But Getty is not the only site with free images. Buffer lists a gazillion (well, 53) other sources in 53+ Free Image Sources For Your Blog and Social Media Posts. Before sharing sites, Buffer briefly discusses Creative Commons and public domain.
Saturday, May 31, 2014
TA: Free image sources
Perhaps the biggest news in the realm of free images was that from Getty Images that most images were free for certain uses, including blogging.
Legislative meeting briefing June 2
Friday, May 30, 2014
Free webinar list for June, brought to us by @WildApricot
Wednesday, May 28, 2014
TA: Visual content improves social media traction, drives sharing
Boost engagement with visuals and see the results
In addition to helping you communicate a message that is remembered, effective visuals pack a serious punch when it comes to upping your engagement. OpenView Marketing Lab’s "Beginner’s Guide to Stunning Visual Content Marketing," reports that company Facebook pages who post status updates with visuals in the form of videos and photo albums create up to 180 percent stronger engagement.
The challenges, of course, at least for the nonprofits and government agencies I know, are time and resources. Active engagement on social media platforms takes a tremendous commitment, a commitment not all agencies and organizations have. So what do we do with advice like that shared above? My thinking is this: Choose a platform or two and engage well. Perhaps commit to promoting the work of others that is consistent with our view of the world. Definitely engage rather than just post our own content.
What are your thoughts?
More from my archives (Random "historical" documents, part 4)
I've decided to post documents I think are useful to those who work with children and youth. And useful to policymakers.
The post Testimony at April 19 roundtable on late March homicides contains links to must-have docs: Making the transition from the spiral of system failure to the track of youth success, Youth Violence & Homicide myths and realities, and the independent evaluation of GIP. More docs below.
Value of Positive Youth Development
Tuesday, May 27, 2014
Meet the education ombudsman June 14
The Ward 2 Ed Network's June 14, 10:00 - 11:30 am meeting features the relatively new Ombudsman for Public Education Joyanna Smith. The meeting takes place at Luther Place Memorial Church (1226 Vermont Ave NW). More info about the event or the network is available via email, W2EdNetwork@gmail.com or with the network on Twitter, @Ward2EdNetwork.
Monday, May 26, 2014
A new radio program, Taking Action
Empower DC is producing Taking Action, a new weekly radio program on WPFW Radio 89.3 FM. The announcement from Empower DC:
The program airs on Tuesdays from 1-2 PM and highlights organizing efforts around issues including fighting displacement, saving our schools and communities, preserving truly affordable housing, building community power and holding elected officials accountable. If your community or organization is Taking Action on an issue impacting your lives and would like to tell your story on our radio program, please email takingactiondc@gmail.com or call Parisa Norouzi at (202) 234-9119 with information about your show idea and they will work on fitting it into the schedule.
If you want to listen to previous programs, go to the Empower DC calendar page.
Leg meeting media briefing May 27
DC Council Chairman Phil Mendelson is holding a media briefing May 27 at 10:00 am in JAWB (Room 412). Mendelson will preview major actions to be taken at the May 28 legislative briefing.
If you can't make it to the Wilson Building you can watch on the DC Council website.
Sunday, May 25, 2014
Fabulous online slideshow tool
Found Slidely today. What a great online slide sharing tool. Some examples:
Holi festival by Slidely Photo Gallery
Don't worry be happy by Slidely Photo Gallery
Ward 6 Community Meeting on Public Safety & Recent Robberies
Ward 6 CM Tommy Wells and the Metropolitan Police Department are holding the Ward 6 Community Meeting on Public Safety & Recent Robberies Wednesday, May 28 at 6:30 pm at The Hill Center (921 Pennsylvania Ave SE).
Background: There have recently been violent robberies in Ward 6. In response, CM Wells contacted MPD and the department has increased foot, car and bike patrols in the area.
Questions should be directed to Kouri Marshall, Senior Advisor and Director of External Affairs; (202) 727-8272 or via email, kmarshall@dccouncil.us.
Saturday, May 24, 2014
Natasha Trethewey, outgoing US Poet Laureate
Here and Now's Robin Young talked with outgoing US Poet Laureate Natasha Trethewey about Trethewey's art and the state of poetry. Natasha Trethewey Ends Her Tenure As U.S. Poet Laureate aired May 21, 2014. An interesting segment. What I enjoyed most was the opening:
Natasha Trethewey is ending her two-year term as Poet Laureate of the United States. On the PBS series "Where Poetry Lives" she traveled the country, including a visit to the Alzheimer's Poetry Project in Brooklyn. Here she is sitting on the floor with preschoolers who'd come to visit the older residence.(SOUNDBITE OF AUDIO CLIP)
NATASHA TRETHEWEY: I'm a poet.
UNIDENTIFIED GROUP: I'm a poet.
TRETHEWEY: And I know it.
UNIDENTIFIED GROUP: And I know it.
TRETHEWEY: And my feet surely show it.
UNIDENTIFIED GROUP: And my feet surely show it.
TRETHEWEY: Because they're longfellows.
UNIDENTIFIED GROUP: Because they're longfellows.
I laughed along with the kids. The interaction was sweet and showed the magic of poetry.
Friday, May 23, 2014
Keyboard shortcuts for social media
Looking for shortcuts to use on Twitter, Facebook, Gmail, YouTube, and other platforms? Buffer's The Big List of 111+ Keyboard Shortcuts For Your Most-Used Online Tools has the 411.
Thursday, May 22, 2014
CM McDuffie on @kojoshow May 23
Friday at noon: For #PoliticsHour, we talk Ward 5 with @CM_McDuffie. Questions? Call, tweet. We're listening. http://t.co/Mj2OC1vmbu
— The Kojo Nnamdi Show (@kojoshow) May 22, 2014
Children and poverty, a report from UVA
 | Graphic [from UVA] |
- How prevalent is childhood poverty in Virginia?
- How does family structure relate to childhood poverty?
- Are current poverty amelioration strategies — particularly those promoting marriage — sufficient given what we know about childhood poverty?
One of the key findings is "While children in single- and cohabiting-parent families make up one-half of all children in and near poverty, the other one-half of all poor and near-poor children lives with married parents."
I'm wondering if and how this research can inform public policy and practice in DC. Thoughts?
An update on the CAFB Mobile Marketplace and free produce giveaway
Capital Area Food Bank has updated the flyer for their DC Mobile Marketplace. The marketplace launches June 7 and will be held the first Saturday of each month through December. The marketplace will provide roughly 25-30 lbs of free produce to qualified individuals and families. The following nonprofits will be at the June 7 marketplace to share information: DC Central Kitchen (Healthy Corners/Culinary Job Training), We Are Family (senior services), Unity Healthcare (free health screenings), and Pepco (energy assistance program).
Get your Dream City read on
MLK Library says it now has 25 ebook copies of updated Dream City for loan. Thanks all for interest.
— Tom Sherwood (@tomsherwood) May 21, 2014
Wednesday, May 21, 2014
AG Irv Nathan guests on NewsTalk May 21
DC Attorney General Irv Nathan will guest on NewsTalk Wednesday, May 21 during the 10:00 am hour. Nathan will be asked about recent court rulings on gun control and budget autonomy. Tune in to the show streaming here: http://news8.net/.
If you have questions or comments, call (703) 387-1020 or email the show.
The history of Washington, DC in pictures
The Historic Washington Flickr pool is a terrific way of learning about DC. There are postcards, pictures of restaurants, black and white photos of federal buildings and memorials, and many snaps of local DC, back in the day and today. It's a treasure trove just waiting to be explored!
Tuesday, May 20, 2014
The 1968 riots according to PoPville, Gallaudet, Getty Images, and others
The video from the 1968 riots in DC, posted on Popville in the post Gallaudet Student Video Capture of 1968 Riots on H Street prompted a number of questions from readers wanting to know more about the riots. If you've not seen the video, watch it.
UNITED STATES - CIRCA 1968: Ruins of a store in Washington, D.C., that was destroyed during the riots that followed the assassination of Martin Luther King, Jr. (Photo by Buyenlarge/Getty Images)
UNITED STATES - CIRCA 1968: soldier standing guard in a Washington, D.C., street with the ruins of buildings that were destroyed during the riots that followed the assassination of Martin Luther King, Jr. (Photo by Buyenlarge/Getty Images)
April 1968: A Black man crosses a street past soldiers and a bombed building during the race riots that followed Martin Luther King's assassination, Washington, DC. (Photo by Hulton Archive/Getty Images)
Firefighters spray water on shops, including Beyda's, Miles Shoes, and Graysons, that were burned during the riots that followed the assassination of Martin Luther King, Jr., Washington, DC, April 1968. (Photo by Buyenlarge/Getty Images)
The Washington Post's A City in Turmoil presents a more expansive view of the riots which started on 14th St NW and later impacted H St NE. WaPo sets the stage for the map:
On April 4, 1968, civil rights icon Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated in Memphis. His murder sparked unrest that same evening in Washington D.C. Over the next few days, violence, looting and arson enveloped the city. Here is an account of the events that damaged -- and destroyed -- large swaths of the District.
The 1968 Riots in Washington, DC, on the National Archives blog, describes some of the damage resulting from the riots. One account retold in the blog post:
Mr. Jesse McCain an African American man over the age of 50 whose barbershop at 643 P St NW, just off the 7th Street riot corridor, was made a total loss on April 5th, wrote: "I AM TOO OLD TO BE WORRYED ANY MORE I JUST DON’T WANT ANY MORE BUSINESS."
The pictures below make clear why Mr. McCain felt the way he did.
UNITED STATES - CIRCA 1968: Ruins of a store in Washington, D.C., that was destroyed during the riots that followed the assassination of Martin Luther King, Jr. (Photo by Buyenlarge/Getty Images)
UNITED STATES - CIRCA 1968: soldier standing guard in a Washington, D.C., street with the ruins of buildings that were destroyed during the riots that followed the assassination of Martin Luther King, Jr. (Photo by Buyenlarge/Getty Images)
April 1968: A Black man crosses a street past soldiers and a bombed building during the race riots that followed Martin Luther King's assassination, Washington, DC. (Photo by Hulton Archive/Getty Images)
Firefighters spray water on shops, including Beyda's, Miles Shoes, and Graysons, that were burned during the riots that followed the assassination of Martin Luther King, Jr., Washington, DC, April 1968. (Photo by Buyenlarge/Getty Images)
Finally, consider the notes from a student recently studying the riots.
Mayor Gray's regular biweekly presser and more May 21
Mayor Gray will hold his regular biweekly presser May 21 from 11:00 am - Noon at the Hamilton Restaurant (600 14th St NW in the Hamilton Live Room). At the same event, Mayor Gray will offer remarks on the Business Regulatory Reform Task Force report.
Great advice for social media use and life
"Aim high, it's no harder on the gun"- applies to social media interactions AND life #umbsocial
— Erin McCoy (@ErinLibrarian09) May 14, 2014From the recap of the recent University of Massachusetts Boston social media event.
Monday, May 19, 2014
Freecycle Fete June 8
The free event will provide free tables for those interested in getting rid of their stuff. There will also be plenty of opportunity to fund new treasures to furnish your pad. But there's more than stuff to give and get. Freecycle Fete attendees can partake in karaoke, a pie eating contest, games, prizes, music (ahem - dancefloor, anyone?), and onsite food trucks.
Go to dchomebuzz.com/freecyclefete/ for more information and to RSVP.
Sunday, May 18, 2014
Encouraging kids to read this summer
DC Public Library's summer reading program starts June 1 and ends August 31. The program features four age-specific themes, a reading contest, and (woot!) the Washington Nationals as the leading partner. Deets about the themes:
- Read With Me: a special program for children birth to age five and their parent or caregiver. It's never to early to foster a love of reading in your child. Visit your neighborhood library to sign up.
- Fizz, Boom, Read: for children 6 to 12 years old. Win prizes for reading. Visit your neighborhood library to sign up.
- Spark a Reaction: for teens 13 to 19 years old. Win prizes and have more fun by earning badges! Sign up online. Spark a Reaction includes a book review contest, the winners of which will receive an iPad mini. The contest deadline is August 14.
- Literary Elements: adults can join the fun. Win prizes for reading and learning new skills. Sign up online or at any library. Contests are part of this summer program, too.
Want to make reading even more fun and engaging for young children? Make a reading journal for your children. The blog Less than Perfect Parents shows you how in the post Start a Reading Journal.
 | Photo from [www.lessthanperfectparents.com/]; used with permission |
And remember, there's a writing contest for 5th and 6th graders (more info on the contest), "A Book That Shaped Me." The deadline is August 11.
Sound Twitter advice
Think twice, tweet once. Sound advice at #umbsocial with @JoselinMane
— amanda gray (@Seaatsunset) May 14, 2014From the recap of the recent University of Massachusetts Boston social media event.
Saturday, May 17, 2014
Policy forum: Poverty, Development and Displacement June 4
UPO Inspire Foundation is hosting the Poverty, Development and Displacement policy forum Wednesday, June 4 from Noon - 2:00 pm. The event takes place at Martin Luther King Library (901 G Street NW, Room A-5). Lunch will be provided and there is limited space available. Call UPO for more information: (202) 238-4609.
Friday, May 16, 2014
New from the DC Council: Get up to Speed on DC Budget Autonomy
The DC Council has posted a variety of materials related to budget autonomy. There are lawsuit and background materials on the site.
Summer writing contest for 5th and 6th graders underway
I can't wait to read the entries, especially those from DC. In the meantime, I'm interested in hearing from readers about a book, fiction or nonfiction, that has had a personal impact on your life.
Thursday, May 15, 2014
Wednesday, May 14, 2014
Mayor Gray guests on NewsTalk May 15
Mayor Gray will make his regular monthly appearance on NewsTalk Thursday, May 15 at 10:00 am. Tune in to the show streaming here: http://news8.net/.
If you have questions or comments, call (703) 387-1020 or email the show.
Woo hoo! DC designated Playful City USA 2014 community
Yesterday, KaBOOM! announced that the District of Columbia won the designation as a Playful City! DC was designated because we have championed play as "a priority through establishing policy initiatives, infrastructure investments and innovative programming."
The benefits of Playful City USA designation:
- Two Playful City USA highway road signs
- Personalized marketing activation kit that includes press releases and marketing materials to support national recognition and increase awareness
- Webinars to share and learn best practices from across the network and country
- Exclusive access to Policy Map, an online tool that enables cities to leverage up-to-date city data that can be used in combination with KaBOOM! playspace mapping data
- Opportunity to apply for grants and playground build opportunities offered by KaBOOM! that support targeted policies, programs, and infrastructure for your city or town
- Increased stature and competitive advantage for state and national grant opportunities
- Opportunity to attend 2014 Playful City USA Leaders' Summit
Free produce for qualified individuals and families AND partnership opp
Capital Area Food Bank launches their DC Mobile Marketplace June 7. The marketplace will provide roughly 25-30 lbs of free produce to qualified individuals and families. Marketplaces are held monthly.
CAFB is offering space to up to five nonprofits providing relevant services. Community partners are expected to be on-site from 8:30 am - 12:30 pm. Interested organizations should contact Paula Reichel at (202) 644-9827 or via email, preichel@capitalareafoodbank.org.
@OneCityYouth looking for child- and youth-serving orgs on Twitter
We'd love to follow more child- & youth-serving orgs. Pls tell us your DC faves!
— OneCityYouth (@OneCityYouth) May 13, 2014
Tuesday, May 13, 2014
How great is this: DC is a finalist for the 2014 Playful City USA initiative
DC has been named as a finalist for the 2014 Playful City USA initiative. Playful City USA recognizes cities which have created "policies or investing in programs and infrastructure to keep kids active, playing, and healthy." DPR announced the news May 12.
The more than 200 cities in the running will find out if they will be designated as a Playful City May 13 from 2:00 - 3:00 pm during a Tweetup. Follow along using the hashtag #playability.
Monday, May 12, 2014
Data on biking in DC, the latest from the Office of Planning
The Office of Planning's latest data sheet, Bike to Work Week: May 12-16, 2014 (PDF) starts with the headline "Biking to Work More Than Tripled in Just Over a Decade in Washington, DC." Read this short data sheet to learn more about how biking has grown in popularity over the years.
Interested in broadband for schools and libraries? There's a video for that.
Speedmatters.org has summarized the May 6 FCC event on affordable broadband for schools and libraries (known as E-rate) in E-rate modernization workshop. The bottom line? As Commissioner Mignon Clyburn said, "We need to make sure to modernize the E-rate program, so all of our schools and libraries are able to take full advantage of the available benefits..."
Want more information about the topic and the event? Watch the video here.
Charter school board wants to hear from parents
The Community Advisory Group of the DC Public Charter School Board wants to hear from families about how they get information about schools. Parents and other caregivers are encouraged to take this short survey.
Sunday, May 11, 2014
LIMS gets a new look and added functionality
The DC Council has made some necessary and welcome improvements to LIMS. Take a look at the screenshots starting with the main search page at the new URL, http://lims.dccouncil.us/:
OP on Mother's Day
The Office of Planning issued a new report in time for Mother's Day: Mothers Day Facts (PDF). The one-page fact sheet presents a range of data related to mothers; a snapshot is below.
Saturday, May 10, 2014
District of Change: Making D.C. Better for the Arts May 21
DC Public Library is launching District of Change, an ongoing series examining the transformation of DC, May 21. According to the event invitation (where you can RSVP),
In this first event in our District of Change series, we will discuss how D.C.'s transformation has affected the creative community in the city. The District has a rich artistic history, including the Go-Go scene, punk rock, the Washington Color School and other artistic movements, which flourished at a time when D.C. was thought of as a government town. As the city continues to grow and becomes more culturally connected, can artists still find a welcoming home in D.C.? How can the city continue to foster these sorts of creative movements?
Friday, May 9, 2014
Forum: Biking and Community Change in the District May 22
DHS director to leave DC gov June 28
Mayor Gray announced May 8 that DHS director David Berns is leaving his position June 28.
According to the release,
"David has faced major challenges in his time as DHS director, and he has responded each time with thoughtfulness, expertise, compassion and the ability to execute a plan," Mayor Gray said. "The District’s programs for homeless families, TANF recipients and other residents have been vastly improved thanks to his good work, and for that I am very grateful."
Columbia Heights to get playground upgrade; meeting May 14
Direct questions to PlayDC via email, PlayDC@dc.gov.
Thursday, May 8, 2014
Free youth event promotion: onecityyouth.dc.gov
Check out the new addition to our website: "Promote your event 4 youth 4 FREE"! Go to http://t.co/GMRsmF5CKp to learn more.
— OneCityYouth (@OneCityYouth) May 8, 2014
Save the date for ANCs: What they do, how to run, and why you should!
ANCs: What they do, how to run, and why you should! takes place Saturday, June 7 from 2:30 - 4:30 pm at Dorothy I. Height/Benning Neighborhood Library (3935 Benning Rd NE).
According to the event announcement fro Empower DC,
Advisory Neighborhood Commissioners (ANCs) are the most local form of elected government in DC -- and they can have a big impact on what happens in your neighborhood. Come to Empower DC's next Empowerment Circle to learn more about ANCs, including how to start the process of running for the November election. Our guests will include Gottlieb Simon of the Office of Advisory Neighborhood Commissions.
Questions or to RSVP for childcare, contact Jennifer (202-234-9119, via email, jennifer@empowerdc.org).
Wednesday, May 7, 2014
3 Star Ball, a party for DC Vote's young professional supporters
DC Vote's May 22 3 Star Ball is all about engaging young professionals looking to support the cause for voting representation and full equality for the District.
Attendees will party with DC's hippest guests and celebs to live music and with DC-themed hors d'oeuvres and an open bar.
CAAB's free financial ed and management classes start soon
Capital Area Asset Builders (CAAB) is hosting Money Management 101 classes in May and June 2014.
CAAB's Money Management 101 is a five-module series made up of two-hour classes. Participants will learn how to gain control of their finances by acquiring knowledge of setting financial goals and tracking expenses, budgeting and saving, credit and compound interest, and credit reports.
There are two series: Wednesday nights and Saturday mornings. People can register online, by email, or by phone. Details are on the website.
Is it time to spring clean your website?
Tuesday, May 6, 2014
Safe Shores ED on the news and in Twitterverse May 7
Also on May 7, Cole will host a Twitter chat from 5:00 - 6:00 pm, before and after her live interview. To join the conversation, use the hashtag #protectkids. An easy way to participate is to use a Twitter chat tool; I use tweetchat.com.
Mayor Gray's biweekly presser May 7
Mayor Vincent C. Gray will hold his regular biweekly presser May 7 from 10:30 - 11:30 am at Woodridge Library (1801 Hamlin St NE). Part of the presser will include a celebration of the demolition of the library to make way for a state-of-the-art facility.
The advisory provides background on the library:
The D.C. Public Library has renovated or rebuilt 15 neighborhood libraries since 2009. The new, 20,000-square-foot Woodridge Library will open in 2015. It will feature separate spaces for adults, teens and children; 40,000 books, CDs, DVDs, and other library materials; comfortable seating for 200 customers; 40 public-access computers and free Wi-Fi Internet access; a large programming room for up to 100 people; and two conference rooms. It will also be the first library to have a green roof that will also serve as space for library programming.
DPR launches text/email alert system
The Department of Parks and Recreation has launched a text/email alert system. Alerts will tell users about facility closures, delayed openings, field and weather updates, heat advisories, and more. There are two ways to sign up:
- For mobile only: Text 888777 Keyword: DCDPR from your mobile device
- For mobile or email: Go to DPR Alerts. The screen shot of this option is below.
Monday, May 5, 2014
Practice TA: new Youth and Media reports
Youth and Media has released four new research briefs about youth and news. The briefs are:
- The Challenges of Defining 'News Literacy'
- Mapping Approaches to News Literacy Curriculum Development: A Navigation Aid
- Youth News Perceptions and Behaviors Online: How Youth Access and Share Information in a Chicago Community Affected by Gang Violence
- Evaluation in Context: Reflections on How to Measure Success of Your "WNM" Program
Sunday, May 4, 2014
Live near the Capper Community Center? Take this survey!
Whether you live own or rent or live in an apartment, condo, townhouse, your input is needed to make the Capper Community Center what the community wants it to be. Construction is slated to start soon so take the Capper Community Center survey.
According to Torti Gallas and Partners,
According to Torti Gallas and Partners,
The Neighborhood Community Center will be located centrally within walking distance of all edges of the community and will contain aggressive supportive services that will provide pathways out of poverty for the residents. The community center will have athletic fields which are shared with the Marine housing located immediately east of the public housing site.
Want to know more about the Athur Capper and Carrollsburg communities? Read Johanna Bockman's Who was Arthur Capper?.
Nonprofit voter registration webinar
Voter Registration at Your Nonprofit will teach nonprofits how to integrate voter registration into the work they already do, dos and don'ts, different state requirements, registration tactics, and much more.
The webinar takes place Thursday, May 15 at 2:00 pm.
Legislative meeting May 6
The DC Council will hold a Legislative Meeting Tuesday, May 6 at 10:00 am in Room 500 of the John A. Wilson Building. The May 6 agenda is online. If you can't make it downtown, you can watch on the DC Council website.
Chairman Mendelson's regular leg meeting media briefing, May 5
DC Council Chairman Phil Mendelson will hold his regular Legislative Meeting Media Briefing May 5 at 10:00 am in Room 120 at JAWB. The chairman will preview major actions expected to take place at the May 6 leg meeting. If you can't make it to the Wilson Building you can watch on the DC Council website.
Saturday, May 3, 2014
Wild Apricot's list of free webinars for nonprofits
This list is on top of the offerings by Wild Apricot itself.
Friday, May 2, 2014
CFSA's good practice recognized in national pub
CFSA has been recognized for an effective practice in the National Resource Center for Adoption's Consultants' Corner. The newsletter features CFSA's wide use of the R.E.D. Team process. The newsletter is below; the story about CFSA starts on page 3.
Thursday, May 1, 2014
More news about Dream City
Don't worry. The new Dream City still has lots of @marionbarryjr. http://t.co/K00M1KANaU
— Will Sommer (@willsommer) May 1, 2014Need a camp for your kids this summer? One City Youth has the 411
New camps just added to One City Youth camp list: http://t.co/X2yfkloPFM . Got a camp to list? Email onecityyouth AT http://t.co/ryMHZpE1Gv
— OneCityYouth (@OneCityYouth) May 1, 2014
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