National Gathering

National Gathering 2011 - The programme

The National Gathering looks set to be a fantastic day of learning, discussions and inspiration. Read on to find out more about what you can expect...

09.30	Registration Have a tea coffee or coffee and browse the stalls
10.15	Welcome to the National Gathering
10.35	Who else is here today? Take part in this session to find out who is based near you and what else you have in common! Start conversations that will carry on throughout the day.
10.45	First workshop and discussion session
	1. Democracy or repression? Panel discussion exploring the UK's role in the Arab Spring – from arming dictators to the military intervention in Libya. Featuring: Dr. Aimee Shalan (The Council for Arab-British Understanding - CAABU) Nick Grant (Middle East and North Africa Solidarity Network - MENA) Ann Feltham (Parliamentary Co-ordinator - Campaign Against Arms Trade)
	2. A No Nonsense Guide to the arms trade Get your bearings on the murky world of the arms trade. Nicholas Gilby (Author of No-nonsense guide to the arms trade)
	3. A crash course in creative action Street theatre, art, occupying space... Sarah Reader (World Development Movement)
	4. Drones and the playstation mentality The use of unmanned aerial vehicles in warfare is on the increase, but what are its implications? Andrew Gibson (Drones Campaign Network)
	5. Taking on the coalition Effective lobbying in a challenging environment. Anne-Marie O'Reilly (Outreach Co-ordinator - Campaign Against Arms Trade) Sarah Waldon (Campaign Co-ordinator - Campaign Against Arms Trade)
12.00	Break
12.15	Will Self Hear what this author and satirical political commentator has to say about the arms trade. A long standing opponent of the arms trade, under New Labour he set out to discover why the arms trade was doing so well. Hear Will Self's take on David Cameron's tour of the Middle East with arms dealers while UK weapons were being turned upon pro-democracy protesters.
13.00	Lunch
13.45	Coming up...
14:00	Over to you Your chance to have your say and get what you want out of the Gathering! Let us know your ideas for this session when you arrive or join a session and contribute on the day!
14.45	Break
15.00	Second workshop and discussion session
	1. Is there a green future for arms trade jobs? Following BAE's recent decision to cut 3,000 jobs in the UK, is this a key moment to push for transition from arms manufacture to green jobs? Justin Baidoo-Hackman (Campaign Against Climate Change Trade Union group)
	2. Where now? 2011 has exposed the real impact of the arms trade with tyrants turning UK-made weapons on civilians and the world's largest arms fair in London. Many more people are taking action against the arms trade, so where do we target our energies next? Sarah Waldon (Campaign Co-ordinator - Campaign Against Arms Trade)
	3. Direct action to end the arms trade A taster session to learn some useful skills for non-violent direct action. Anne-Marie O'Reilly (Outreach Co-ordinator - Campaign Against Arms Trade)
	4. "Film is my weapon of choice" Top tips on how DIY films can be a great way to get your message across.
	5. Kicking arms companies off campus A workshop for university students and staff. Beth Smith (Universities Network Co-ordinator - Campaign Against Arms Trade)
16.15-16.30	Next steps and final announcements

19:30-late	'NO JOKE' COMEDY BENEFIT GIG CAAT is proud to present Josie Long, Robin Ince and more.

Anything missing? Let us know what you'd like to see and what you'd like to discuss.

We look forward to seeing you there!

Updated 28 Oct 2011

Campaign Against Arms Trade, 11 Goodwin St, Finsbury Park, London N4 3HQ
Tel: +44 (0)20 7281 0297 | Fax: +44 (0)20 7281 4369