Further Questions? feel free to send us an e-mail: throughtheportal2024 [at] gmail.com
What is Through The Portal: Growing The World We Want?
Through the Portal: Growing the World We Want is a pivotal gathering that will bring a thousand scholars, activists, and artists converge in Chicago to culminate the Portal Project—a two-year, movement-driven symposium has ignited debates, dialogue, and collective envisioning on critical questions of justice, power, solidarity, and change. Speakers will analyze the current situations on the ground in Palestine, South Africa, and Brazil, as well as offer frameworks for responding to the current injustices plaguing higher education, from attacks on CRT, Black, and Queer Studies, to spiraling student debt, to the exploitation of campus labor, and increased repression of dissent.
Why Chicago?
Chicago has a rich history of freedom struggles and freedom-making work. It has been the site of social and political movements that have shaped the city, the nation, and beyond. From the tumultuous labor strikes of the late 19th century, such as the pivotal Haymarket Affair in 1886 that won the eight hour work day, to the profound contributions of the Civil Rights Movement and the Black Panther Party in the mid-20th century, Chicago has been at the forefront of advocating for workers’ rights, racial justice, and social equity.
Directions, Parking, and Public Transit
This conference is generally happening on or near UIC’s Campus in the City of Chicago, just west and south of Downtown Chicago. UIC sits among many culturally rich neighborhoods, such as Greektown, South Loop, West Loop, Pilsen, Little Italy, and Chinatown. The exact addresses for conference locations will be shared with registrants.
Driving Directions: UIC is located very close to the Jane Byrne Interchange, where the Dan Ryan (I-94), Kennedy (I-90 E), Eisenhower (I-290), and Stevenson (I-55) meet.
Parking: Parking will be available for a special flat fee near conference sites for conference attendees. The exact location and details will be shared with registrants.
Public Transit: Several fully ADA-compliant public Transportation options serve UIC’s campus: Chicago Transit Authority (e.g., Blue Line, Pink Line, Halsted Bus, Roosevelt Bus), Metra (Halsted Stop between 15th and 18th St), and several rideshare scooter and bike options.
What will the weather be like in Chicago during the conference?
September in Chicago marks the arrival of autumn, bringing milder yet still pleasant weather compared to the summer months. The average daily temperature in September is around 61 degrees. We recommend bringing a jacket to stay comfortable.
Program
Where can I find the program for Through the Portal: Growing the World We Want?
TBA
What will we do at Through the Portal: Growing the World We Want?
Through the Portal will bring together 1,000 activists, scholars, and artists alongside a robust lineup of international voices—all committed to social justice. Our goal? To facilitate conversations, debates, and collaborations that pave the way to a more just and liberatory world.
Event Highlights
- Join a diverse assembly of scholars, activists, and artists to engage in critical dialogues on justice, power, and change.
- Dive into discussions on pressing global issues with notable speakers, including Angela Y. Davis, Hon. Cori Bush, Democracy Now! co-anchors Amy Goodman and Juan Gonzalez, and many more.
- Participate in sessions addressing the current injustices in education, systemic racism, the threat of fascism, and the need for economic democracy.
- Join a special live-streamed pre-conference conversation with Pulitzer-prize-winning author Viet Thanh Nguyen.
Registration and logistics
Where can I register for Through the Portal: Growing the World We Want?
Thanks to strong interest in SJI’s Through the Portal conference, registration has reached capacity and is now closed.
If you’d like to join our waitlist to register for the conference, please sign up here.
If space opens up due to cancellations, we will contact you with more information on how to sign up to attend Through The Portal in Chicago, September 20-22, 2024.
How much does attending Through the Portal: Growing the World We Want cost?
To secure your spot at this groundbreaking event, please register by the deadline of August 4, 2024. Space is limited, so register early.
We are committed to making the convening accessible. To this end, we offer a tiered payment structure as follows:
- Solidarity Rate: $240 (Support others wishing to attend the conference)
- Early Bird – Standard Rate: $75 (Available only until August 19th)
- Early Bird – Reduced Rate: $45 (Available only until August 19th)
- Standard Rate: $140 (Standard full conference rate for tickets purchased after August 19th)
- Reduced Rate: $75 (Subsidized conference rate for tickets purchased after August 19th)
- Fixed Income/Student: $25 (subsidized rate for those on very limited incomes and students)
- UIC Affiliate: Free (Must provide NetID)
Are there special waivers or discount codes?
If the registration fee hinders participation, please contact us at info@throughtheportal2024.com for information on special waivers and discount codes. We believe in inclusivity and want to ensure no one is left behind.
Is there a discount for people affiliated with UIC?
UIC affiliates can attend this conference free of charge; you must provide a NetID.
What if I need to cancel?
The deadline for refundable registrations (minus 5%) is September 4, 2024
Is there conference-specific lodging?
Yes. We have secured a limited block of rooms at a local hotel. Once you register, you will receive more information about lodging.
Meals
Your registration includes breakfast and lunch for all three days of the convening, ensuring you stay fueled and ready to engage. Additionally, we are excited to host a special event dinner (open to registrants only) at a unique local venue. This event will offer a unique opportunity for networking and relaxation and a special cultural performance with Jamila Woods and Taina Asili. Vegetarian and vegan options are available. When you register, you must indicate if you plan to attend the Friday evening conference dinner for a nominal additional fee.
Will there be childcare?
Yes, limited childcare will be available near the conference site for children between the ages of 5 and 12 years old during limited daytime conference hours. Please indicate your interest and needs when registering (so that we may contact you with additional information closer to the event, once we have confirmed our number of participants.
NOTE: Childcare access is first-come, first served and priority will be given to those who indicate their need on the registration forms prior to August 4th.
Accessibility
Is the event space accessible for people with physical disabilities?
We are committed to making “Through the Portal” an accessible and inclusive event for everyone. The primary venue has elevators, ramps, and designated rest areas. All areas, including breakout session rooms and restrooms, are ADA-compliant and wheelchair accessible. Most, not all, restrooms do have doors with automatic buttons. There is a mix of group restrooms and single-occupancy privacy restrooms that are gender-neutral. There will be dedicated space for breastfeeding or pumping, but attendees needing this space must indicate that during registration. All venues are serviced by public transit utilizing ADA-compliant buses and trains with ramps and elevators.
Will there be accessible transportation options available?
If you require accessible transportation, please contact us at throughtheportal2024@gmail.com.
What types of bathroom facilities will be available?
Our venue has multiple restroom options to accommodate our attendees’ diverse needs, including ADA stalls, gender-neutral restrooms, and single-stall restrooms for privacy.
Are there facilities for breastfeeding or pumping?
Yes, we will provide a private, comfortable space for breastfeeding or pumping, equipped with refrigeration facilities for milk storage. Please make sure to note this as an accommodation request when you register.
What are the parking arrangements? Is there free or disabled parking available?
UIC offers ample paid parking on campus near the conference locations (approximately $10 flat fee for conference participants), including designated ADA parking spots. We will also highlight nearby parking options for off-campus sites. Detailed parking information, including location and cost, will be shared with registrants before the event.
Can you explain the scent-free policy?
To ensure the comfort and safety of all participants, especially those with chemical sensitivities, we request that attendees refrain from wearing scented products. This includes perfumes, colognes, scented lotions, and other fragrances.
Will there be language interpreters available at the event?
Yes, we will provide professional interpreters for Spanish and, if requested, (CART) and American Sign Language (ASL) to ensure all attendees can fully participate in the convening.
We are committed to making “Through the Portal” an inclusive, accessible event. If you have any additional questions or specific accessibility needs, please don’t hesitate to contact us at throughtheportal2024@gmail.com. Your comfort and full participation are our top priorities.
Safety and Security
Metal detectors and bag search
As a matter of university policy, all “Through the Portal” conference attendees to the main conference venue must go through a metal detector and may have their bags searched by campus security upon entering the main building.
COVID mitigation
Community care emphasizes the inherent value of each person and the importance of taking actions that affirm this value.
Masking and testing are practical steps that significantly reduce the risk of virus transmission. They protect attendees, particularly those more susceptible to adverse health outcomes.
Without proper COVID-19 mitigation, individuals at higher risk may be forced to exclude themselves from participation to protect their health, leading to inequitable access to opportunities for engagement, networking, and learning. To transform society, we must create welcoming and safe environments where all participants can engage fully and authentically. Fostering a stronger sense of belonging and community means making a collective effort to protect one another.
What are the COVID-19 mitigation policies for Through the Portal: Growing the World We Want?
We are implementing COVID-19 mitigation measures as part of our commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of all participants at the “Through the Portal” convening.
Pre-Arrival Testing
We strongly encourage all attendees to take a COVID-19 test before traveling to Chicago. This step is crucial in ensuring your safety and that of other participants.
Masks Indoors
For the safety of all participants, masks are required in all indoor spaces throughout the convening, except when eating and drinking. Please bring your own N-95/KN95 masks, although a limited supply will be available on-site for those who need them.