Self-Organizing Session Rules & Guidelines

If you have questions or encounter any problems or violations of the rules & guidelines below, please contact webmaster@ourfuture.org.

General Rules & Guidelines

  • Be collaborative! When you reserve a time slot, you’re the host. Please be a gracious host and work with any conference attendees who contact you and want to present at the session. Our movement is strongest when everyone’s contributions are cultivated.
  • Take responsibility. As the host, you’re responsible for your time slot. You’re expected to present and/or moderate the discussion. And if for any reason you’re unexpectedly unable to attend, it’s your responsibility to find a replacement host and speaker(s).
  • Avoid duplication. There are lots of sessions planned throughout Take Back America. Before you decide to host your own session, look through the self-organizing agenda and the main Take Back America agenda and see where you can add value to what’s already scheduled. If there’s a self-organizing session similar to what you want to discuss, contact the host and get involved in that session instead of creating something redundant.
  • Only one self-organizing session per host. We want to make room for as many voices as possible. You’re encouraged to attend and contribute to as many self-organizing sessions as you want, but you can only reserve one self-organizing session to host yourself.
  • No electioneering. No session can endorse or oppose a political candidate or party.
  • No hate. No session can be unlawful, racist, sexist, hateful, libelous, defamatory, obscene, or intentionally harass or discriminate against particular individuals or groups.
  • Review & Approval: All sessions are subject to review and approval of the Take Back America organizers.

What We Will Provide

  • Reserved room and chairs for 40 people
  • On-site staffer to help with any problems or questions you might have
  • Outlets and power strips
  • Video projector and USB cable (that you can plug YOUR computer into for presentations)
  • Stereo speakers (for audio presentations and DVDs)
  • Whiteboard and flip-chart and associated writing instruments
  • Paper, pens, etc.
  • Water

What You Need to Provide

  • A presentation, speech and/or prepared agenda for your session.
  • *A computer (to display PowerPoint presentations, etc.)
  • *Visual aids, handouts, etc.
    • * = optional

Tips for a Great Session

  • Prepare! Get the most out of your session. Work out ahead of time what you plan to present. Consider helpful aids such as handouts and PowerPoint presentations.
  • Publicize! We’ll promote the self-organizing sessions alongside all the other Take Back America speeches and panels. But there’s a lot happening at Take Back America! So it’s in your interest to do all you can to get the word out about your session. Email your networks. Announce it on your blog. Contact friends and allies directly.
  • Collaborate! It’s not just a rule. It’s the secret to a great session and a strong movement, where everyone’s contributions are valued and everyone’s ideas get a fair hearing.
  • Most importantly, Have Fun!
Broadcast