Proposals due March 1, 2009; finished papers due April 1, 2009.

The Wisconsin Institute for Peace and Conflict Studies invites college and university students from Wisconsin and surrounding states to send in submissions for its 23rd Annual Student Conference. The conference is open to students from all disciplines and seeks submissions on the theme “Building a New Earth: Pathways of Peace and Justice.” Submissions should address these related questions:

• How has our awareness of the struggles of the earth’s ecological systems affected human rights issues and our sense of justice for others around the globe?
• What do the natural and environmental sciences teach groups and individuals about the practices necessary to establish peace and justice?
• How will relationships among governments, intergovernmental organizations, NGOs, corporations and citizen activists change in order to build a world that transcends national boundaries?
• What are some innovative responses to local and global issues, such as environmental and health issues, which go beyond traditional solutions and structures?
• How have the actions of groups addressing global climate change made the earth a more peaceful and just place to live?
• What new philosophies and theologies are needed to permit peace and justice to prevail on the Planet Earth?

KEYNOTE SPEAKER: Anna Baltzer, a Jewish American woman, will present “Life in Occupied Palestine: Eyewitness Stories & Photos.” www.AnnaInTheMiddleEast.com

PAPERS: Papers for the conference should be 5-15 pages in length and based on individual or collaborative research and critical thinking. All research must be documented. Presenters will have 10-15 minutes to present a summary of their paper at the conference.

ROUNDTABLE DISCUSSIONS: Students may propose a full roundtable with at least three participants. Proposals should contain a one-page description of the issue to be discussed, as well as the names and addresses of the participants.

CREATIVE WRITING and the ARTS: Creative writing and other artistic expressions on the topic may include poems, short stories, visual art, songs, brief performance art, and theater.

SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS: Proposals for papers, roundtables, arts presentations, and persuasive speeches from college and university students can be made by mail or email and are due March 1, 2009. Students whose submissions are accepted are expected to attend the conference. Finished work to be presented at the conference must be submitted in hard copy by April 1, 2009, and should include a title, the student’s name, mailing and e-mail addresses, and phone number, and on a separate page the category of submission. Send proposals and finished work to Maggie Wentzell Ph.D., Marian Univeristy, 45 South National Ave., Fond du Lac, WI 54935. For more information, email mmwentzell40@marianuniversity.edu or call 920-923-8650. For more information on the conference, and the registration form (due April 1) please go to: http://www.marianuniversity.edu/WIPCS_2009_Student_Conference