Next System Studies invites students, faculty, staff, and community members to submit programming for the Next System Teach-In at GMU, happening in April 2027.
If we face our social, political, economic, and ecological crises with the urgency they demand, we can create a world that is truly democratic, sustainable, and just. Next System Teach-Ins bring us together — on college campuses, in neighborhood centers, union halls, and public spaces — united in the work of building a system that sustains the future we all deserve.
Teach-ins transform campuses into public fora where students, faculty, and community members take collective responsibility for community, national, and global issues. They combine large-scale gatherings with smaller, intensive workshops, and they focus on producing knowledge for use by participants as members of an organized, politicized campus community. To shape the world we want, we must grapple with existing structures and develop systemic solutions through collective action.
LOOKING BACK AT 2025
Last November, GMU was one of 11 sites across the Americas that hosted a Next System Teach-In. Hundreds of students, faculty, staff, and community members participated in events organized by Next System Studies and our many partners — from a book launch with affiliated faculty, to discussions with artists in residence, to GMU's participation in a national higher education day of action, to panel discussions on the crisis of the world system and what to do about it here at George Mason. The energy, passion, and critical conversations confirmed that another world is not only possible, she is on her way.
Read the full recap: https://nextsystem.gmu.edu/articles/22850
CALL FOR PROPOSALS
We're seeking sessions, workshops, panels, performances, trainings, and other formats. Sessions are self-organized: each host plans their own topic, format, timing, and participants.
What we provide: community engagement and publicity, coalition-building space, framing and context, and a platform.
What you provide: organization and planning for your session, including programming, participants, and logistics.
Submit a proposal: https://forms.gle/ZfvR6dhx9ws4d8618
A working title and a few sentences is plenty. Rough ideas are welcome, nothing needs to be finalized yet.
WANT TO LEARN MORE FIRST?
Coalition meeting: October 7 at 4:30 PM. Email ggonza6@gmu.edu to receive the location and agenda.
One-on-one: Email ggonza6@gmu.edu to set up a 30-minute info session.
GET INVOLVED
Community members, colleagues, and organizations who might want to host a session are welcome to get involved. For questions, contact ggonza6@gmu.edu.