BRATTLEBORO-The Windham World Affairs Council (WWAC) will host Mark Sidel, professor of Law and Public Affairs at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, for an insightful discussion on the evolving landscape of civil society and social control in China under the leadership of Xi Jinping on Wednesday, Nov. 13, at 6:30 p.m. at Centre Congregational Church, 193 Main St.
"I'm delighted to be speaking at the Windham World Affairs Council on China and look forward to a great discussion with an exceptionally knowledgeable community," Sidel said in a news release.
The 12 years since the Xi era began in China have seen a steady strengthening of social control, a reduction in the role of nongovernmental organizations and civic action, and repression of activists and dissidents. At the same time, nonprofit and nongovernmental social service activity and private philanthropy continue to grow.
Based on his many years of work and research, Sidel will explore how China currently approaches civic activity by both domestic and foreign organizations and what lies ahead for the civil society sector.
Sidel is a longtime specialist in civil society, nonprofit organizations, and philanthropy. He has been engaged with China since first visiting in 1972, including serving on the team that established the Ford Foundation's presence in China in the late 1980s, and as a researcher and consultant. He also managed the Ford Foundation's programs in Vietnam and served in the Ford office in India.
He is an elected member of the American Law Institute and serves on the boards of the International Center for Not-for-Profit Law, the China Medical Board, The Rights Practice (U.S.), and other organizations. He has consulted widely with foundations, nongovernmental organizations, and aid agencies on nonprofit and philanthropic activity in China, Vietnam, India, and elsewhere in Asia.
Sidel has served as visiting professor of law at Harvard Law School, Melbourne Law School, Institut d'Etudes Politiques de Paris (Sciences Po), and other institutions, and has published widely on civil society, philanthropy, and state-society relations in China and around Asia.
For more than 60 years, the Windham World Affairs Council has brought the world to Windham County. It is part of the national World Affairs Councils of America and relies entirely on the support from membership dues and donations by those who attend their events.
Doors open at 6 p.m. for the Nov. 13 talk. A $10 donation is suggested, but anyone is welcome to join. RSVP at marksidel.eventbrite.com. A virtual option via Zoom is also available; information can be found at the Eventbrite link.
WWAC's next event will be a holiday party for members and friends on Dec. 13, at 118 Elliot. Contact windhamworldaffairscouncil@gmail.com for more information.
This Town and Village item was submitted to The Commons.