HAW National Conference

HAW was founded two years ago. In the last two years, we have established ourselves as an organization of anti-war historians, and carried out a number of diverse and successful activities. Given the election of Bush and the ongoing and ever-more-destructive war in Iraq, we believe that it is important for HAW to expand its effort to oppose and the war rally opposition to it. To this end, we would like to sponsor a national conference of historians who oppose the war and attacks on freedom of speech and civil liberties in Fall 2005. Obviously, a national conference requires a significant effort, in terms of time, resources, and commitment. We are putting this call out to you now because we want to know what you think of the idea. Are you interested in participating in and/or working on such a conference? We would like to discuss the conference at our business meeting in the upcoming AHA, so please let us know what you think at that time. If you are not planning to attend the AHA conference, please give us your feedback as well.

Here are some ideas we have tossed about so far. These ideas are meant to get the discussion going, they are not yet set in stone, which is why we welcome your suggestions.

TIME FRAME: From Friday evening to Sunday late afternoon.

FORMAT: Opening plenary and discussion on Friday. Two panels on Saturday, followed by a general discussion. Saturday night would be social time. Sunday, one panel, followed by a plenary discussion.

Possible topics for the panels include:

1. A historical perspective on the war and Bush’s foreign policy.
2. Past examples of resistance to war.
3. Activist/political responses to the war.
4. Teaching about the war and opposition to it.
5. Attacks on freedom of speech, civil liberties, and academics.

At least one of the plenaries would focus on the work of HAW. We will also provide space and time for networking among HAW members, to facilitate the formation of local/regional HAW groups, set up task forces, and build the organization

PLACE/ACCOMODATIONS: To a large extent, this depends on where we can find a university that would like to sponsor us.

COST: There will be a minimal registration fee. Participants would pay for their own travel, and we would endeavor to provide low-cost accommodations and meals. We hope to obtain university sponsorship and some grant money.