About the Conference

What is “Why Everything Must Change”?

“Every majestic oak tree was once a nut that stood it’s ground”

We live in an ailing world.  War, inequality, environmental degradation - they’re all just symptoms of a set of more deeply engrained problems related to how we interact with our neighbors, as well as the planet as a whole.  Although the situations themselves are complex, many of the solutions are simple: all that’s required is for a few people to nurture them at a grassroots level, and wait patiently as they grow in prominence and begin to inspire others.

Renowned social anthropologist Margaret Mead once reminded us to “never doubt that a small group of thoughtful committed citizens can change the world. Indeed it’s the only thing that ever has.”  This is the attitude that inspires Why Everything Must Change (WEMC), an annual fall conference intended as a forum where participants learn about pressing social justice issues,discuss them with others, and are ultimately driven to be the change that they know the world needs.  

If apathy and self-centredness are the parasites that cause a young idea to wither, awareness and empathy are the nutrients that bolster it and make it fruitful.  Come to WEMC 2009, and learn about the foundations of social justice and global transformation. In order for a movement to thrive, it’s protagonists must consider the threats posed against it, as well as refine the strategies that will strengthen it in the long run.  This is a conference that promises to increase your understanding of the anatomy of change.