"No Debt, No Sweat" Conference Update

[Robert Weissman <rob@essential.org>]

September 9, 1999

Dear Activists/Friends,

Solidarity Greetings from the 50 Years Is Enough Network!

I am writing to provide an update on the upcoming NO DEBT, NO SWEAT:
ORGANIZING FOR GLOBAL JUSTICE Conference (Thursday, September 23 - Sunday,
September 26, 1999).  That is two weeks from today!!

As usual the registrations are trickling in, frankly I am ready for the
flood, but it is in keeping with past years' trend.  There is a special
incentive for folks to register early: Registrations postmarked by tomorrow
(Sept. 10) will qualify for the $45 registration fee.  After that date, the
registration fee is $55.  Student registrations are $30.00

Please register early to assist us as we plan for your participation in the
conference.  Please visit our website at <www.50years.org> to view last
year's program and/or to get an idea of what kind of conference we put on.
As well as a list of this year's confirmed speakers and some workshops that
will be given at the conference.  On the website you will also find a list
of affordable places to stay in Washington.  

The conference will be held at the University of the District of Columbia
David A. Clarke School of Law School which is at 4200 Connecticut Avenue,
NW (Subway/Metro Stop: UDC/Van Ness  on the RED Line).

Our past conferences have been very successful: last year we had 394
participants from over 30 countries registered for the conference's 53
workshops and four plenary sessions.  This year we will have over 40
workshops and five (5) plenaries.  The Opening Plenary will lay out issues
such as debt, sweatshops, the roles of the World Trade Organization (WTO)
and other international financial institutions in the global economy.  Much
of the rest of the conference will focus on and highlight real-world
alternatives and positive models of organizing for global economic justice
around the world, as well as resistance to oppressive economic systems. 

On Sunday, September 26, the conference will culminate in a public
demonstration at the headquarters of the IMF as the world's finance
ministers, who are key decision-makers about the global economy, meet for
the IMF's Interim Committee Meeting.

Already other activists from partner organizations in Zambia, Haiti, South
Africa, the Philippines, Nicaragua, Chad, Cameroon, Kenya, India, Ghana,
Canada, Brazil, U.K., Zimbabwe, and Italy have confirmed that they will be
here for the Conference.  And we will work, play, protest, and advocate as
we move together to map ways and develop strategies for the continuing
struggles for global economic justice.  We firmly believe that we are the
ones who must change the world to make it a just and equitable place for all.

We hope you will say "YES!" to this invitation and join us and with other
activists as we chart a course in the quest for social and economic
justice.  We look forward to your participation and to seeing many of you
at the conference.  
  

In Peace & Solidarity,


Njoki

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Njoki Njoroge Njehû (Ms.)
Director
50 Years Is Enough Network
1247 E Street, SE
Washington, DC 20003
Phone: 202/IMF-BANK or 202/544-9355
Fax:	202/544-9359
Email:	wb50years@igc.org    Webpage: http://www.50years.org