We propose a plenary to showcase the work of the Transformative Inclusivity Initiative (TII) and to serve as an opportunity to welcome all MSA conference participants into this endeavor. The TII was created in response to Ruramisai Charumbira's open letter to the MSA in December 2021 emphasizing the importance of moving beyond mere inclusivity towards transforming the theory and practice of inclusivity within the association. We define transformative inclusivity as inclusion of all our human and planetary stories through an institutional design that is conscious of human history and its enduring power structures on planet Earth. We capitalize Earth in recognition of the planet's being and sovereignty, one we usually reserve for our human histories and memories. During this special event, representatives from the TII will share with the MSA conference participants how we journeyed to conceptualize "transformative inclusivity" in theory and practice; the challenges and opportunities for transformative inclusivity within the association and in memory studies more broadly; and concrete ways anyone and everyone can integrate this into their work as well the institutional and scholarly culture of memory studies. We will welcome all feedback and perspectives from the audience, which we will incorporate into our ongoing initiative to normalize transformative inclusivity. bringing forward the most innovative and generative ideas to the MSA Executive Committee, Advisory Board, and all Members of the Memory Studies Association. We envision a lively, challenging, joyful and invigorating discussion that will create a Community of people ready for transformative Change.
TFDC G.41/G.56 Plenary Lecture Theatre MSA Conference Newcastle 2023 conference@memorystudiesassociation.orgWe propose a plenary to showcase the work of the Transformative Inclusivity Initiative (TII) and to serve as an opportunity to welcome all MSA conference participants into this endeavor. The TII was created in response to Ruramisai Charumbira's open letter to the MSA in December 2021 emphasizing the importance of moving beyond mere inclusivity towards transforming the theory and practice of inclusivity within the association. We define transformative inclusivity as inclusion of all our human and planetary stories through an institutional design that is conscious of human history and its enduring power structures on planet Earth. We capitalize Earth in recognition of the planet's being and sovereignty, one we usually reserve for our human histories and memories. During this special event, representatives from the TII will share with the MSA conference participants how we journeyed to conceptualize "transformative inclusivity" in theory and practice; the challenges and opportunities for transformative inclusivity within the association and in memory studies more broadly; and concrete ways anyone and everyone can integrate this into their work as well the institutional and scholarly culture of memory studies. We will welcome all feedback and perspectives from the audience, which we will incorporate into our ongoing initiative to normalize transformative inclusivity. bringing forward the most innovative and generative ideas to the MSA Executive Committee, Advisory Board, and all Members of the Memory Studies Association. We envision a lively, challenging, joyful and invigorating discussion that will create a Community of people ready for transformative Change.