If you take a stroll, run, or drive down Woodward you may have noticed a bunch of tents pitched by Comerica Park.  Curious at what was going on we asked — and we were clued into the U.S. Social Forum, a nation and international movement to support a variety of progressive objectives.

The U.S. Social Forum is an extension of the World Social Forum.  The WSF launched in 2001 and is typically held in Brazil each year.  The idea, according to a USSF director is to enact “bottom up” change and look out for developing/impoverished nations amid the “plotting and scheming” of the G8 — an annual summit of 8 major rich nations, including the U.S.

The USSF’s objectives are similar, but on a local scale.  People from over 10 different states, according to the directors are camping out near Comerica park.  They will be participating in the forum, which started today and runs through this weekend.

On June 24 there’s a dinner at Andiamo’s to support local labor (ROC Michigan, meeting at Joe Louis Statue, inside Cobo Hall, 5:30 p.m. to carpool to Dearborn)

On June 25 there’s a march on the Chase Bank to combat foreclosure (meeting @ 9:45 a.m. at the Central United Methodist Church 23 E. Adams)

On June 26 there’s another march to push Detroit to shut down its dirty incinerator (meeting at 9:00 a.m at the Detroit Public Library, marching to the waste incinerator)

From 10 am till 6 pm on Thur and Fri and then 11 am till 4 pm on Saturday New World From Below will be offering FREE meals at 1519 MLK Jr. Boulevard (SW Corner of Trumbull & MLK).  NWFB supports annarchy and anti-authoritarian sentiments in the U.S.  It also strongly supports anti-poverty movements.

That’s not all, though – at the same location @ 6 pm each day Food Not Bombs — another anarchist/anti-authoritarian group will also be providing free food.

Other cool stuff is going on in Hart Plaza Wed.-Friday.  Every day there’s over 1000 workshops on topics such as local gardening and alternative energy.  There’s also over 300 musical acts, photo, and art exhibits.

Then at the Leftist Lounge in Eastern Market on Friday from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. there’s going to be a “big party”.

Lastly on Saturday is the National People’s Movement Assembly

One important thing to note — there IS an entrance fee. The fee is $20 and gives you a pass for the entire weekend.  This fee presumably applies only to the main USSF events, not the food kitchen

If that’s within your budget, whether you want to snag some free food, check out various progressive social movements, meet interesting people from different states, hear some music, or just party there’s a lot to do at the USSF events this week.

We hope to make it out and get some coverage.  We hope you make it out too.  This seems like a good cause, and let’s give Detroit a good name as a progressive minded town.