4th National Assembly: Logistics

United for Peace and Justice

Friday, Dec. 12 – Sunday, Dec. 14, 2008

The agenda for the National Assembly is still being worked on so be sure to check the UFPJ website for updates. We will offer some workshops and skills training sessions on Friday afternoon, and the “official” opening of the assembly will be on Friday evening. The assembly will end mid-day on Sunday (the exact time remains to be set).

Location

Wyndham O’Hare Hotel – near Chicago O’Hare Airport
6810 North Mannheim Road
Rosemont, IL   60018
Phone: 847-297-1234
Fax: 847-297-5287

Who Can Attend

The UFPJ National Assembly is the highest decision-making body of the coalition. All member groups of UFPJ are urged to send one or two representatives to the assembly – one person should be designated by your group to participate in the decision-making process during the assembly.

UFPJ member groups are allocated decision-making participation as follows:

·2 per local or regional group

·2 per national organization

·1 per chapter (branch, affiliate or other subgroup) of a national organization or of UFPJ affiliates.

The assembly is open to all who agree with our outlook and vision as articulated in the Unity Statement and the Strategic Framework adopted at our last assembly. Both of these documents are being reviewed and revised, and will be discussed for adoption at the assembly.

Purpose of the National Assembly

As stated in the Structure Document of United for Peace and Justice, the Peace and Justice Assembly will meet at least every 18 months and is responsible for:

* Setting overall political direction and priorities of UFPJ

* Electing the Steering Committee

* Facilitating movement-building connections

* Reviewing and evaluating the work of UFPJ as a whole

Registration Fee

Assembly Registration Fee - $145
(Includes 5 meals, assembly packet and other materials)

Early Registration Fee - $115
(If you register anytime before November 1st

Late Registration Fee - $165
(If you register anytime after December 5th)

Youth/Students/Low Income - $75

One-Day Registration Fee (Friday or Sunday) - $50

One-Day Registration Fee (Saturday) - $90

Registration Cancellation

If you are unable to participate in the assembly after registering, we will refund your registration fee less $50. We will refund your registration fee in full if your cancellation is due to our inability to provide childcare or Spanish translation.

Hotel Accommodations

We have been able to arrange an excellent price for assembly participants who will be staying at the hotel. The discounted room rate is $79 per night (plus tax). Each room contains two double beds and the price is  the same no matter how many people stay in the room.­

Each person needs to make her or his hotel reservations directly with the hotel, not through UFPJ. Do this by calling the Wyndham Hotel at 800-WYNDHAM, or at 847-297-1234. Be sure to tell them you are with United for Peace and Justice to receive the discounted rate of $79.

This discounted rate is guaranteed until November 21, 2008. Reservations after this date will be based on room availability.

The hotel does have Internet access which is free in the guest rooms, but you have to sign up for this in advance. When you make your reservation be sure to ask the hotel about this.

The hotel is a five minute trip from the airport, and the hotel provides free shuttle service from O'Hare 24 hours a day.

Hotel amenities include an indoor swimming pool, gym, three restaurants and two lounges, as well as an outdoor garden.

People With Disabilities

The hotel has a limited number of guest rooms that are accessible to people with disabilities. Please let the hotel know when you register if you need one. The meeting rooms are all accessible.

Child Care

If possible, we would like to provide child care. Please indicate if you need it on the registration form. We will contact you for further information no later than November 14th. If we are unable to provide child care, and that means you will not be able to participate, we will refund your registration in full. You must inform us no later than November 7th if you need child care.

Spanish Interpretation

If possible, we would like to provide live Spanish translation. Please indicate if you need it on the registration form. We will contact you for further information no later than November 14th, and if our inability to provide translations means that you will not be able to participate, we will refund your registration in full.

Tabling

Tables to distribute literature or sell merchandise are available for rent:

$30 for table to distribute free literature

$50 for table to sell merchandise

You may also rent half a table for half the fee. We will match you with another organization. To sign up for a table, indicate your interest on the Assembly registration form.

Transportation

If you are interested in driving and can either offer a seat in your vehicle or are looking for others to drive with you, check out our ride board.

From O’Hare Airport: Go to the BusShuttleCenter, Door #1. Take the Wyndham shuttle to (or from) the hotel at no charge.

From Midway Airport:

1. Elevated train (“El”) -- $2 regular/$.85 seniors/disabled. Take the orange line to Clark/Lake then the blue line to O’Hare. Then take the shuttle per above. Approximately one hour and 20 minutes.

2. Omega shuttle bus -- http://www.omegashuttle.com. Leaves every hour on the hour from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m, arrives 50-60 minutes later. Go out door 3 and get the bus in the middle lane.

3. Taxi – we are not sure of the cost, but it is not cheap! Approximately 50-60 minutes.

For answers to Frequently Asked Questions about the National Assembly, please click here.