Hundreds of people gathered on Sunday for a day of talks, information, discussion and workshops on the theme of peace.
The Nottingham Students Peace Movement's conference welcomed Sam Azad (International Federation of Iranian Refugees), author Milan Rai and Alan Simpson MP to lead a discussion on "justice not vengeance." They were followed by lecturers Richard Keeble and Beryl Aldridge and Notts Indymedia's Wietse talking about combating media bias. Both sessions welcomed extensive audience contributions. Various workshops were later held on alternative media, creative campaigning, civil rights and black activism.
Event photos
Listen to media bias debate
See full timetable
Major topics for discussion were the anti-war movement's relationship with 'political Islam' and alternative media versus influencing the mainstream.
Representatives from groups including Dissent!, NO2ID and Nottingham Refugee Campaign Group ran information stalls all day whilst food was provided by Veggies and Crocus Café.
Information was also circulated from many other groups, and alternative media was on offer from Ceasefire and Notts Indymedia.
Report on the Nottingham Student Peace Movement's Peace Conference
19.03.2006 00:22
After a short break, and a chance to peruse the stalls of local campaign groups, we resumed with an examination of the media's portrayal of political events, and the obstacles it presents to the quest for truth. Richard Keeble of Lincoln School of journalism spoke at length about the links between British intelligence and Fleet Street, hinting at the possibility that the establishment are planting news stories and disinformation. The deconstruction of the media was followed by Nottingham academic Meryl Aldridge who addressed the problems of corporate ownership of the media, and the "professionalisation" of journalism. Last but not least, Wietse from Nottinghamshire Indymedia gave an account of an independent grassroots alternative to the mainstream media, and its obvious advantages for activists. Once again, a wide-ranging discussion produced all kinds of ideas for publishing independent media, including, of course, calls for students to support Ceasefire.
At the end of the day, after tasty vegan food provided by the Veggies catering campaign, those attending the conference were invited to attend one of four
practical workshops. One discussing black activism and the role of internal peace, one led by a representative of the Campaign Against Criminalising
Communities (CAMPACC) on campaigning for civil liberties, one in connection with getting involved with local independent media, and one on using creative skills and reusing waste facilitated by local activist artists the Mischief Makers.
Overall it was a useful and successful event, and was covered by Indymedia and URN, the Nottingham Uni radio station.
Dan Robertson and Sam Walton
e-mail: sunspm@gwmail.nottingham.ac.uk
Homepage: http://www.su.nottingham.ac.uk/~nspm/