View source for Big Tent for Social Change (32)

When separate groups work on social issues without learning of what
similar groups are doing on related issues, opportunities for
exchanging ideas are lost. Historically it has been difficult to bring
diverse groups together to discuss and mobilize on social issues of
shared concern. Worse, groups that should be working together have a
tendency to argue fiercely over philosophical or other points of
disagreement, thus making collaboration nearly impossible.
Bringing groups together in a big tent where a multiplicity of
perspectives is encouraged fosters numerous opportunities for
discussion of solutions to social problems and sharing of ideas that
help other groups working on the same or similar issues. Those who
attend a Big Tent event like the World Social Forum certainly have a
better understanding of the enormity of the world!s problems but also
can begin to entertain some cautious optimism. Airing the problems of
the world with dedicated people who are working to create "another
world" that is more equitable, sustainable, and peaceful than our
current world is a necessary step in the solution of these problems.