Welcome to the website of the sanctuary reading group, an inclusive and friendly space for discussion of academic work related to the a chosen theme related to sanctuary, and distilling implications for action.

Our hope it that this group will help in the formation of an academic community with shared interests. The Group is organised by Universities of Sanctuary, so originates from the UK, but participants from outside the UK who are interested in the themes we discuss are more than welcome to attend.

Attendees will hopefully become familiar with key debates and topics in the theme areas discussed, make connections and pick up academic skills of critical analysis and debating. Postgraduate Students, Early Career Scholars and University Staff without a formal academic position are particularly welcome

We plan to pilot the group in the first instance, meeting once a month for 6-8 months depending on demand.

Hosting/Format:

The group will at 1pm BST for one hour. Discussions won’t be recorded, and we will meet on zoom via a link issued from Exeter University. We will aim to have a padlet from Exeter University to accompany each session for thoughts in real time or afterwards, and to act as something of a record of the discussion that we can refer back to from this webpage.

For security purposes, the Zoom meetings will have disabled screensharing for attendees. There’s a code of conduct below as well. If we are subject to spamming during the meeting we may have to use a sign up system (like Eventbrite) but at least initially we will start out without.

We may invite authors of the pieces we discuss to the discussion for an introductory 5 minutes from them.

Terms of Service
This group has been set up for the purpose of creating a non-hierarchical and inclusive space for discussion of academic work related to the theme and distilling implications for action.
Through this group, attendees can share their thoughts, ideas and impressions about the readings beings discussed, suggest new readings, and make connections to practical actions.
The group is overseen by City of Sanctuary UK. Anyone using this platform is respectfully asked to do so in a way that aligns with the City of Sanctuary vision of welcome for all and values as outlined in our charter. In no circumstances should abusive, intolerant, or threatening language or behaviour be used whilst participant list. Similarly, any comments, posts or behaviours which are deemed to be contrary to the purposes and spirit of the group may result in the removal of the participant from the group.
Please note we aim for this group to be for debate, but it is our strong belief that debate can take place in an atmosphere of tolerance and respect. Users should be aware that their participation is not anonymous or confidential. In order to prevent the spread of false information, where possible, any general advice or information that members provide should be accurately referenced and credited to the original source. City of Sanctuary UK reserves the right to remove anyone from the reading group who does not abide by the terms of reference.

Privacy Notice

By attending the reading group, you are agreeing to your personal data (e.g. image and name given to zoom) potentially being seen by others and used by the host to moderate the meeting.
If you post messages in zoom or on the padlet, or make comments, be aware that any personal data you share (e.g. personal anecdotes, identifying information, email address, name and signature information) may be visible to others in the group.

There is currently no intention to record or archive the reading group discussions, but the padlets may be made available after the event.

To contact the group organiser, please email Nick Gill, [email protected] or contact Universities of Sanctuary.