sport and social change. They will be joined by numerous expert investigators in the field invited to share their current research findings. Topics will include, but are not limited to, the convergence of sport and: social activism; human rights; disability; music; masculinity and sexuality; social entrepreneurship; youth sport culture; play; economic disparities; health and wellness; nutrition education and overweight/obesity prevention; diversity; violence prevention; gender violence; legal issues; and Olympism.

Key stakeholders who work directly in the field of sport and social change and/or its areas of intersection are also invited to attend as vital contributors able to share their expertise. Coaches, program managers, athletes and activists, both youth and adult, will be among those whose tangible experiences are key components in understanding the vital intersection of sport and social justice.

Due to the breadth and depth of possible topics, the Power of Sport Summit will utilize an “Open Space Technology” (OST) framework. Rather than concretely define topics and presenters in advance, all participants will take an active role in self-organizing and setting the agenda for a collaborative working meeting. This unique structure demands that participants are passionate about the subject matter and ensures that the best outcomes are theirs to create. OST allows for real dialogue that will develop into real action. These working sessions are intended to foster concrete action steps that can make a valuable impact in a variety of ways.

For more information regarding the Summit, including event details and the use of Open Space Technology, registration information and visitor information, please visit the event website at http://www.sportinsociety.org/powerofsportsummit.php. Any questions may be directed to my attention at: e.wolff@neu.edu, 617-373-8936.

Warmest regards,

Eli

Eli A. Wolff
Manager, Research & Advocacy
Center for the Study of Sport in Society
Northeastern University
360 Huntington Avenue, Suite 350 RI
Boston, MA 02120
Work phone: 617-373-8936
Fax: 617-373-4566
Email: e.wolff@neu.edu