CRITERIA FOR THE PROGRAM STRUCTURE
1st ASF Quito 2004

1. BACKGROUND

The organisation of the ASF is taking place within the framework of the reflections and definitions of the WSF process on its own architecture and methodology. It is a moment of changes, which requires us to reflect the previous process and the new challenges within the Program. In consequence, a central consideration is to promote in the event "the dialogue, identification of convergence with regard to issues and strategies, the articulation and elaboration of plans of action, respecting diversity and all the values laid out in the Charter of Principles" (IC- Mumbai, January 04)

In this sense, the main themes already defined identify relevant global subjects for the Americas, around which important struggles have developed in the hemisphere, such as campaigns, spaces for coordination and proposal, that constitute an important basis for developing alternative strategies.

2. GENERAL CRITERIA FOR THE PROGRAM

* To bring into perspective the different approaches, analysis and proposals, generated by different agents of change in the hemisphere, seeking a balance between activists, intellectuals, and others; and to visualize the advances in new dynamics oriented to making alternatives concrete.

* To give visibility to struggle, its process, modalities and the relation between these. The program will aim at bringing about interaction and mutual recognition, the links between the so called "new causes" and the "historical" ones.

* Gender diversity and equality are transversal themes for the Forum, but at the same time, it is important to highlight them, considering the structural gaps inherent to these issues in the hemisphere.

* Self-organization, pluralism and autonomy have been important characteristics of the WSF process; they are, also, important elements for elaborating the program for the ASF.

3. Structure of the Program

Echoing the strong points of the programming of the four World Forums, the program includes the following points:

Co-organized events:

* Conferences
* Panels
* Convergence Panels
* Dialogue and controversy round tables
* Testimonials

Self-managed events:

* Seminars
* Workshops
* Youth Camp
* Exhibitions
* Mobilisations and actions
* Cultural expressions
* Previous and connected events

i. Conferences

Conferences are a privileged space to stimulate debate about outstanding issues and alternatives. These are spaces for a large public, where ideas and proposals identified as important contributions for the Forum and society are shared. Therefore, conferences should generate proactive answers to the problems presented. Keynote speakers will be invited not only to present the problem from their own perspective, experience, theory or analytical approach, but also to formulate their presentation as a concrete contribution to the search for alternatives to the model within their issue.

It is the opportunity to create a collective challenging atmosphere in order to go beyond the identification of the problem and take on deepening of the analysis as well as the formulation of alternatives (in plural).

Format: Two or three conferences will be held per day, each one will have three main presentations (25 minutes), with a previous mystic or cultural expression (10 minutes) about each one of the themes. The conferences will be presented for approximately 800 to 2000 persons and retransmitted by radio (in Spanish at least) to the continent.

Issues and keynote speakers: Issues are defined within the broad main themes proposed for the Forum. Within each one, a balance will be established between social and intellectual leadership contributions, as well as a balance of age, gender and diversity.

ii. Panels

Panels are mainly spaces to debate alternatives and strategies. Panels will enable an in depth analysis of the contents and processes related to the major hemispheric issues in each one of the main themes, with the sufficient flexibility to embrace both advanced processes and emerging ones.

The development of the panels is mainly oriented to reinforcing interlinking, but also to contributing to dynamics related to new themes and struggles. It will also aim to establish contact and debate between analytical perspectives and proposals that contribute to the construction of autonomous thought in the continent.

Panels will be organised, where possible, in co-ordination with the campaigns, coordination processes and expressions of large movements, based on a methodology that implies a previous preparation and exchange of proposals on alternatives and strategies.

The Organising Commission will work with the mentioned actors to achieve the thematic development goal of each main theme, emphasising on the main aspects and methodology.

A final synthesis will be produced, to be used not only as a thematic appraisal, but also for the convergence panels where an interchange between panels will take place.

Format: 20 - 24 panels will be held, up to four hours each one; we should be open to innovative methodologies with different formats, that the co-organisers could introduce.

Themes and keynote speakers: Themes will be established considering: the hemispheric emphasis already existing in the most advanced processes and ideas; visions and new emerging problematic fields related to the strategies for the future; the interests arising form the self-managed activities (specially from seminars and workshops).

We will aim to establish a balance between age, gender and diversity. High priority should be given to the presence of leaders and intellectuals from the outstanding and emerging struggles and social causes.

iii. Convergence Panels

Some convergence panels will be proposed, where different debates, initiatives and proposals can come together, as well as share agendas.

Format: Three inter-thematic panels

Keynote speakers: Keynote speakers will be social leaders or intellectuals that express the key ideas in debate and the points of agreement of the different dynamics.

iv. Dialogue and controversy round tables

The dialogue round tables are spaces for exchange between different kinds of actors about an issue relevant to building alternatives. Dialogue round tables open the possibility of inviting observers or actors from outside the Forum to debate with the movements.

Format: 10 to 13 dialogue round tables will be co- organised with the actors that will propose them.

Debate Participants: Participants will be established in conjunction with the debate co-organiser.

v. Testimonials

Testimonies are presentations by leading personalities who offer outstanding experiences that can contribute to the Forum causes.

Format: At least one space per day will be created, taking into account the main themes.

Testimonial participants: A high-priority interest to those coming from the emergent social struggles, whose sustenance requires a greater impulse in the space of the Forum, looking for regional balances, of gender and diversity.

vi. Alternatives Mural

The Mural is a proposal that has been developed in the Forums, to visualise the different initiatives in development. The Organising Commission will contact those interested in working for its creation during the ASF.

As in all the previous Forums, these are self-managed activities, organized by those who propose them. Their registration and process of definitions until their final version is taking place through the ASF website.

viii. Youth Camp

It is an independent space organized by the youth movement, under its own rules and modes of operation. The Organising Commission maintains a permanent contact with its organisers to achieve a greater level of integration between the Camp and the Forum.

ix. Mobilisations and Actions

Initiatives of mobilisation and innovatory actions, proposed by different actors on one or several issues of the Forum, that are consequent with the Forum Charter of Principles, will be incorporated as part of the program. These have been propose under the self-managed activities registration.

x. Cultural Activities

In addition to the transversal themes of gender and diversity, cultural expressions will be "transversal" in the Forum. A special programme with co-organized and self-managed cultural events is being prepared.

Registration for cultural events was also made on the website.

xi. Previous and Connected Events

They are meetings, encounters or other specific spaces, proposed by networks or articulations, to be held during the days prior to the Forum or during its development. These are totally self-managed by those who propose them, but could be included in the general Program.

xii. Space for exhibitions and Fair Trade

A space for exhibitions, interchange or sale of diverse materials that relate the experiences, proposals and visions of the participant organizations will be set up. Sale of books, audio-visual materials, handicrafts and food, will be based on Fair Trade principles, giving priority to alternative and solidary production. In these spaces we will try to inform and promote Fair Trade and solidary economy.