[sustran] Towards Carfree Cities VIII -- Call for Proposals

[Eleanor Blue]

Greetings!

In June of 2008 Portland, Oregon, USA will host an international conference
on the future of urban transportation and livability.  The eighth annual
conference of the World Carfree Network is titled "Towards Carfree Cities:
Rethinking Mobility, Rediscovering Proximity".

We are currently soliciting presenters from around the world on this theme
and urge you and your colleagues to submit a proposal.  Please see the
proposal description below, or visit our website
http://www.carfreeportland.org for more information and to download a PDF
version of Call for Proposals.

Sincerely,
Elly Blue
Conference Organizer
portland at worldcarfree.net


TOWARDS CARFREE CITIES VIII, JUNE 16-20, PORTLAND, OREGON, USA

CALL FOR PROGRAM PROPOSALS

The Towards Carfree Cities conference series brings together people from
around the world who are promoting practical alternatives to car dependence.
Professionals, activists, and community leaders alike will share how they
have been building sustainable transportation systems and promoting the
transformation of cities, towns and villages into human-scaled environments
rich in public space and community life.

As a part of the carfree movement, the conference seeks to find creative,
practical solutions to the environmental, economic, community, and public
health problems that arise from car-oriented urban policies, culture, and
development.  It looks to promote local, diverse, and sustainable
neighborhoods that are accessible and pleasurable to everyone in the
community.

This year's conference theme is "Rethinking mobility, rediscovering
proximity." The theme is intended to promote discussion of urban livability,
mixed-use development, local agriculture, pedestrian safety, strong
neighborhoods, accessible public space, and sustainable transportation.

PROPOSALS SOLICITED

World Carfree Network and Shift are now seeking program proposals on the
theme of "Rethinking Mobility, Rediscovering Proximity". Proposals are
requested in the following categories:

    * Research abstracts
    * Presentations of programs (eg, government, non-profit, or private
sector initiatives)
    * Presentations of World Carfree Network members' organizational
activities
    * Panelists on the following topics: a) alternatives to the private
automobile; b) closures of parks or city streets to cars, c) carfree towns,
housing developments, or shopping districts; d) experiences of carfree
individuals and families, e) World Carfree Day events
    * Interactive workshops, activities, and tours
    * Films
    * Works of art

Proposals of 1-2 pages in length, in English, shall include a title and
description of the proposed activity, any equipment, time, or space
requirements, relevant personal information or experience, and full contact
details. Discounted entry for presenters. Send all proposals and questions
to proposals at carfreeportland.org or mail to: Shift, PO Box 6662, Portland OR
97228 USA by December 15, 2007. See www.carfreeportland.org for further
details about the conference.