Managing Diversity in Divided Societies
January 30-31, 2014
Call for Student Submissions
What tools and mechanisms best promote diversity?
How is diversity best approached in conflict societies?
How can the arts be used to engage diversity and enhance societal well-being?
We are calling for research papers, visual arts, creative writing, or videography that addresses these questions.
Selected students will be invited to present their work at the conference alongside leading academics, researchers, and practitioners in the field of diversity, conflict, and peacebuilding. Cash prizes will be awarded to the top three finalists in each category.
Submissions are open to graduate students, and 3rd and 4th year undergraduates. Please send a letter of intent, and a short description of your piece, including:
medium, how it addresses the above questions, and what form of diversity
it addresses (race, gender, ethnicity, language, sexuality, socio-economic
class, nationality, etc.)
Abstracts should be 250 words or less outlining the inspiration and concept of your submission.
Cash prizes will be presented to the top three finalists in each category.
Lunch and happy hour will be provided for all student participants.
Please send abstracts, submissions, and questions to:
diversityconference@georgetown.edu
202.687.0513
Abstracts due: Oct.15th
Submissions Due: Dec. 1st
finalists notified: Dec. 15th
In a globalized world with increased migration and mobility, diversity has become a central issue in society and government. Differences in race, ethnicity, language, religion, gender, and sexuality have both enriched societies and fueled tensions. In this light, conflict affected communities encounter unique challenges to the implementation and realization of diversity. However, they also offer valuable perspectives and practices that can serve as model for other societies. We have yet to determine under which conditions diversity can be best utilized for the well-being of society rather than constituting a dividing force. Approaches by government have varied significantly between a laissez-faire policy and formal intervention utilized to foster multiculturalism or assimilation. Civil society groups have similarly struggled to bridge divides while recognizing differences.
From January 30th-31st, Georgetown University will seek to address this puzzle by hosting a conference of leading researchers, practitioners, and graduate students who regularly engage with issues of diversity. We hope to locate and share best practices, and identity further gaps in the literature. Student participants have the opportunity to present their own research and explore creative expressions of diversity in divided societies. They will be able to learn from and network with some of the most innovative leaders in this field, from both academia and practice.
Timeline
Abstract: Oct 15th Final Submission: Dec 1st Finalists Notified Dec 15th
Submission Maximum Length
Research Paper 5,000- 8,000 words
Written 700 words
Visual Art Limit of 5 submissions
Short Film 10 minutes
