Be The Media

BE THE MEDIA at at the National Conference on Media Reform (June 6-8, Minneapolis, MN)

The National Conference for Media Reform (NCMR) is the largest and highest-profile gathering of media reform advocates in the nation.

The NCMR brings together thousands of activists, media makers, educators, journalists, scholars, policymakers and engaged citizens to meet, tell their stories, share tactics, listen to great speakers and build the movement for better media in America.

NCMR 2008 will be in Minneapolis on June 6-8, 2008. Register now!

In 2007, David Mathison spoke at this conference on "Organizing for Cable Access in a Changing Regulatory Environment."

This year,  BE THE MEDIA will exhibit in Booth 125. Books are available from onsite book vendor Birch Bark Books.

2008 conference speakers include:

• Bill Moyers, PBS
• Dan Rather, former anchor of CBS News
• Senator Byron Dorgan (D-ND)
• Michael Copps and Jonathan Adelstein, Federal Communications Commissioners
• Arianna Huffington, HuffingtonPost.com
• Amy Goodman and Juan Gonzalez, co-hosts of Democracy Now!
• Naomi Klein, author of No Logo and The Shock Doctrine
• Lawrence Lessig, Stanford University; founder, Creative Commons.
• Tim Wu, Columbia University
• Van Jones, Ella Baker Center for Human Rights
• Katrina van den Heuvel, editor, The Nation

  Want more?
  Buy an advanced copy of BE THE MEDIA:
  
  

Daily Acts for Balanced Living

On October 27, I participated in "Daily Acts for Balanced Living: Exploring Solutions for Restoring Ourselves and our Communities," facilitated by Professor Kenn Burrows of San Francisco State University.


Photo by Alaina Rios

Pictured above from left to right is Steve Bhaerman (aka Swami Beyondananda), Professor Kenn Burrows, and David Mathison.

An Open Space event, participants created their own agenda:

"Open Space is a social organizing tool that catalyzes transformative education and supports a community finding itself, helping the energy and wisdom of a group emerge. Participants gather around a topic and create breakout sessions about whatever they personally love, or feel most urgently about."

It was also an Orangeband event, which explores the power of meaningful conversations. They encourage fostering a shift from "I" to "We" in our attitudes and actions, by taking a greater role in our democracy, and recognizing personal responsibility for these issues.

Why conversation? According to Orangeband:

• It allows people to connect with one another, building community
• Change begins with people talking about what they care about
• No hype, nothing to sell. Just honest, open conversation
• They seek to create pro-active and non-partisan conversations, with all points of view welcomed
• Discussion is about topics that matter to the group and individual
• An anti-dote to isolation from each other and growing disconnection between our government, the people, and common issues

We reflected on and discussed the biggest challenges facing humanity, how to restore balance to our everyday lives, how personal, cultural, and environmental addictions add to imbalance, and what it takes to live a balanced and meaningful life.

Thanks to all the professors, students, and fellow travelers who participated in this powerful event - I left with much more than I brought!

Sneak preview of Norman Solomon's new film, "War Made Easy": 4/21/07, 7:30pm

The Marin Peace and Justice Coalition (MPJC) and the Students for Social Responsibility announce a special independent media event, featuring a sneak preview of Norman Solomon's new film "War Made Easy: How Presidents and Pundits Keep Spinning Us To Death"

The film is narrated by Academy Award-winner Sean Penn.

Following the film, local Marin publisher David Mathison ('Be The Media') will moderate a session with the filmmaker, author and media critic Norman Solomon. He will speak on "Iraq and Beyond: Endless War or Informed Democracy?" How do presidents and pundits use spin to win public support for war?

For directions or more information, click here. Tickets only $8 at the door, proceeds benefit the Independent Media Guide to Marin. Wheelchair accessible.

Saturday April 21, 2007 7:30pm
Olney Hall
College of Marin
Kentfield, CA

Speaking of BE THE MEDIA: MPJC Pot Luck, Mon April 9, 6pm

This Monday night, April 9, 2007 at 6pm, dine with friends at the Marin Peace and Justice Coalition (MPJC) Pot Luck dinner.

For dessert, I will speak about my upcoming book - BE THE MEDIA!

"BE THE MEDIA is an independent media encyclopedia compiled by local Marin publisher David Mathison. Come hear David talk about the exciting dynamics of new independent media methods, and how you can get your message out by leveraging grassroots media."

Marin Peace and Justice Coalition
Monday, April 9, 2007 at 6pm
First United Methodist Church
9 Ross Valley Dr, San Rafael
(across from Bedrock Music on the Miracle Mile). More here.