Call for Proposals

Annual Conference Site
Association of Global South Studies

I.  Introduction

Founded in 1983 (as The Association of Third World Studies) The Association of Global South Studies (AGSS) has since provided a platform for scholarly exchange through its annual meeting. 

The process of selecting a meeting site begins with the submission of a proposal (see below) to the Executive Council (EC).  The EC then meets to discuss proposals (either at a previously-scheduled meeting or in the context of a meeting scheduled for the purpose of reviewing proposals) that address the categories and questions listed below.  It is typical that the EC will follow-up with clarifying questions to the proposers, and it is unusual that in-depth proposals would simply be rejected without further dialogue.

The EC understands that costs are likely estimates given fluctuations and unforeseen dynamics.  However, it is important that as many of the following issues are addressed as possible in order for the EC to come to a decision regarding the conference site. 


II.  Requirements

All proposals must contain the following specifics related to proposing members, location, dates, and costs.  It is not necessary that proposing members format their proposals in precisely the following manner, yet it is crucial that as much information be included as possible.

Completed Proposals should be sent to:  Dr. Lauren Eastwood, AGSS Executive Director (eastwole@plattsburgh.edu)

PROPOSING MEMBER(S) (names and contact information): 

Role of proposing members:

What role do you envision yourself playing in the conference planning?  Would you take the lead with contacting the hotels and universities, for example, or do you envision that you would require support from others in the Association?  Do you have contacts in the proposed conference site?

LOCATION:

Location of Proposed Conference:  (City, Country)

Please describe some details pertaining to the location. 

Questions to be addressed:

  1. Why is this particular location being proposed as a conference site?  In this section of the proposal, please address the viability of a conference (is this location relatively easy to access by an international membership?
  2. What are the advantages to holding a conference in this location?
  3. What are some possible disadvantages?  For example, might our members from the Global South have difficulty obtaining visas?
  4. Are there universities in the area/city with whom we could connect?
  5. Is there any other relevant information for the EC to consider pertaining to the location?

DATES:

Proposed Calendar Year:

Questions to be addressed:

  1. Are you flexible as to the year of the conference?  For example, if the EC has other proposals for the year you have proposed, or if there are concerns about geographical repetition based on other conference proposals, would you consider a future calendar year?
  2. Are there specific times of the year in which it would be preferable to hold a conference in the proposed location?  Please explain.

COSTS:

Please provide as many details as possible regarding the following categories:

  • Lodging

Provide approximate costs of lodging (with quotes from local hotels, for example).

  • Airfare

Provide some sample airfare quotes from various locations in the world.

  • Conference meeting site:

Things to consider:  Will there be University support for our sessions, or will we be using hotel conference sites?  What are the approximate costs?  Will there be costs for AV equipment, for example? Please also include estimates for catering (award banquet, for example, or coffee breaks, etc.). 

POSSIBLE EXCURSIONS:

Are there attractions in the vicinity that conference attendees might be interested in visiting?

FURTHER DETAILS: 

Are there elements you’d like to convey to the EC that are not captured in other segments of this CfP?



III.  Deadline

Proposals are addressed on a rotating basis.

IV.  Selection Criteria/process

Completed Proposals should be sent to:  Dr. Lauren Eastwood, AGSS Executive Director (eastwole@plattsburgh.edu), who will ensure that proposals are sent to the Executive Council for consideration.


Proposals will be evaluated on several factors, including the overall costs, how completely the listed requirements are met, the geographical location (ease of access and likely viability in terms of interest to a wide range of members, for example). 

The EC will meet to discuss each complete proposal (either in the context of a previously-scheduled meeting or in the context of a meeting scheduled for the purpose of discussing proposals).  Typically, the EC will follow up with clarifying questions.