[Commlist] CFP Imagining possible futures

In response to several requests, we have decided to extend the deadline 
for abstract submissions for the international conference /Imagining 
possible futures/. *The new deadline is February 16*.


*****

Call for Papers

*Imagining **possible futures:*

*Multidisciplinary engagements with access, **agency and participation*

University of Jyväskylä, Finland, June 17–19, 2024

Keynote speakers: Luci Pangrazio (Deakin University, Melbourne), Kaarina 
Nikunen (University of Tampere) and Veli-Matti Karhulahti (University of 
Jyväskylä)

“When I find myself in times of trouble, Mother Mary comes to me. 
Speaking words of wisdom, let it be.”

It is hard to think of a more appropriate term than "times of trouble" 
to describe the current era of uncertainties, environmental crises, 
pandemic, wars, uncontrolled technological disruption, and political 
radicalization. Paul McCartney apparently had a clear plan for turbulent 
times: just let it be. Such a stance, however, is not the only possible 
one – neither the recommended default choice.

The future is not fixed nor predetermined. Instead, it is something 
created through political choices on both micro and macro levels. While 
the decision not to act (or let things just be) leaves the space open 
for other agents to push forward their imaginaries, desires, and 
ambitions, sometimes doing nothing is doing a lot. That said, imagining 
alone is not enough, and not all people share equal opportunities for 
forging their futures. Indeed, there have been cautions against the 
magic of voluntarism, that is, the imaginary belief that we can solve 
all our problems through acts of individual will, casting aside any 
collective critique of the system in which we find ourselves. However, 
the ability to imagine – think differently – is a prerequisite for 
seeing and seeking alternatives.

The conference welcomes theoretical, empirical and practical 
contributions. Contribution types include individual papers, thematic 
symposia, hands-on workshops and roundtable discussions. In your 
contribution, you may consider the following questions but are not 
limited to them:

·How are you currently positioned to cultivate hope and to imagine 
possible futures at your work?

·What kinds of engagement with multimodal realities do we envisage for 
communication?

·How could (multi)literacy be connected to hope and imagining?

·How to reach those who choose to “let it be”?

·Who has the right and power to imagine and forge their past, present 
and future?

·How to shake structures to create space for hope?

*Key dates*

*Extended d**eadline*for all proposals *16.2.2024*

Notes of acceptance and registration opens *15.3.2024*

Presenters’ registration ends *30.4.2024*

Early bird registration ends *30.4.2024*

For more information, please visit the conference website 
<https://www.jyu.fi/en/congress/imagining-possible-futures>or contact us 
by email <mailto:(multileap /at/ jyu.fi)>.

/Looking forward to seeing you in Jyväskylä! Please share this 
invitation widely!/

The MultiLEAP organizing team:
Sari Sulkunen (chair)

Maija Lappalainen (conference secretary)

Terhi Paakkinen (conference secretary)

Päivi Iikkanen

Reeta Karjalainen

Tero Karttula

Pekka Mertala

Tarja Nikula-Jäntti

Anne Pitkänen-Huhta

Marko Siitonen

Niina Sormanen

Karoliina Talvitie-Lamberg

Mirja Tarnanen

/The conference is organized by //MultiLEAP, a multidisciplinary 
researcher community at the University of Jyväskylä. MultiLEAP examines 
the uses, practices and modes of multiliteracies, emerging at the 
interfaces of the contexts of education, free time and working life with 
particular emphasis on access, participation, equity, agency, and 
well-being./

---------------
The COMMLIST
---------------
This mailing list is a free service offered by Nico Carpentier. Please use it responsibly and wisely.
--
To subscribe or unsubscribe, please visit http://commlist.org/
--
Before sending a posting request, please always read the guidelines at http://commlist.org/
--
To contact the mailing list manager:
Email: (nico.carpentier /at/ commlist.org)
URL: http://nicocarpentier.net
---------------