So you want to include scholars from poorer countries in your event? Wonderful. I congratulate you on that. Let me give you some tips on how to do that respectfully:
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1. Value their time as much as you value yours. Probably their working days are fuller than yours, so be mindful of the time you are asking them to devote to your event (i.e. time zone differences; sending invitations with appropriate anticipation).
Inviting them 3 working days before the event will make them feel like their inclusion was an afterthought and that you think their time does not matter.
2. Value their professionalism as much as you’d value that in/for your colleagues in the Global North. Giving people a heads-up on the key questions/topics to prepare is great; telling them exactly what you want to see covered in their 15 or 45' (unpaid for) presentation is not so.
3. If you know you will be asking them to engage in your event by waking up at the early hours or staying up late, or if you want them to attend in person and travel long distances, please offer some form of compensation. At least, show that you tried.
Scholarly communities across the Global South are seldom well-endowed. Your colleagues from poorer countries might be employed in public universities with few to no research funds, face budget constraints for conference travel and have admin responsibilities.
Consider that the time you are asking them to sacrifice for your event is taken away from trying to advance on other areas, trying to apply for funds, getting back to those research pieces that are dragging behing due to many simultaneous responsibilities.
When guests cancel organizers might struggle to get people to jump in at the last minute. But if that is the case, it'd be better to say so and acknowledge that your request is untimely
Yeah i agree, and it becomes obvious from the internal email communication immediately as well that you were a last minute fill in.. or when they expect you to do the speaking points of the person you replace. No ty!
But thanks so much for this thread, these are some really important reminders!
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But thanks so much for this thread, these are some really important reminders!