Tuesday, July 07, 2009

Take a Stand with CreateHere, Start Something Where You Live

Stand is a community visioning effort for the Chattanooga region started by a group of residents. In the past months, CreateHere has worked hand in hand with Stand’s team, sharing a space, and sharing a love for our city and a deep desire to make it better. Stand’s volunteers are collecting surveys to inspire community-based action, and we think you’ll agree: that’s something we can all get behind. Artist or entrepreneur, newcomer or life-longer, Chattanooga’s future is yours to envision.

To date, more than 7,500 people have answered the four-question Stand survey. The goal is to get the voices and vision of 25,000 people by the end of August, but this will only happen with your help.

First and foremost, take the survey. Stand starts with thoughtful answers to four simple questions.

Next, you can make collective vision become collective action by getting people in your area to take a Stand. We’ve got a few easy ways to get the word out on this visioning effort.

First, send the survey to 10 of your friends via email. Copy and past the text below, or write your own. What’s your vision? What do you love about the Chattanooga region?

“Stand is a community visioning effort for the Chattanooga region, asking people from every walk of life to share their ideas about the community’s future.
This is a conversation between many voices, with one vision in mind: a greater community. It’s about what’s important to you. The first step in getting from here to there is to say what you think, from where you stand.
Please, take a few minutes to answer four questions for the future.
http://chattanoogastand.com/
Thank you!”

Second, host a get-together for your friends to talk about Stand’s four questions. On Saturday July 25, people across Chattanooga will host potlucks, cookouts, and neighborhood parties to talk about future of our community. We’ll provide surveys, fliers, talking points and even a craft kit.  Interested? Email .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).

Finally, bring Stand to cyberspace. Maybe you twitter, maybe you’re a facebook addict. Either way, they’re both great platforms to spread the word.

Thank you again for taking time to fill out the survey, and be sure to visit Stand’s volunteer page for even more ways to plug in.

Monday, July 06, 2009

Chattanooga Frim Fram Jam at CreateHere: Saturday, July 11

This Saturday, CreateHere hosts a community event worth getting dolled up for. Chattanooga Frim Fram Jam brings swing dance to our doors, with lessons at 7:30 pm, and dancing at 8:30 pm.

This event is sponsored by Chattanooga Swing and Lindy, and is open to all ages. $6 at the door gets you lessons and dancing into the wee hours, all in the CreateHere gallery space.

For more information, visit http://chattanoogaswing.com.

SpringBoard PR Workshop + On-Site Marketing Help | July 9

On Thursday, July 9, SpringBoard presents a PR Workshop tailored to small business owners. Janis Hashe, a celebrated local journalist with decades of experience in public relations along with Jennifer Hoff, a local professional writer, will lead an informative session that includes on-site critiques of your individual press releases and marketing materials.

Small businesses can make enormous investments in their products and services, but without effective publicity, it can be difficult to bring your offerings and your audience together. Producing press releases that grab the attention of local and regional media can mean the difference between a hopeful business and a successful business.

The PR Writer’s Workshop will be hosted at CreateHere on Thursday, July 9 from 6:30 to 8:30 pm. This event is free, but participation is limited to 30 individuals. RSVP by contacting Trey Meyer at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address), or by calling 423.648.2195.

Wednesday, July 01, 2009

Stand Up. Speak Up. Rock Out.

Hey there, music fans.  Stand has a little something just for you next week. On Tuesday night, they’re painting the town yellow…and we’re all invited.

On July 7, Dollar Beer Night comes to JJ’s Bohemia, and Stand will be hosting a free rock and roll pow-wow focused on Chattanooga’s future. The fridges will be stocked with cold beer, the stage packed with great music, and Stand volunteers and field organizers will be on-hand to find out what Chattanooga’s music fans care about.

The night begins at 8 pm with local garage doo-wop three-piece Mocknbird, followed by Atlanta space rockers This Piano Plays Itself and Miami powerpop from Ex-Norwegian. Throughout the evening, there will breaks for discussion, surveying and prizes.

“This is a chance to reach a very specific, savvy and often critical group of Chattanoogans with a lot of great ideas that are rarely heard,” says Thomas Perry, LeadHere Fellow. “We’re very proud of the music community in Chattanooga and would like it to get bigger and better in the coming years.”

Come out to JJ’s for free music, cheap beer and thoughtful dialogue. For more information, check out chattanoogastand.com and www.myspace.com/jjsbohemia.