For more information on the Department of Registration and Elections or to see a sample ballot. You can also call the Fulton County Department of Registration and Elections at 404-612-7020.

For a more than a year, Public Broadcasting Atlanta has been working to launch a new digital destination called Lens on Atlanta.  This is a multi-faceted portal that includes www.AtlantaPlanit.com, Public Square, and the Atlanta Forum Network.

It's been an exciting time to work at PBA as it makes an effort to build stronger bonds in the community through the online space.  This version of Public Square has shown potential as far as how people can use digital technology to connect around civic and community issues.

I'm happy to inform you that we're now in the process of re-launching Public Square, with a more user friendly, and easy to navigate system.   The plan is to integrate Facebook Connect to make is easy to join, and it should be much easier to search for content, and find people. 

In the upcoming weeks we're going to hold an open house to show off the new version of Public Square.  We're also  looking to re-engage people who are interested in serving as community ambassadors.

The site re-launch is scheduled for early July.  We thank you for your patience, and for your continued interest in Public Square. 

If you have any questions, feel free to ask.

From Atlanta Daybook

By Amani Channel

If you haven't considered using social media to raise money for a charity or non-profit, organization, you may be missing out on an effective method to quickly raise thousands of dollars.

 

Before sharing this experience let me explain that I’m by no means a fund-raising expert, and only have a limited amount of experience doing it, but in just over two weeks my wife and I exceeded our goal of raising $2,500.00 for the March of Dimes’ annual March for Babies.

 

This years’ march was held at the Georgia World Congress Center on Saturday, April 24th. I couldn’t march because we didn’t feel like exposing our 17-month-old son to the rainy weather, but my wife Daphne and her team represented as always.

 

There is a back-story to why we started supporting the March of Dimes, which I won’t get into just yet, but we’ve been raising money for the non-profit since 2007. Our strategy seemed to come together this year, and without social media, I doubt we would have been as successful.

Read Full Article

April is an important month for my family. It’s filled with emotions as we celebrate the warm days of Spring, and reflect on our many lessons and blessings.

 

Every April we raise money for the March of Dimes. It’s a family tradition that started after our first born sons were born prematurely at 20 weeks in 2006.

 

In the upcoming days, I’ll be sharing our experience, and talking more about why you should give generously.

 

Daphne sent this e-blast out today:

 

I’m very excited to be a part of March for Babies this year and hope you will join my team!

 

Every day, thousands of babies are born too soon, too small and often very sick. We’re walking because we want to do something about this.

 

The money we raise will support March of Dimes research and programs that help moms have full-term pregnancies and babies begin healthy lives. And it will be used to bring comfort and information to families with a baby in newborn intensive care.

 

Please join my team. You can do so on my team Web page. If you can’t walk with me, please help the team reach our goal by making a donation. You can do that online as well.

 

Thank you for helping me give all babies a healthy start!

 

Visit my team Web page at:

http://www.marchforbabies.org/team/t1317658

Would you like to see what March for Babies is and why I’m walking?
Click the link to see the video.

 

If you would like to learn more about March for Babies, visit the Web site at
www.marchforbabies.org.

 

The March of Dimes mission is to improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects, premature birth, and infant mortality.

Do you have a story about what's right with metro Atlanta?  If you share your thoughts on this subject on Lens on Atlanta, you could win a Flip Cam!  This is our first Lens on Atlanta community contest, and to enter, all you have to do is create a blog post that describes something positive that's going on in your city, county, school district or neighborhood. 

 Here are the rules:

•·   All blog posts must describe something positive about your neighborhood, community, school district, city county or region

•·   Members are free to promote their blog entry throughout the Lens community or via other means - Twitter, e-mailing or telling friends, Facebook, etc.

•·   All blog entries must be submitted by Monday March 8

•·   All voting will occur from March 6 - March 10

•·   A minimum of 4 blog posts from different members must be submitted for the contest to be validated

•·   All entries must be tagged with the term "CONTEST"

Once all of the submissions are in, we will create a link to the posts, so you can vote on your favorite submission on Lens on Atlanta.

We will announce the winner at the March 11 mixer event. Click link to join (You must be registered and  logged on to Lens).

You've heard all about Twitter, but still don't really get it.  I'm begining to wonder how many Twitter users get it.  I've gotten Twitter spam, see accounts where people just blurt marketing messages with no two-way conversations, and automated accounts with no signs of human life.

To start off with,  Twitter is a micro blog.  It's similar to a blog in that you can update information frequenlty. I like to liken the community to a chat room, however you select the conversations, and users that you receive messages from.   The limit to these messages or "tweets" is 140 characters.

 

Twitter is a valuable tool for news because it allows you to easily monitor what other news organizations are covering 24/7 (as long as they are actively on Twitter), engage in conversations with the community, identify news sources, brand your content and drive traffic to your content.

 

Twitter can be effective when you "tweet" regularly, have two-way conversations with your followers, re-tweet (quote) tweets from other users who are sharing interesting content, and use hash-tags to aggregate news.

 

In developing your Twitter strategy try to share information that adds value to the community and can establish you as the source of quality information about niche topics.  Below are some general communications methods:

 

Engage in two-way conversations:  Use @username to send a publicly visible tweet to another user. For example: "@charlesedwards1 What are you working on today?"  All of your followers will see that you are asking Charles a question.

 

Direct Messages: Twitter allows you to send private tweets similar to e-mail.  This is called a Direct Message or DM.  DMs are limited to 140 characters

 

Re-tweet:  A re-tweet (RT) is the highest compliment on Twitter; it means that someone finds so much value in your tweet that they want to share it with their followers. For example: RT @charlesedwards1 (followed by the original tweet).  You should always give RT credit when sharing a tweet that originated from another community member.

 

Hashtags:  Hashtags are used to aggregate tweets from the community.  Twitter users usually assign a hashtag which becomes adopted and used by the greater community.  During the Atlanta Mayoral election, users used #atlmayor for Tweets related to the Mayor's race.  During the runoff #atlpolitics was used.  By following a hashtag, a user can follow all tweets related to a certain topic. Note: Due to the limits in character length, a hashtag should be no longer than ten characters.

 

Hashtags seem to work best during big news events.  When I was working for HD News and covered the 2008 Hurricane season, #Ike, and  #Gustav were the hashtags used to share information during the storms.  I was able to have direct conversations with people on the ground, learn about areas that were being threatened, and share what I was seeing from the field.

 

Getting started: Once you establish your Twitter account, start by looking for other news organizations that are on Twitter.  You follow them by clicking "Follow."  You should also look for elected officials, local public figures and other newsmakers. The beauty with Twitter is that anyone can be a newsmaker, a fan of a reporter, news brand, or "citizen journalist."  Try to follow civic minded individuals.  If you like someone's tweets follow them.  They will usually reciprocate and follow you back.  You can start building a rapport by sending a tweet thanking the follower for their interest. 

 

News organizations should carefully consider the Twitter policy regarding re-tweeting information from other news sources.  A news organization wants to establish its credibility as being the source of breaking news, and important information.  Re-tweeting news from other credible sources could undermine these efforts.

 

If you have any other thoughts, ideas or questions, please leave a comment.

On January 19 Commander of the U.S. Central Command, Gen. David H. Pertaeus visited Georgia Tech to speak on a number of war related issues.

All of us at Lens on Atlanta and PBA wish you a Happy Holidays.

We thank you for your continued support and hope you have a wonderful few days to reflect back on 2009, enjoy the gift of giving, spend time with your family and plan for a great New Year.

Thanks again!

The Lens on Atlanta Team

I recieved this note from Atlanta's Mayor-elect Kasim Reed.  I actully live in Cobb County, but wanted to share his thoughts.

Dear Friends and Supporters,

Thank you very much for all that you have done throughout this hard fought campaign. We could not have made it to victory without you.

At long last, it is official.  I am now the 59th Mayor-Elect of the City of Atlanta! Yesterday, the electoral process finally drew to a close as the recount reaffirmed its initial outcome and Mary Norwood graciously called me to concede. Furthermore, she pledged to work with the new administration both to unite the City after a close election and help bring solutions to the challenges Atlanta faces.  I expressed my respect for Mrs. Norwood and appreciation for her service to this City.

The results of the election are final, and Mrs. Norwood and I are prepared to move forward in a way which unites our City and begins its resurgence. Campaign season is over and I want everyone to know, I have the utmost respect for Mrs. Norwood and I took  no personal pleasure in her concession yesterday. She entered into the Mayor's race for no reason other than because she has a true heart for the City of Atlanta. I look forward to the benefit of Mrs. Norwood's support, counsel and above all friendship as we work to make Atlanta the best it can be.

So, now it is on to the business of governing. Former Bain & Company executive Peter Aman has been nominated to be the Chief Operating Officer. Deputy Chief George Turner has been named Acting Chief of the Atlanta Police Department.   These two appointments will take effect on January 4th when I'm officially sworn in as Mayor.  These are the first of a number of top officials who will be helping me carry out my administrative priorities.

Again, none of this would have been possible if it were not for your hard work, support and faith in a victorious outcome. Thank you!

Sincerely,

Kasim Reed
Mayor-Elect

from MyUrbanReport

 

Can you count the ways that online video can help the community?  

It can help catch crooked cops and criminals as demonstrated recently in the metro Atlanta area.

 

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported that YouTube and neighbors apparently helped police breakup a theft ring that involved a string of robberies in east Atlanta.  

 

The suspects were stealing flat screens, laptops and electronics and then selling the hot items.

Two homeowners who installed cameras outside of their homes, caught the acts on tape.

 

The prime suspect, DeGiorio Jackson was convicted and sentenced to fifteen years in prison for his involvement. 

The article states that he, "went limp in his chair and had to be helped up by Fulton County Sheriff's deputies when he heard the judge's sentence."

Jackson's family maintains that this is a case of mistaken identity and he didn't do it. 

Investigators say that these homeowners and the community basically helped authorities solve the crimes.

Video is more mighty than a sword, gun, or a crew of cats who may decide to run up in your spot and steal your hard earned property.

From MyUrbanReport

 

The March of Dimes does a great job of engaging the social media community in its fight against premature birth. I found out via Twitter that November is Preemie Awareness Month, and as in the past, my wife and I will continue to support the March of Dimes.

 

I first became actively aware of the organization when I reported for WTVT-TV (Fox 13, Tampa, FL). Each year the station partners with the March of Dimes, and anchor Kathy Fountain is one of the primary faces for the annual fundraiser. I was a weekend reporter at the time, and never had the chance to participate because I always worked during the event.

 

Little did I know that in 2006, my family would learn about premature birth first hand. On April 19, 2006 our firstborn sons Rico and Jordan Channel were born at 20 weeks. They came way too soon, and they were too small to have a chance. It’s something I wish no one else would have to experience.

 

This year on the twins’ birthday, we specifically raised money for the March of Dimes using social media. Atlanta Daybook also helped by publishing a press release, and I basically used Twitter and Facebook to raise money through my network. I need to check the exact figure, but I believe we raised $600-$800 dollars. It’s not bad, but I know we can do better. My goal is to raise $5000.00 this year.

 

Everything is a blessing. We recently celebrated the first birthday of our son Devin. Though he will never know his older brothers in the flesh, we will certainly teach him about them and why his family will always support the March of Dimes.

 

Please make a generous donation on behalf of the Channel Twins, and for all the other premature survivors.

 

PLEASE DONATE NOW!

 

If you’re on Twitter, please let me know when you donate. @urbanreporter or @visualeyemedia and use the #fight4preemies hashtag

The election results are in.  Did your candidate win? 

 

Here are some great links with more info and analysis:

 

The AJC has a comprehensive list of the winners.

 

WABE takes a look at the Mayoral runoff election in Atlanta involving Kasim Reed and Mary Norwood.

 

Jim Galloway examines the collapse of Lisa Border's campaign.

 

The PeachPundit has a recap of the live action from election night.

Voters are heading to the polls today, but its more than election day for my family.  It's also my son's first birthday.  Last year on this day, President Obama was voted into office.  As exciting as it was, my wife and I were in the hospital enjoying Devin Alexander's first few moments.

 

What kind of change is coming this year?  Atlantan's are voting for a new mayor, and there are plenty of local, and state seats that are up for grabs.

 

Do you have any election stories to share?  What are your top priorities and what kind of change is needed in your local community?

I just received the info below from a new Lens on Atlanta member.  I went ahead and posted this info as an example of how you can share info with the community via a blog.  I just created a new blog entry, and copy and pasted the info and the link.

 

November is Family Month in the State of Georgia and several cities and counties around the Atlanta area.  To celebrate this, several churches, community groups, media, and gov groups are holding events as part of a "Week of the Family". You can check out several events, ideas, and links going on for the Week of the Family at:

 

WEBSITE

Mayor Shirley Franklin says the leading Mayoral Candidate Mary Norwood isn't ready!

Jim Galloway's Blog

 

Check out the odds of your fav ATL Mayoral Candidate.

GriftDrift Blog

 

Washington is wondering why Atlanta is falling lagging in the mass transit dapartment.

SaportaReport

 

Georgia Congressman wants to privatize Medicare.

GeorgiaWomenVote

 

New Safety Measures for Decatur Schools

DecaturMetro

The Atlanta Forum Network just posted the video of Monday's Atlanta Mayoral forum at he Woodruff Arts Center.

 

This was a great debate.  This was my second debate and unlike the first one that focuesed on transportation, public safety, and the budget issues, this time around, the candidtates have about everything from creating an affordable arts district to public funding for the arts.

 

I used my iPhone to capture most of the conversation, but now that the video is up, you can watch it in its entirety here.

Since the purpose of Lens on Atlanta is to create change in the community, I thought I'd share a little bit more about myself, and how I fit into the picture.

 

I believe that even in small ways, the things we do everyday can have a big impact on our community.  That being said, I'm working to improve the community by being a good father and husband.  Sometimes I wish I didn't have to work so much, but I'm providing financial support to the best of my abilities.  My son is eleven months now, and he's getting bigger and smarter by the day.  My father always stressed the value of education, so I read to him, and teach him simple things.  He knows how to throw a ball, he knows how to clap, and jump.  I already know that he's on the right track.

 

On a wider scale, I volunteer with a nonprofit called Youth Connection.  I mentor to a young man whose father is incarcerated.  He loves baskedball and video games, and I believe I'm making a difference even if it's in a small way.

 

I also started volunteering with a nonprofit call the New Leaders Council.  The organization provides training for young progressives who demonstrate strong leadership skills across the country.  The NLC is in the process of launching an Institute in the Southeast, and we're building our Advisory Board, and recruiting Fellows for the 2010 Institute. 

 

If I'm not busy enough with those responsibilities, I'm working to complete my graduate thesis this semester.  Perhaps I'll share more about that at a later time.

 

I know you're doing positive things in the community as well.  I'd like to know what you're up to.

 

 

 

 

 

My new reel is below.  I've worked at a few news stations in my day.  If you work on-air, you need to have a news reel which shows what you can do.  Let me know what you think about my work.

Did you know that the New Leaders Council is building a foundation for the future of the progressive movement?

 

It's happening one city at a time through a powerful program that provides leadership training, mentoring, and a growing network that is focused on political entrepreneurship for top tier young progressives.

 

So far there are Institutes in San Francisco, NY, Washington DC, Boston, and LA. Young progressives in N. Georgia can now take their careers to next level through the NLC.

 

The Institute is free, but only 20 candidates will be selected for this unique opportunity. The application deadline is Oct. 18.
(learn more here: http://www.newleaderscouncil.org/institute.html)

 

How can you get involved?
1. Apply now. http://bit.ly/1hogB4
2. Nominate a young progressive. http://bit.ly/4bOHWs
3. Support NLC Day on Oct 14. http://bit.ly/36sMkd

 

If you know someone aged 22-35 who is already doing amazing things for the progressive movement, invite them to apply today.

 

Please share this information with your network, and help us launch the first NLC Institute in the southeast.

 

New Leaders Council Website
http://www.newleaderscouncil.org

 

For more information contact:

NLC Atlanta Co-Directors

Selah Abrams (404) 660-4561 selah.abrams(at)gmail.com
or Ebony Hillsman (678) 464-7993 ebonyhillsman(at)gmail.com

MostlyMedia: Shares some citizen media from the aftermath of the flood zone.

GriftDrift: Gives kudos to top local blogs.

DecaturMetro: Great Decatur blog.

SWGAPolitics: A conversation about wealth redistribution.

TheSaportaReport: Hands on Atlanta reaches milestone.

GeorgiaOnMyMind: Home of the Georgia Blog Carnival.

Sid Cottingham: Talks about politics and healthcare reform.

Georgia Legislative Watch: Keeps a close eye on politics.

FreshLoaf: Thoughs on the Grady hospital woes.

BlogforDemocracy: A inside perspective from the Congressional Black Caucus.

PeachPundit: The Georgia Supreme Court says touch screen voting machines are okay.

If you run across any great blogs, please share a link.

 

 

 

from Facebook

This is Shaun King. I need your help. Not play play, but for real.

Over 5,000 families have lost EVERYTHING they have here in metro Atlanta and over 10,000 more families aren't far behind them and they are in SERIOUS NEED of our help. Kids have no clothes. Mothers have no diapers. Families have no food. People have no place to sleep.

THIS IS AN EMERGENCY!!!!

Courageous Church is leading the efforts in Atlanta to make sure we that we provide HOPE & HELP for the people that need it. 

We have created a new website to inform you on what to do @http://hopeATL.com but I need to make a personal appeal for all of you here in Atlanta - particularly those of you that are a part of the Courageous Church movement.

We need at least 15 of you to serve as around the clock team captains in shifts that help oversee and organize our efforts.

I estimate that our city needs several thousand volunteers to help people get their lives back. Let's not let Atlanta be bungled like folk did with Katrina.

I love you all and hope that you will respond my call for help RIGHT AWAY. Visit http://hopeATL.com, email me directly @ shaunking[at]courageous.tv or call me directly @ 404.461.9850

Be Courageous!

Shaun
Lead Pastor
Courageous Church

PLEASE SHARE THIS EMAIL WITH YOUR EMAIL GROUPS!

 

As you may know by news reports, many of our citizens in District 9 have been affected by the flood of the Chattahoochee River, RM Clayton Wastewater Treatment Plant, Peachtree, Proctor and Sandy Creeks.  I have been trying to get around to every community to assess the damage and needs.

 

I am appealing to you and your neighborhood organizations to help me, help those in need!  Please call my office at404-330-6044 if you can assist.

 

My office is working hard to coordinate services for those affected.  The Salvation Army is in route to provide a Canteen with lunch, water, etc. for residents in the Buckhead, Riverside, and Lincoln/Bolton Hill Communities.  If I’ve missed any areas, please alert me.

 

Also, we are coordinating with our Public Works department to set a pick-up day for bulk items.  If you have flood insurance, you may be reimbursed for private dumpsters.  Those who do not have insurance and need assistance for pick-up can call my office for coordination.

 

I’m preparing and electronic and printed information which I will distribute tomorrow with contact numbers for assistance and helpful hints.

 

This email is a call out to individuals and neighborhood associations who were notaffected by the flooding to help your district and neighboring communities.

 

Here’s how you can help:

 

Volunteers to help remove items in homes damaged by the flood – I have seniors who need help!

Donation of cleaning supplies

Pumps and vacuums to remove water from homes

Dumpster donations, etc.

 

If you can help please call me ASAP. 

 

Thank you,

 

Felicia A. Moore
fmoore[at]AtlantaGa.Gov

Councilmember, District 9

Atlanta City Council

55 Trinity Avenue, Suite 2900

Atlanta, GA 30303

(404) 330-6044 Phone

PBA employee Jon Moor asked me to pass along the following information:

 

The Atlanta Forum Network (AFN), www.atlantaforumnetwork.org, is a Web site under the auspices of Public Broadcasting Atlanta (PBA-30 TV and WABE-90.1FM), dedicated to archiving video and audio recordings of local discussions, speeches and presentations by foremost scholars, authors, artists, scientists, policy makers and community leaders on a rainbow of educational and interesting topics.

AFN is looking for volunteers or students wishing to earn credit. You can use your own video camera or ours to record events such as those mentioned above. Most of these events occur weekday evenings; some are during the day. You would use your own transportation. We would reimburse for mileage and provide the videotape stock. We could provide professional videography training, if desired, but prior experience and aptitude for capturing good video and audio are a plus.

You will be part of an exciting community outreach project that extends Atlanta's cultural and educational events to a global audience, and we appreciate your support.

Contact: Jon D. Moor Coordinator

jmoor[at]pba.org or 678-686-0378

What do you do when the house you've been renting goes into foreclosure and the bank wants you to move out ASAP?

 

That's exactly the situation my family is dealing with as I speak.  For the past year, we lived in a townhouse in a development built by Roya Homes in NW Atlanta.  When we found the townhouse in 2008, we were living in a two-bedroom apartment, and the rent for the townhouse was actually less than the apartment. 

 

The deal was too good to pass up.  When we moved in we were one of the only residents on the partially built block.  There are currently about 8 townhomes and two single family homes.  The builder wanted a family to move in to help jump start sales.

 

The plan appeared to be working.  By the beginning of the summer all but two of the townhomes were sold.  Everything was great until about two weeks ago.  We heard that Roya had gone into bankruptcy, and the property was in foreclosure.  Deep down, I was worried that the bank would call and tell us to leave, and that's exactly what happened. 

 

We were notified through a letter in the mail that we had until August 29 to move out which was less than two weeks.   The bank claims to have sent a letter in June but we never saw it.  It wouldn't have been so bad if I was single, but with a wife and 9-month old little boy, packing up and moving out isn't that easy. 

 

We of course wanted to review all of our possible options.  The bank was going to double the rent if we stayed, but offered a modest cash payout for us to move ASAP.  I received some legal advice to fight the eviction, in an attempt to buy more time.  The only thing was that we didn't want an eviction on our credit history.   Time was short, and it didn't seem like we had many options.

 

After going back and forth with the bank, they gave us until September 4 to move out.   We found a three bedroom townhouse that's five minutes from where we are staying, and the movers are coming this week.  In conversations with others about our situation, it doesn't seem that rare.  We're indirect victims of the housing crisis, and I'm sure there are plenty of others who've gone through a similar situation.

 

I'm just glad that we were able to pack our bags and find a new spot before we were left without a roof over our heads.

 

This weekend, I've traveled to Las Vegas to attend a conference with the New Leaders Council. 

 

From the NLC website:

 

"New Leaders Council is an organization that seeks out the top tier of emerging leaders. The program puts these highly selective college seniors and young professionals through a rigorous 5-month training program that focuses on campaign work, advocacy, and leadership training to mold what NLC has termed progressive "political entrepreneurs."

 

The NLC is starting a chapter in Atlanta, and organizers are planning to start the first class in January.  I'll keep you posted with what I learn, and who I meet.

 

If you're on Twitter, you can follow the NLC here.