It's summertime in the city! Anywhere you look, the sights and sounds of summer are everywhere: fresh strawberries at the market, 80+ degree days filled with non-stop sunshine, and swarms of sunbathers lined up at Alki and Madison Beach soaking up the rays.
If you attended last month's Summer Streets program, hopefully you were reminded that a little fresh air, some mingling with neighbors, and a toss of the frisbee is all we need to feel refreshed. And hopefully that reminder served to strengthen the desire to continue building a bright green future for us to enjoy.
This month, that reminder is taking form in community fairs, dinner parties, dancing, community building and discussions by numerous, insightful individuals. Before you stroll out to any of these, just make sure you take Fido out on a nice, long summer stroll so he can rest while you take on changing the world in your spare time.
CAGJ's SLEE Dinner & Fair
Saturday, July 18, 3 PM - 11 PM
St. Demetrios Church, 2100 Boyer Avenue East, Seattle
From CAGJ:
In the face of intersecting food, climate and economic crises, we all feel the ever more urgent need to build a strong, global movement for just and sustainable economies. We invite you to join CAGJ in our effort to build community solidarity, while also connecting local and global struggles for justice, through this fun, engaging and inspiring event.
From 3-6 pm, grab a locally brewed beer before joining in the other fair-goers. Enjoy live music, a community art project and more while mingling with local individuals, farmers and business owners who are involved with the fight for social and environmental justice. From 6-9 pm, enjoy a delicious dinner prepared by local chefs using local, sustainably grown food. And then afterward, dance the night away (or at least until when 11 PM rolls around) with your new found friends.
Tickets: Dinner, $5-35, available through brownpapertickets.com. The fair is free.
City Stimulus
July 12-18
All over Seattle
City Stimulus is an event aimed at encouraging residents to explore and support local businesses. Download your membership card, grab some friends, and check with your local neighborhood bartender to see what discounts and exclusive offers await you. Use it while shopping at selected stores and continue to earn stamps that will be put into a drawing for many great prizes! The closing party for this summer's City Stimulus will be held at Havana on Saturday, July 18, in partnership with Butter London and Cupcake Royale.
Chris Hedges: The End of Literacy
Wednesday, July 22, 7:30 PM - 9 PM
Downstairs at Town Hall, 1119 Eighth Avenue, Seattle
In a world where you now find out about newspapers going under by means of Twitter, it would seem as if we live in two societies: the minority, who function well enough in the print-based, literate world and has the ability to separate reality and imagination; the other - the growing majority - wraps themselves up within a world of magic and illusion. Author of Empire of Illusion: The End of Literacy and the Triumph of Spectacle, author Chris Hedges will explore just how new mechanisms and technologies are employed, causing us to turn a blind eye to the economic, political and social collapse our culture is faced with.
Tickets: $5, available at brownpapertickets.com.
The Art of Parking and Transportation
Sunday, July 26 - Tuesday, July 28
Hotel Murano, 1320 Broadway Plaza, Tacoma
From PIPTA:
Art is all around us, particularly in the Parking and Transportation industry. Much of our time is devoted to addressing the aesthetics of our operations in signage and way finding, web sites, bus shelters, bus schedules, facility and lot design, gate operations, event operations, and more. Art is also applied in our administrative and fiscal operations as there is a certain degree of artful finesse required in effective financial forecasting, budget preparation, management of human resources, scheduling, and customer service.
The 4th Annual (PIPTA) Pacific Intermountain Parking and Transportation Association (formerly known as NWPA) Conference will focus on “The Art of Parking and Transportation.” The conference will provide an opportunity for members to come together to celebrate, showcase and share their art.
Tickets: $75-295, see rate list for details.
Backyard Chickens the Fowl Way: No Roosters Required
Tuesday, July 28, 6:30 PM - 9 PM
EOS Alliance Offices, 650 S. Orcas St. Suite 220, Seattle
Urban chickens can be a great addition to your family. Not only are they an inexpensive way to provide you with a sustainable food source, but they are expert gardeners. Join forces Jenifer McIntyre, urban chicken extraordinaire, as she explains the anatomy of the hen, chicken diversity, and the requirements to raising baby chicks so you can eventually raise a bunch of Mad City Chickens yourself.
Tickets: $10, registration required.
Thom Hartmann: Saving a Planet in Peril
Thursday, July 30, 7:30 PM – 9 PM
Downstairs at Town Hall, 1119 Eighth Avenue, Seattle
From Townhall:
Witnessing a planet seemingly bound for the breaking point—socially, economically, and environmentally —the provocative radio commentator Thom Hartmann sees plenty of looming crises, as well as reasons for hope. Hartmann, author of Threshold: The Crisis of Western Culture, says religious fundamentalism, capitalism run amok, and militarism are draining Earth of its natural and human resources, endangering millions for the benefit of a few. But by examining cultures that have thrived, and by targeting policy for specific reform, Hartmann offers solutions, and motivation for anyone hoping to build a better, more sustainable world. His nationally-syndicated radio show airs in Seattle from 9 a.m. to noon, on AM 1090.
Tickets: $5, available through brownpapertickets.com.
If you know of any upcoming events that are Worldchanging, send us a heads up! Email sean [at] worldchanging [dot] com.
