Theme: Braiding our Interconnected Futures
“The trees act not as individuals, but somehow as a collective. Exactly how they do this, we don’t yet know. But what we see is the power of unity. What happens to one happens to us all. We can starve together or feast together. All flourishing is mutual.”
(Robin Wall Kimmerer, Braiding Sweetgrass)
Our theme explores the intricacies of braiding, and we invite all members of the community to consider our individual and collective relationships to people, spaces, technology, and the natural world.
What innovative insights emerge when diverse fields intertwine their expertise for mutual benefit? How do shared stories and traditions create opportunities for reciprocal cultural exchange? How can we build networks of support and solidarity across different social justice movements? How are our identities both distinct and intertwined to form a stronger, cohesive self? How do we define, understand, and connect the strands from various sectors, cultures, ways of being, and ways of knowing in our community?
In coming together, we honor the individual, the collective, and deep collaboration.
In alignment with the overall theme, we encourage and will prioritize proposals that bring together multiple disciplines, contexts, conversations, perspectives, experiences, and creative expressions.
Proposals for Claiming Williams 2025 are due December 2, 2024.
There will be a catered workshop and information session to get support, be it logistics or just someone to bounce ideas off of, on Monday, November 25, 2024 at the new Davis Center Main Hall/”Big Room,” from 12pm to 2pm, just drop in with your questions or ideas…and if you’re looking for inspiration, the CW team will have plenty of event ideas to share…
The Claiming Williams Steering Committee reviews proposals and provides logistical and (occasionally) financial support for activities that become part of Claiming Williams Day. These events should somehow relate to the 2025 theme of Claiming Williams, “Braiding our Interconnected Futures” and may involve artists, speakers, performers, and facilitators from many fields (literature, athletics, theater, art, politics, and others), both from within and outside the Williams community. (For examples of past proposals and events, see Archives.)
How to submit your proposal
Fill out the form, and the committee will review your proposal. The committee may have questions or suggestions for your event. Events are only open to the Williams community unless otherwise specified.
Claiming Williams occasionally supports events that occur at times other than Claiming Williams Day. Contact the Claiming Williams co-chairs to find out if we can support your event.