Olympia is one of the most progressive towns in the Pacific Northwest. Unique solutions to the daunting environmental and social challenges we face have emerged within numerous areas of the community. However, many citizens are not aware of the various innovations and strategies available for creating and supporting a truly sustainable Olympia.

To help facilitate the process of forging connections between people and organizations that are dedicated to working towards a more resilient and humane community, students from WashPIRG and the Environmental Resource Center are bringing together local leaders from a diverse array of fields, including faith and social justice, green building, progressive education, environmental clean-up, small business, and alternative transportation for our Panel for a Sustainable Community.

Rather than being in the awkward position of speaking in third person, I'll just come out and say that "I am presenting a panel about "Podcasting for Social Change" at Net Tuesday on July 8th at 5:30 at Workspace up here in Vancouver, BC."

Yes i know it isn't Olympia but thought my pals down in the southlands would be interested in seeing what i am brewing up and perhaps i can do a similiar gig when i down in OlyWa sometime.

Here's a preview video to let you know what's in store plus introducing the All-Star panel and talking points. The topics and agenda are also pasted below for your pre-education convenience.

Where = WorkSpace
400, 21 Water St.
Vancouver BC
V6B 1A1

Topic: Ways Non-profits/Social Change orgs can use podcasts to spread their message

1) publishing conferences and repurposing stuff you are already making
2) event and campaign crowd coverage (including micro podcasting i.e. utterz)
3) special reports interviews etc.

To make it easy, we’ll cover:
1) planning
2) producing tips (with toys to demo)
3) publishing/promoting

panel:

There are some great non-profits in Olympia that are doing innovative work. Here is a profile of one of my favorites:

Founded in May 2007, Parents Organizing for Welfare and Economic Rights (POWER) is a collection of low-income parents and their allies. POWER was formed by former members, staff, and volunteers of the Welfare Rights Organizing Coalition, (WROC), after a disagreement with the two-member WROC Board over the future of the organization. POWER continues the work of WROC and looks towards further opportunities to support families navigating the welfare system. Member led and consensus based, this local nonprofit recognizes the power of building community and supporting leadership among those most impacted by social, economic and political injustice.

POWER offers an impressive array of services and resources that increase members’ understanding of the welfare system, their rights within that system, and ways to advocate for their families and their communities. Currently POWER provides the following:

· Information on legal rights to public benefits through tabling at welfare offices, food banks and other places where low-income people congregate. Additionally, information is given over the phone and at “Know Your Rights” workshops held on a regular basis at Safeplace and Family Support Center in Olympia and the Human Response Network in Chehalis. POWER members and staff will bring the workshop to any group of parents or organization that serve parents who invite them.

· Training for members in areas such as public speaking, understanding and navigating the legislature, and understanding economic systems and the global struggle for social justice. Workshops can be presented in Spanish as well as English.

· Voter registration and continued education at meetings and outreach. · Weekly updates to over 500 members that include information about how and when to contact legislators, information on pertinent bills, job openings, opportunities for activism, answers to poverty and parenting questions, and free or affordable cultural events.

· Activities and events for families to gather together, share their stories, skills and ideas for coping with poverty, and have fun while planning the revolution.

POWER is made up of passionate and intelligent members, volunteers and staff, but there is plenty of room for your involvement! Volunteer meetings are held every Wednesday afternoon at 1:30 p.m. in the Payne Room of the First Christian Church at 7th and Franklin in downtown Olympia. You can also call for more information, 360-352-9716 or toll free at 1-866-343-9716, http://www.myspace.com/parentsorganizing. Tax free donations can be sent to POWER at 701 Franklin Street SE, Olympia, WA 98501 or on website pay pal account, http://www.oly-wa.us/power/.

What: A Secret Cafe with fancy, fantastic, reasonably priced food; filling meals, LOTS of great desserts! Also, there will be omnivore, vegetarian, vegan, and gluten free options! There will be a great atmosphere with local artist's displays.

To Benefit: Ross, a dear friend (you may know him as a local bike mechanic, a Co-op employee, or a roller skating enthusiast), is unhappily stuck on the east coast, so we have decided to do our best to help bring him back. In the past he has been active in local organizations, such as Bike and Bike, EGYHOP, SNUB, and has volunteered at the Evergreen Bike shop and The Olympia Food Co-op. Even if you don't know Ross, you are welcome to come and enjoy a pleasant atmosphere with delicious food...bring a date. Or a fig! (haha)

When: Friday, December 7th from 7:00-10:00 PM. We will close the doors to new guests by 10:00, but continue to serve food until the last folks are on their way.

Where: Inspiration Academy, 2506 Conger Court NW, Olympia WA 98502. This is on the west side of Olympia. Lost? Need directions? Call (360) 357-6673