From July 18th -24th student delegates from all over the world representing twelve colleges and universities took part in the first annual SWA International Convention which was held at California Polytechnic State University in San Luis Obispo. The Convention, which was the pinnacle moment of SWA’s first year of operation, provided a unique opportunity for students to engage in true, interactive democracy. After listening to expert testimonies on War and Environmental Sustainability, the two issues that were previously selected by the general membership through online voting, delegates deliberated and discussed possible resolutions. The students also emphasized the necessity of taking positive and peaceful action in order to meet the goals of the adopted resolutions. Additionally, three committees were formed among the delegates to address the organizational structure of SWA, including guidelines and operational procedures, membership campaigns, and issue selection and deliberation.

Throughout the week, the delegates were able to interact with invited guests, SWA staff, and Mr. Paul Raynault, the founder of SWA. Moreover, delegates were able to create close personal and professional relationships with each other through the various planned activities, which included a game of soccer on the beach, a scavenger hunt at the Farmer’s Market in downtown San Luis Obispo, an evening at the Russian National Orchestra, and line dancing in one of San Luis Obispo’s finest country music clubs.

Resolutions

These resolutions have been formally adopted by SWA on the issues of Global Environmental Sustainability and War, along with strategies of how to implement the resolutions.

1.  Global Environmental Sustainability

Resolution and Strategies for Implementation (Ideas)

2.  War

Resolution and Strategies for Implementation (Ideas)

Committee Decisions

Each of the Committees discussed different policies and procedures for the upcoming year. The Committee resolutions that were discussed and passed by delegates can be found by clicking one of the links below.

• Membership and Publicity Committee

• Convention and Event Planning Committee

• Issues and Campaigns Committee

Additionally, all the Committee literature is available to download here.

To learn more about 2004 convention delegates click here.

During the Convention, different speakers gave lectures on a variety of topics.  Some of the presentations are available for download by clicking on the speaker's topic.  You can find about more about a speaker by clicking on their name.

1.  Bud Evans - Democracy Lecture Series.
2.  Dwight Collins - Global Environmental Sustain. MsPPT(2.6 MB)  PDF(3.83 MB)
3.  Mark Lupisella - Weapons in Space.  MsPPT(167 KB)  PDF(809 KB)

News Releases

Not only was the SWA in the news after the Convention but during it as well. Local reporters covered the Convention through newspaper articles and news broadcasts during the week after seeing first hand the work being done by the delegates.