Program

In the world today, water is increasingly in the headlines — usually as droughts, floods, and other "extreme weather" events — and behind the news as a cause of wars, other major violence, land theft, and the migration of thousands of "water refugees".  Also, the news rarely addresses the fundamental issues of water privatization as well as the complexities and corporate and governmental causes of water contamination and shortages.

With the seriousness of this issue in mind, WILPF US is building on some twenty years of campaigns on water issues to choose the theme for this, the 35th Triennial WILPF US Congress.  With themes for each day, mostly closely related to water, we are rolling out this five-day Congress (see the full plenary schedule, as well as the program for each day — which includes information on each speaker (see daily program listings here, in the side column).

On Wednesday we help orient WILPF members, new and old, and other Congress participants to WILPF work, internationally, historically, and currently. In the Wednesday after-hours session, we invite all participants to get to know each other through activities in the various breakout rooms (see details of that in Additional Programming). 

Thursday is our space for a focus on our agency — what each of us, other individuals, and groups and institutions are doing and able to do to influence and shape water policies and protections. We’re honored with a special overview message from the U.N. Rapporteur on Water, followed by a report about their protection actions from Minnesota-area indigenous women, and wrapped up by special breakout sessions for all participants to discuss their local and regionally shared water issues.  After those Congress activities, and as every evening and morning for the rest of the Congress, there are a variety of "night owl" (and, in the morning, "early bird") session.  Again, see details of that in Additional Programming.

The sessions on Friday are a balance of the grim state of affairs concerning water — as a weapon, as a dumping ground, as private property — and the uplifting. Not only will we be encouraged by hearing more about the people’s responses to the serious news, but we’ll also have a concert to reach out to and strengthen our hearts.

The Saturday focus is a full day, on multiple kinds of advocacy on water frontlines. Often, you’ll hear advocacy  presented in the context of the serious crises, conflicts, and opposition related to the Human Right to Water and the Rights of Nature. One goal for Saturday is for Congress participants to gain a broad understanding of the terrain and politics of water issues and the inspiring and wide diversity of advocacy in response.  Don’t miss the virtual after-party, where our celebration and community can help energize you, and there are the usual poster rooms, conversational room, and other breakouts (both before and after the other more formal scheduled events).

Finally, on Sunday we move to organizational action by WILPF and others – with a peace theme. Sunday gives Congress participants multiple ideas and avenues for their own action. We have the opportunity to hear about a number of vital issues, including the "financialization of water", the good news about Warheads to Windmills, and a conversation with inspiring WECAN founder, Osprey Orielle Lake. Don’t miss the vital closing panel!  Here’s the formal potion of the Sunday program.  Check it out!