Why a convention?

Taking a cue from Wiscon, the world’s leading feminist science fiction convention, we are looking to create a space in which leftists can discuss politics and speculative fiction in an intelligent, engaging, and fun fashion. There will be multiple tracks of programming that seek to expand the boundaries of typical discussions. We want to explore issues of oppressive hierarchies, confronting topics of race, gender, sexuality, class and more. We have a lot of great ideas for a thoughtful and challenging weekend of radical politics and fiction, so we hope to see you come!

Think Galacticon 2009: June 26-28 at Roosevelt University in downtown Chicago, Illinois

(430 S Michigan Ave)

Convention panels and events list
Information about free childcare, food, tabling/vending opportunities, and more

Our statement on race, privilege, and convention expectations, along with some suggested readings on these topics.

Think Galacticon’s policies

Featured guests: Eleanor Arnason is a science fiction author who brings politics into her writing in thoughtful and engaging ways. Her works are subtlely complex explorations of how cultures engage with colonialism, gender, and sexuality, and the compromises individuals must make to find their place within them. Her first novel, The Sword Smith, was published in 1978 and she is the author of four other novels and numerous short stories. She is the winner of the Homer Award, the Gaylactic Spectrum Award, the Mythopoeic Award, and the very first James Tiptree, Jr. Award—an award for “gender-bending” science fiction. Check out her blog at eleanorarnason.blogspot.com.

Josh MacPhee is an artist, activist, and sci-fi fan. He made his first political zine in high school and has been engaged in activist projects ever since. He is the author of Stencil Pirates: A Global Study of the Street and editor of Realizing the Impossible: Art Against Authority. He has curated numerous art shows focusing on political art, most recently Paper Politics, which has been touring the US since 2004, and is the founder of Just Seeds—a collectively run distribution system for getting radical art projects out to the public. Josh was an early supporter of the Think Galactic reading group and was there when it all began. Check out some of his amazing artwork and the People’s History poster series at justseeds.org.

Lodging You may also wish to keep an eye on the Think Galactic LiveJournal Community for updates and other news. Need roommates? Post there!

Greening the convention We have tried to make the convention as environmentally sustainable as possible by reducing our carbon footprint. Some things that will have the greatest impact are:

• For our posters, postcards, and program book, we used an award-winning, local green printer. All items were Printed green using petroleum free, toxin free, 100% vegetable based materials and recycled paper.
• We will not provide individual water bottles in the Consuite; instead, we will have pitchers of water and cups available.
• Since travel is the largest contributor to our carbon footprint, one way you can help us make the convention more sustainable right now is by reducing or offsetting your travel to the convention. If you are traveling by car, try to carpool. You can post a ride share notice on our LJ-you’ll reduce your footprint and meet new people! Taking the Metra, Amtrak, or Megabus to the convention is a great option if you live outside of Chicago. If you are local, take public transit or ride your bike.

Here are some ways you can reduce your carbon footprint this weekend:

• Instead of using multiple disposable cups throughout the weekend, bring your own reuseable cup or water bottle.
• Bring your own bag to carry all the goodies you pick up at the Bazaar.
• While checking out the Bazaar tables, take only the number of flyers you need, and sign up for electronic delivery if possible.
• Of course, this is just a small list and there is lots more to be done! Please send us your comments and suggestions.