Boston Social Forum was the first North American social forum to use the methodology of the World Social Forum process and adhere closely to its Charter of Principles . It was held at the University of Massachusetts Boston in Boston , Massachusetts in the United States from July 23-25 , 2004 , and coordinated by the Boston-based labor-community network , the Campaign on Contingent Work ( later renamed Massachusetts Global Action ) . CCW executive director Jason Pramas was the lead organizer of the forum . Over 5,000 people from over 300 community organizations and labor unions participated in more than 550 workshops , plenary sessions , and convocations at the event -- which was timed to take place just before the 2004 Democratic National Convention , also being held in Boston . The majority of attendees came from the Northeast of the United States , but a large minority came from around North America , and there were delegations from over a dozen other countries ( with simultaneous translation available in as many languages ) . Numerous cultural events were also part of the proceedings , the largest being a show at the famed Middle East Restaurant in nearby Cambridge featuring UK punk troubadour Billy Bragg , actor Chris Cooper , filmmaker John Sayles , and nearly 30 other acts and featured guests . In the leadup to the forum , singer Michelle Shocked , comedians Jimmy Tingle and Barry Crimmins , and many other artists and performers lent their talents to the effort -- as did noted historian Howard Zinn and linguist Noam Chomsky
2004 Democratic National Convention
2004 Democratic National Convention
Boston Social Forum