Okay, disclaimer: Some folks here at CL are involved with Contribute — present company included — but that’s not the only reason I encourage you to go to the community forum at The Studio@620 on Wednesday, July 27.
First, let me whet your appetite: There will be a scrumptious spread provided by JoEllen Schilke, owner of The Globe Coffee Lounge, as well as beverages to wash down the goodness. Not to mention, jazz musician Nate Najar will serenade attendees with his smooth tunes, and act as emcee for the night.
There will be a panel discussion moderated by Jaye Anne Terry — coordinator of the Journeys in Journalism program at Melrose Elementary — that includes Bob Devin Jones, co-founder and artistic director of The Studio@620; David Warner, editor of Creative Loafing Tampa; and Brian Bailey, creator of I Love the ’Burg. There will also be short speeches by Frank Strunk, acclaimed artist known for his matchless style of industrial-infused art; Alexis Meyer, field photographer and Co-Editor of New Roots’ Community section; Ihasha Horn, writer and Co-Editor of New Roots’ Community section; Arielle Stevenson, DJ of the "Artful Dodgings" show on WMNF-88.5 FM Community Radio; and Sarah Davis, social media enthusiast and marketing coordinator at Global Marketing Resources Inc.
Lastly, there will be a bunch of interesting people who you can schmooze with. The goal of Contribute is not only to inform people about the importance of community participation, but to connect people and offer contributor opportunities. This is a fun, casual event that we hope will unite like-minded people: people who want to get involved with St. Petersburg and don't know where to start, and people who are already involved and want to help others do the same.
Who knows, you may just find your next project or job through a fateful introduction. And you know what they say: the first step to community involvement is meeting your neighbors. Actually, no one says that. I just made it up. But it sounds good.
Contribute also celebrates New Roots' one year mark of publishing, as well as the flourishing partnership between New Roots and The Studio@620.
Overall, it's a "get involved, meet your neighbors, show support, receive support, happy-publishing-birthday, and hooray for cool organizations that work together" shindig.
And we want YOU to be there.
Lily Reisman is Co-Founder and Development Director for New Roots News and Sales and Marketing Coordinator at Creative Loafing.
This article appears in Jul 21-27, 2011.