When I was asked by NextGen’s Jacqui Fraser to contribute an guest post on the theme of “community”, I asked, “which one?” NextGen’s guest bloggers are selected on the basis of what each of them might bring to the topic at hand, whatever that might be. I started to wonder why I might have been selected. It’s strange, because I’m usually defined (by myself or others) by the ways I don’t fit in, rather than the ways that I am a part of the group. So here goes:
 

I am first and foremost a member of my family. Three, actually: mine, my partner’s, and my sister’s in-laws. My parents are quite active in the Japanese-Canadian community, so occasionally that comes into play. I am also a friend, moving within several different circles. Some of my friend groups intersect, some have no idea the others exist. I am a writer, so I have colleagues who are also writers, as well as clients from many different industries. I’m implicated in the arts community as a board member in two organizations as well as a nearly-emergent creative writer. I used to play in a couple of bands, so there’s that too. I hover in the margins of the foodie scene. I’m a member of my community league as well as a contributor to a number of projects in the Alberta Avenue area generally. I’m on a few online social networks. I volunteer. I have a great dog, and yes, there is a dog community as well.
 

So. Which one? Where do I fit?

 
(more…)

Edmonton’s NextGen would like to thank all of our hard-working volunteers! They truly make NextGen a hub for connecting people, places, community and ideas.

2011/2012 Volunteers

*Our sincere apologies if we have missed anyone off this list. If your name is missing and you would like to be included, please email .And the dedicated members of the NextGen Committee (updated profiles coming soon!)

In celebration of our volunteers, we’re thrilled to partner with Volunteer Alberta on its upcoming Volunteer Fair.

11 AM – 4 PM | Saturday, April 14

West Edmonton Mall | Centre Stage – Level One, Phase One

The purpose of this survey is to gain feedback from the community on NextGen’s mission and vision. The information collected will be used to help guide the future work, projects and events of the NextGen Committee.

The survey deadline has been extended until March 28th at 4:00 p.m.

Take the survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/NextGenSurvey2012

The survey will take about 7-10 minutes to complete.

Please note: Your answers will remain confidential. The results of this study will be presented only in group format – findings will be summarized in a report and no single person will be identifiable.

If you experience difficulties while you are completing this online survey, please contact the NextGen Coordinator at nextgen@edmonton.ca or (780) 496-4889.

Edmonton’s NextGen hosts its second monthly social on April 5, 2012, at The Artery (9535 Jasper Ave). Presented by Jam Union, the Art House Party and NextGen Social features collaborative performances by F&M, Mae Anderson, and Martin Johann Kloppers a.k.a “The Cellotaur”.

In addition to musical performances, the Art House Party and NextGen Social includes a silent art auction to benefit the Youth Emergency Shelter Society, featuring art from Randee Armstrong, Kevin Green, Malorie Shmyr, Darren Bolz, and Chantel Fortin. These artists will also be performing interactive art installations throughout the evening.

Since 2007, Edmonton’s Jam Union podcast has connected people to some of the best local music, arts and current events in the City of Champions. Through blogging and social media, Jam Union is a creative community of artists, performers and activists. For more information, visit www.jamunion.net

Doors for the April Art House Party and NextGen Social open at 7:00 p.m., with performances beginning at 8:00 p.m. Tickets are $10 at the door / $8 in advance from YEG Live and Blackbyrd Myoosic (10442-82 Avenue.) This is an 18+ event, no minors.

Purchase your tickets on-line at http://yeglive.ca/events/f-m/apr-5-2012/artery.

It’s difficult for me to imagine a world without communities. Perhaps because it’s human nature to find like minded people to collaborate with, the process of forming a community is quite natural.

I’ve seen the amazing things communities can accomplish with my own eyes.

From an assembly of just a few neighbours, to a group of thousands, communities can accomplish things that an individual can dream about, but that take many to actualize.

The diversity of Edmonton’s communities is as great as the diversity of its citizens
(more…)

March’s NextGen Speaks Out! theme will be community.

Community is such a large part of our lives. We are all part of many smaller and intersecting communities. We gather together based on region (like our nieghbourhood or city), around a shared interest (like sports, religion, or comic books), or for other reasons (like work or cultural). Sometimes you will be active in your communities and other times you’ll just be a member of that community. What can you learn from others in your community circles? What can you contributeThis month we’ll be bringing you posts focused around this idea and hope you look forward to reading and sharing your thoughts on the ideas presented by our guest bloggers.

We also want you to engage in discussion. Come on nextgener’s we know you have opinions and thoughts on these themes too. We’d love for you to comment, start a discussion, and share these posts with your networks.

Check back weekly as we will be adding new NextGen Speaks Out! posts regularly. We’re looking forward to it and hope you do too!

Disclaimer
NextGen Speaks Out, our guest blogging series, is envisioned as a hub for information and discussion. NextGen is a non-political, non-denominational organization focused on giving all nextgeners a voice. NextGen does not represent the opinions expressed by the individual columnists.

On Thursday March 1st, NextGen hosts our first monthly social event at the Artery on Jasper Avenue featuring Mitchmatic, Sugar Glider, and Jill Pollock.  Tickets are $20 at the door, 9535 Jasper Avenue.

At 7pm the night starts off with a silent art auction to benefit the Youth Emergency Shelter Society and 25% of all ticket proceeds will be donated as well.  Show starts at 8pm and the midnight dance party will be curated by DJ Owl and Jenny Grey.  Stay tuned to Jam Union for more information.

Advance tickets available: http://yeglive.ca/events/mitchmatic/mar-1-2012/artery