APN Assembly 2024: Collective Freedom from Collective Struggle

Call for Session Proposals

Important Deadlines

June 20, 2024: Launch of the call.
July 30, 2024: Deadline for submission of session proposals.
September 30, 2024: Agenda co created and published.

Assembly Theme

The overarching theme of the 2024 Assembly is “Collective Freedom from Collective Struggle” is promoted through 3 hashtags: #2024APNAssembly, #GivingAndPower, #ShiftThePower.

The pursuit of freedom cannot happen in isolation. The systemic change we seek can only be achieved when we step out of silos and into intentional relationships and collaboration with one another. It is no longer feasible to neglect the plight of groups of African people because we do not feel connected to their struggle. Neo-liberal solutions to struggles that still serve to maintain a hierarchical structure have no place in the future we imagine for ourselves and our next generation – if that future is underpinned by liberation and freedom for each and everyone. For more information read the Concept Note for the Assembly.

Session Types

The Assembly is structured to provide a safe-space for networking and for delegates to engage and create an inter-generational and inter-sectoral movement of solidarity based on shared expertise and drive collective action, dignity, trust and respect for all. This will be achieved through use of different learning techniques, including thematic workshops in the form of panel discussions, moderated presentations, or interviews on a selected topics, ignite talks, intergenerational talks, skillshare, short films, marketplace, open space, exhibition, network space, arts and culture, food & health breaks, etc.

Sessions are informal and designed to interactively engage participants.

Session Content

Sessions should highlight topics and issues of interest to both new and experienced field actors and community funders working in Africa. Session content should achieve one or more of the following:

Introduce new information Highlight an effective approach used by a community group(s) to solve their problem.
Deepen our understanding of a targeted methodology or approach that can be scalable.
Illustrate how African philanthropic giving practice is making an impact or helping to solve a specific problem.

Sessions are about 90 minutes,and their program time slots will be finalized once selections are done. Proposals should indicate speakers, and a moderator. Session topics can range from practices and approaches for collective people/community voices and action, influence on recognition and growth of African philanthropic giving practices, and advocacy for policy change.

Session Content

Here are some questions to help shape our analysis and thoughts, when developing session proposals that are related to the Assembly theme:

(a) In what ways do power dynamics affect African communities? How have African communities mobilized to adopt or mitigate the effects of power dynamics have had on them?
(b) How are (civil) society actors responding to the increasing effects of social injustices in African communities? How effectively are these actors addressing policy change for social justice?
(c) What would it look like to support communities most impacted by the effects of social injustices? (consider innovative solutions perhaps including technology, policy advocacy, community resources mobilization).
(d) How effective have existing policies been in tackling the effects of existing systemic social injustices? (focus on the national policies, continental protocols/frameworks).

An important detail you must not forget is to clearly show the connected nature of the struggles and injustices across communities/thematic areas and/or the connected nature of the mitigation measures.

Qualities of a Good Session

Good sessions are interactive, they encourage healthy debate and respectful discussions of ideas, and they present different viewpoints and go beyond a surface discussion of the topic. We find that the most successful sessions are those that:

include speakers having distinct perspectives on the session topic;
use defined topics or questions designed for small group discussions;
are interactive and participatory;
facilitate discussion among participants and speakers, and are based on prepared questions;
focus on lessons learned and questions raised, and are not simply presentations of projects or organizational missions;
feature articulate and charismatic panelists and presenters;
limit formal presentations to no more than 20 minutes of the allotted time;
keep the discussion flowing smoothly by holding each speaker to their allotted time;
control speakers not to use a lot of time to market their organizations.

Submitting a Session Proposal

We would like to invite your organization or group to submit your session proposal here; and remember to keep a copy of the information you have submitted. Please submit to the following address: assembly@africaphilanthropynetwork.org before 30th July 2024.