e-Community August 2008

I've had August 1st circled on my calendar for the past five months. It is Day One of the thirty-one August days that will be consumed with Colorado hosting the Democratic National Convention. Like many, I have a mixture of excitement and dread when I consider the upcoming impact on the city. Because the staff of Community Shares is busy preparing for the 2008 Community Giving Campaign kicking off this September, we will hunker down in August and take full advantage of the calm before the convention/campaign storm. However, some of our member agencies are taking advantage of the excitement and influx of people to host community events in August. This newsletter includes a list of informative and fun August community events.

Our Denver office is located at 1536 Wynkoop which means the Pepsi Center is just 2-3 good golf swings away from our door. Should I brave the walk to work, negotiate our building's security clearance and media credentials, and revel in being in the heart of the action? Or, should I take a few days off work, get out of town, enjoy a long Labor Day, and see how Colorado looks through the eyes of the nation? I'm conflicted but know August will be a month to remember.

Ttell us what you are going to do to enjoy the convention - whether that is scrambling for a front row seat or a pitching a tent and enjoying the last days of August up in the Rockies.

In partnership,



Alyssa Kopf
CEO, Community Shares

Gearing up for the DNC

We've been hearing about DNC traffic, street closures, security updates etc. for months - finally Dnever is ready to play host to the historic 2008 Democratic National Convention. We at Community Shares have been involved in more ways than one and we thought we'd show you what some of our other member agencies are doing to capitalize on the big event.

As always, please click on the highlighted text to view the links in the quips below.

+ Members of the media will be swarming the city like a pack of killer Bee-Boys and Colorado Environmental Coalition, (and Community Shares) are located in the middle of the swarm! Headquarters for both orgs is The Alliance Center at 15th and Wynkoop in the heart of the DNC activity. The Alliance Center is playing host to an exciting venue: The Big Tent.

Sponsored by the likes of Google, and Digg, The Big Tent is the place to be for new media journalists, bloggers, reporters, and nonprofit leaders covering the DNC. The 9,000 square foot structer will be housed in the Alliance Center parking lot. Community Shares has graciously given up our parking spots during this time thus extending our philanthropic services even further!

+ While we're on the topic of bloggin' don't forget to check in on the Community Shares Blog: The Shares Holder every now and again for the latest updates. Visit the blog and let us know whether you're going to be taking advantage of the historic occasion or escaping the convention (and the heat) and head to the hills!

+ Member agency KGNU Community Radio is taking advantage of the opportunity. Their coverage of the DNC will span the week and will begin on Sunday, August 24th, the eve of the Convention, from 7 to 10pm. KGNU can be heard at 88.5 FM in the Boulder area, 1390 AM in the Denver area, 93.7 FM in Nederland and worldwide on the internet at www.kgnu.org.

+ Channel 12 PBS is getting in on the action too. As part of the station's regular "Colorado Decides" election series every two years, the August event is especially important to their local effort since all eyes will be on Denver. Visit KBDI.org regularly for more detailed and updated information on KBDI's 2008 election coverage. Download the election coverage schedule here.

+ It all gets booming with the Unity Dance on Saturday, Aug. 23 at Tracks/EXDO Events Center. Unity Dance 08 will connect the men's and women's community along with local and national GLBT organizations for a single, unprecedented DNC host city party. Did someone say collaboration?
Unity Dance 08 will be a party-not a political event-so, no speeches or partisanship, just fun! Need more info? Contact dedefrain@babesaroundenver.com.

+ NARAL Pro-Choice Colorado is hosting an event in conjuction with the DNC. Stand Up For Choice will be held August 27 at the DC10 Lounge (940 Lincoln) from 6-10pm. Comedians Rubi Nicholas and Lynne Kolitz will join the rally. Prizes will be given away throughout the night. For more info or to atted, check out: http://www.prochoicecolorado.org or call (303) 394-1973x23 for tickets.

+ If you caught our last issue of Tuesday Talk then you remember how we highlighted organizations that are thinking outside the box and using You Tube to raise awareness (find it here). Here is another great example from member agency the American Friends Service Committee. AFSC will be displaying the Cost of War banners along the Cherry Creek and Platte River trails, near REI. The Cost War exhibit will be on display Sunday, August 24-Wednesday, August 27 from 8 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

As you can see, our members are well positioned to capitalize on the historic DNC opportunity. If your nonprofit is doing something in conjunction with the conference we'll gladly list them on our blog. Please email Jason@Cshares.org to get your event listed and visit The Shares Holder for more information.

Until next time,

Jason Manke
Communications Manager