A Book Launch with a Difference

Earlier this month we held an interactive webinar to formally launch the 'Reclaiming the University for the Public Good' publication and posed the question - what next?

The event, which was planned to be held in person before the coronavirus outbreak struck, saw attendees from right across the UK join virtually to discuss the publication and work together to co-produce ideas for a future edition. 

The book, built through collective learning and collaboration, documents for the first time in one concise publication many of the alternative experiments currently underway that offer an alternative to the current university model.

Inclusive and Interactive

Utilising Zoom and a number of different padlet boards, participants contributed ideas for what a follow up publication might look like, such as a 'zine.'

They also drew on their own experience of what it meant to learn, working together to create a shared vocabulary on co-operative learning. Take a look at what one of the participants thought of the session below.

“A solitary glass of wine sipped with ‘mute’ on was the only trace of ceremony at the launch of ‘Reclaiming the University for the Public Good’. There was little time for vacant small talk and pleasantries. We were tasked with an action learning session during which a group of relative strangers collectively - via a hosted and facilitated Zoom - explored propositions for an inclusive and radical model for disseminating Co-operative Keywords that could - we ventured - take the form of a book, pamphlet, graphic novel, zine, podcast…

The call to action was to animate the language of co-operation and activate future co-operators. Recognising the need to transform latent perceptions of co-operative practice and underpin its radical potential to new audiences. The workshop was liberating and attuned to celebrate all learning styles - we could mark, make, write, talk or simply absorb and respond later. Zoom discussions can be anodyne and static. Book launches can be draining. This was quite the opposite. A powerful, solidaristic demonstration of co-operative learning and, in the context, an absolute tonic! ”

Stephanie Bolt

If you didn't manage to join us for the launch you can watch the session back via the video below.

Read more about a future Co-operative University

There's lots more information about a future Co-operative University available on our dedicated webpages, accessible via the button below.

More information about a future Co-operative University