Free University of Bellingen: 2011

Manifesto of Free Universities

What is the Free University of Bellingen (FUB)?

➢ It is an independent forum for learning that is open and free to everyone. In contrast to the instrumental and outcome driven concerns in today’s university system, the FUB celebrates the high intrinsic value of learning for its own sake and especially as a means of promoting vibrant, democratic citizenship.

➢ Inspired by the Slow/Free University of Warsaw and the Free University of Melbourne, the FUB opposes the rigid and mechanized approaches to teaching and learning, and instead promotes dialogue, discussion and reflection on issues relevant to improving the quality of everyday life in Australia and beyond. Through regular forums, spontaneous encounters and occasional dialogistic marketplaces (rather than conferences), the FUB seeks to draw on the knowledge, passion, energy and creative instincts of all those participating in such events.

➢ In the FUB there are no expected inputs and outcomes, no formal aims, objectives, assessment items, graduate attributes; and no sign of line-managers, quality assurance officials or teaching and learning experts. What we are about is promoting citizenship through dialogue, informed debate, peace, rights, justice and sustainability, and above all, the sheer joy of nomadic freedom and public intellectualism.

"For apart from inquiry, apart from the praxis, individuals cannot be truly human. Knowledge emerges only through invention and re-invention, through the restless, impatient, continuing, hopeful inquiry human beings pursue in the world, with the world, and with each other."
— Paulo Freire (Pedagogy of the Oppressed)

Wednesday, 30 November 2011

Cancellation of event on 15 December 2011

The Free University of Bellingen seminar scheduled for 15 December has been canceled. We intend to run the seminar in late January or early February. Please keep an eye on future FUB emails. Sincere apologies to all those who hoped to attend the seminar.

Wishing you all an enjoyable and peaceful festive season.

Best wishes,

Richard

Effects of Global Financial Crisis on communities

Saturday, 15 October 2011

Achieving Food Sovereignty - Nick Rose Thursday 27 October 2011

Nick Rose will explore the issues of Food Sovereignty

Thursday, 22 September 2011

Has zombification spread through Australian universities? Sunday 9 October 2011

The next conversation is on Sunday 9 October 2011

Tuesday, 20 September 2011

Future Events

Events being planned for the future

Food Sovereignity

Sociocide in Iraq

Wikileaks unplugged

Don't mention the war
Australian hypocrisy over refugees

Where and when?
All events to take place at the 241 Lodge Cafe, Bellingen (http://www.bellingen.com/thelodge/), refreshments available.

Join and/or help out
Interested in joining forces? Contact Dr Richard HIl (freeuniversityofbellingen@gmail.com)

Thursday, 11 August 2011

Sustainable Activist - Steve Biddulph 11 August 2011

About seventy people attended Steve Biddulph's discussion with Liz Routledge at the Lodge.

Beautiful music from "Trunk Road"

Thursday, 26 May 2011

Hidden Voices of War - 26 May 2011

Anthony Loewenstein and Michael Otterman

music played by Vic Manuel and Chris Judd

poetry recited by Liz Routledge