Introduction: This conference is organised by the International Society for Third-Sector Research (ISTR). ISTR is at the forefront of researching the third sector in relation to its role in international development. ISTR promotes high quality research and education on third sector’s theories and politics. The Society aims to enhance the dissemination and application of knowledge about the third sector and to facilitate collaborative research initiatives. The Society organises several conferences and workshops throughout the year and in different locations to gather academics and practitioners and to reflect upon the most urgent issues faced by the third sector. This 11th conference will take place in the University of Muenster in July 2014. The conference aims to bring together over 600 individuals working in university and in the NGO sector to foster a productive discussion.
Objectives: The focus of the 2014 conference is on the citizens. Considering the increasing number of protests and upheavals around the globe, this conference aims to reflect upon the role of civil society in responding to citizens’ claims and also in offering strategies to negotiate citizens’ demands with governmental directories. Among main themes, the conference aims to discuss the role of protest movements, the role of civil society in the context of revolutionary developments, the contribution of civil society to policy making, and theoretical frameworks and boundaries of civil society.
Venue: The University of Muenster
Dates: 22-25 July 2014
Eligibility: Contributions are sought from all disciplines and also form practitioners carrying out research in and with the sector. The call for papers can be found here
Why it is important for NGOs to attend it: To attend conferences offers the opportunity to exchange ideas with academics and other practitioners interested in research. If your organisation is also involved in research, international conferences offer a great opportunity to discuss your findings and also to receive feedback from senior researchers. Crucially, to participate in international conferences will also increase the visibility of your organisation and it will encourage new collaborations also with research centres and academic institutions.
Fees: ISTR Member $400, ISTR Student Member $250, Non-member $750. No bursaries are advertised. Fees do not include accommodation or catering during the conference (information about Muenster and how to travel there can be found here
Application deadlines: The deadline to submit a proposal is 25 October 2013. Proposals will be assessed and final participants chosen by January 2014. Presenters must register to the conference by March 31, 2014 via the online registration system.
How to apply: Visit and click “submit a proposal”. You will be asked to provide your personal details, a working title for your paper, and also an abstract (500 to 800 words).
Consider than beside proposing a paper, you can also propose a panel (with at least 3 papers) and a poster presentation (clarify what you are applying for in your proposal).
Additional information can be found in the conference’s website here
