What is MOVE?
MOVE 2017 is a first-of-its-kind national gathering of Arab Americans that will convene people representing various fields, interests and perspectives to discuss the most pressing issues facing our community. Produced by ACCESS, the nation’s largest Arab American organization, and its three national institutions – the Arab American National Museum (AANM), the National Network for Arab American Communities (NNAAC) and the Center for Arab American Philanthropy (CAAP) – this two-day convening will leverage our diverse experiences and provide space for artists, activists, scholars, philanthropists, organizations and others from the Arab American community to connect, learn and exchange ideas. Merging and building on AANM’s biennial DIWAN: A Forum for the Arts, NNAAC’s Arab American Summit, and CAAP’s philanthropic leadership, MOVE 2017 will encourage attendees to explore intersectionality in a safe environment that is conducive to networking, discovery and the facilitation of critical conversations on a wide range of issues impacting our community. Join us as we work to Mobilize, Organize, Vocalize, and Empower Arab Americans.
It will take place in Dearborn, MI on November 16 – 18, 2017.
What is the theme of MOVE 2017?
The theme of this year’s event is An Arab American Summit to Advance Social Change. The theme emerged from the frightening normalization of hate-speech and demonizing rhetoric against immigrants, refugees, Muslims and virtually anyone perceived to be of Arab descent. There is a renewed need to unite in solidarity, to elevate the Arab American voice and to take a stand on what matters most: instilling a sense of belonging for all Americans, including Arab Americans, upholding the ideals of our country such as equality, liberty and democracy and creating an equal opportunity to find success, regardless of faith or background. MOVE will provide an opportunity for stakeholders from all of ACCESS’ national institutions to connect and form relationships, dialogue with and learn from one another about the most pressing issues facing the community, and identify areas where their work intersects.
What happened to DIWAN and the NNAAC Summit?
Over the last 11 years, the AANM has gathered hundreds of artists and community members through its biennial DIWAN: A Forum for the Arts. Similarly, NNAAC has convened its members and others in the Arab American community for conversation, learning, networking, and strategizing. This year, DIWAN and the NNAAC summit are joining CAAP at MOVE for an unprecedented cross-sector gathering of Arab American artists, activists, and philanthropists. Each institution will still be strongly represented through specific tracks that relate to each discipline and through plenary speakers that highlight the ways in which these disciplines intersect and can work together. MOVE offers attendees a more comprehensive forum exploring the state of Arab America by merging discussion centered on art with advocacy and other timely issues impacting Arab American communities.
Who should come to MOVE?
MOVE is open to Arab Americans and allies interested in the arts, advocacy, philanthropy, and organizational development/capacity building. MOVE is also open to high school aged-youth. In short, MOVE is open to anyone interested in working together to impact social change as a community.
ACCESS and its national institutions strive to create a safe environment where all participants feel welcome. We do not tolerate behavior, language, and/or literature that is hurtful to other conference participants. This includes non-consensual physical contact and remarks that discriminate against race, ethnicity, religion, age, size, appearance, gender, sexual expression and/or orientation, physical ability, or mental competence.
How can I attend MOVE?
Anyone interested in attending MOVE should register here by November 10. Registration fees are as follows:
Registration Rates
| Registration Type | EXTENDED TO APRIL 7!! - Early Bird Rate (Ends March 31) | Regular Rate (Ends April 20) |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Attendee | $300 | $400 |
| Daily Rate (Thursday with the ACCESS Dinner) | $250 | $300 |
| Daily Rate (Thursday without the ACCESS Dinner) | $150 | $200 |
| Daily Rate (Friday) | $150 | $200 |
| Student | $100 | $100 |
| AANM Member | $250 | $350 |
| NNAAC Member | $250 | $350 |
| Onsite Rate | --- | $500 |
What can I expect at MOVE?
The three days of MOVE will be packed with programming including:
- Over 30 breakout sessions in the tracks of DIWAN (arts), philanthropy, advocacy, organizational development, and building youth leadership. For more information about breakout sessions, click here.
- Dynamic keynote speakers and plenary sessions that will address the many intersections between the arts, advocacy, and philanthropy and the most important issues facing the Arab American community.
- A Thursday night welcome reception at the Arab American National Museum followed by tours of significant locations in Dearborn or Detroit.
- A Friday night signature event with dinner and drinks at an iconic Detroit location followed by the world premiere of the AANM’s Egyptian silent film project whose score will be provided by the National Arab Orchestra. For more information about the signature event.
- A MOVE lounge where attendees can recharge (both themselves and their devices), have some coffee or snacks, network, catch up on email, or just relax for a bit.
- An exhibitor space with vendors selling their products and organizations advertising their services. For more information about exhibitors, including how to become an exhibitor, click here.
Will lodging and transportation be provided?
We will coordinate shuttles between MOVE venues. Any additional transportation costs, including transportation to and from the airport, will be the responsibility of attendees.
There is a MOVE room block at the Dearborn Inn in Dearborn, MI. Room costs will be the responsibility of MOVE attendees. More information about lodging and travel can be found here.
What will the weather be like?
Michigan weather can be very unpredictable! The average high in November is 47 degrees, and the average low is 32. In December, the average high is 34 degrees and the average low is 22. However, it could be either significantly warmer or significantly colder than this. It could be 60 degrees on Thursday and 30 on Friday. We may also have snow. Check the weather as the event approaches, and bring layers and warm clothes just in case.
Aside from travel between venues, nearly all of MOVE programming will take place indoors, so the weather should not be too much of a concern. However, sometimes the temperature inside conference venues can also be unpredictable, so we recommend bringing a sweater or jacket so you don’t get too cold in your breakout sessions.
Is there a dress code?
We recommend business casual throughout the MOVE summit, but ultimately you should dress in a way that makes you feel comfortable. Bring comfy shoes and some layers (scarf, jacket, sweater) in case it gets cold in your breakout sessions.