Global Civil Society in Uncertain Times: Strengthening Diversity and
Sustainability; DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSIONS: 26 OCTOBER 2019
Founded in 1992, ISTR is a global community of scholars, policymakers, and third sector leaders dedicated to the creation, discussion, and advancement of knowledge pertaining to the Third Sector and its impact on civil society, public policy and local communities.
Civil society plays a crucial part in promoting cosmopolitan ideals of collective responsibility, global citizenship, tolerance, inclusivity, and sustainability. These ideals are increasingly important in a divided, less tolerant, and uncertain world in which States erect physical and legal barriers in order to exclude outsiders, in which governments erode citizenship rights and welfare entitlements, in which leading politicians openly challenge independent institutions such as universities and the free press, and in which disinterested expertise and authority are assailed by
populist forces.
These are issues of global and ubiquitous importance but they provoke civil society initiatives which take various forms and which operate at all geographical scales, from social movements and alliances of NGOs that cross borders and continents, to small‐scale initiatives to relieve destitution and promote solidarity.
The conference call invites proposals that respond to these broad themes. If we consider various dimensions of intolerance we can see crucial roles for civil society in relation to: (1) Sustainability, (2) Diversity, (3) Expertise & Authority, and (4) Social Innovation & Welfare.
Paper, poster, and panel proposals from around the world are invited in response to the overall conference focus as they relate to the many, diverse and interconnected theme areas that are characteristic of third sector research. For the purposes of the ISTR International Conference, the third sector is broadly defined, including: NGOs, non‐profit organizations, voluntary associations, social economy organizations, community organizations, self‐help and mutual organizations, civil society organizations, foundations, philanthropy, and other manifestations of civil society globally and locally, for example networks and social forums, unions, religious organizations, co‐operatives, and volunteering.
To submit your conference abstract, please click here
Asian Civil Society Research Network 