Greetings from the Olympia Community Free School, Olympia's free classes and community learning space. Learners, educators, families, community builders and community members alike should all attend an awesome event we are sponsoring on September 30th at 5pm at Olympia's Traditions Fair Trade Cafe.

Come hear Chris Mercogliano speak and read about his experience as long-time director and staffperson at the Albany Freeschool, the nation's oldest independent, inner-city non-coercive school. His new book "In Defense of Childhood," has been lauded as, "The most soulful and authentic book about education since the writings of the radical critics of the 1960s, Holt, Kozol, Dennison, Kohl, and Herndon. . . . Mercogliano reminds us once again that true education is not a management technique but a human encounter."

The event will start at 5pm with a story-time read by members of the Olympia Theatre Project and kids songs by local musician Kimya Dawson.

Then, participate in a short "Envisioning Community Learning" workshop by the Olympia Free School staff and get information about education alternatives here in Olympia.

Please tell you friends and bring your family and money to donate to Chris' book tour. Sliding scale $5-$10! Kids free! No one turned away for lack of funds.