- ATD Fourth World

Campus is a summer seminar held at the ATD Quart Monde International Centre. This year it will take place from 24 to 28 August 2009.

Campus is a gathering of people from different countries, cultures and social backgrounds, in order to share the results of their research or their experiences. Exchanges are centred on a wide range of subjects based on the following main themes:

• Violence and peace: whether it is part of life in extreme poverty, or, as in other human situations be they social or national, the question remains as to how people experience violence? Does violence in itself lead to more violence? How does that happen? Is violence not only unavoidable but also necessary sometimes? The same question is relevant for peaceful gestures or actions. What brings people to resist violence, what is that process? Are peaceful gestures always in response to violence or can they exist separately? Do peaceful actions lead to more peaceful actions?

• Social relations: some relations are marked by discrimination. Does extreme poverty lead to discrimination against those living it? If so, what is the social process in which this happens? Can extreme poverty also lead to a new kind of relationship in which all relations (interpersonal, institutional…) are changed by this encounter, enabling people to live side by side in a new way ? If so, what are the circumstances that make this possible?

Campus is enriched by a wide variety of contributions from all participants on the subjects of extreme poverty and commitments to bring an end to it.

This year Campus will be presented in three languages: English, French and Chinese.

If you are interested in this seminar, you can contact us by writing to : Floriane Caravatta or by telephone at: +33 (0)1 34 08 31 66

Participants are invited to stay at the ATD Quart Monde International Centre at Méry sur Oise just north of Paris. This allows everyone to explore different fields of investigation and diverse disciplines. Prices of registration and accommodation for the week (including full pension) are as follows:

• if paid by employer: 500€ (100€ per day)
• if paid personally: 125€ to 325€ according to your income
• payment of expenses at our charge on substantiated and justified request