List of free webinars, (again) brought to you by @WildApricot

It may be a big month for vacations, but the list of free webinars curated by Wild Apricot isn't shabby.   The 21 Free Non-profit Webinars for July 2014 post includes Wild Apricot events, you'll find trainings related to volunteers, fundraising, days of service, social media.

Bygone Brookland, a new blog

Education quote #1

More new and old ebooks coming to libraries

Great news for readers with ereaders: Simon & Schuster is making its books available for public library lending nationwide, free for one year.   There will be no cap on the number of times a particular eBook is checked out.   According to the (S&S release PDF):

All of Simon & Schuster's frontlist and backlist titles that are available as ebooks are eligible for the program, with new titles being made available simultaneous with their publication.

Simon & Schuster has more than 10,000 ebooks in its backlist although it's not clear which will be eligible for the library lending program.

The S&S library lending announcement also included news of an "innovative business model":

In order to help support libraries, and for the convenience of patrons who might not want to wait until a popular new title is available, Simon & Schuster's ebook program includes a 'Buy It Now' capability, which gives the patron the option to purchase a copy of Simon & Schuster eBooks through a library's online portal, with a portion of the proceeds from each sale going to the library.

To take advantage of this new and improved reading opportunity, get a DC Public Library card.   Learn more about getting a card.

TA: Social media timing and other tips from @WildApricot

WildApricot's post Is Timing Everything On Social Media? includes more than just what they did to better serve their clients.   This fab group provides a list of resources in this post so check it out.

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June 26 boundary hearing Storified

Even more on the #dcfy15 budget (and other leg)

Here is more on the FY 2015 budget:

• Catania Statement on Appropriations Committee Vote Impacting Marijuana Decriminalization in the District (June 25, 2014)
• Norton and Allies to Continue Fight After Passage of Harris Amendment Blocking D.C.’s Marijuana Decriminalization Bill (June 25, 2014)
• Norton to Fight Harris Amendment Blocking D.C. Marijuana Decriminalization Bill, Wednesday (June 24, 2014)
• Norton Alerts Residents to Expect a Fight Over Republican Amendment to Block D.C.’s Marijuana Decriminalization Bill, Wednesday (June 24, 2014)
• UHAR Applauds DC Council Vote Establishing 2018 Anacostia River Remediation Deadline (June 24, 2014)
• Anita Bonds Bill Designates “Good Hope Road” a Retail Priority Area (June 26, 2014)
• Norton Points out Members for Hypocrisy and Inconsistency on D.C. Marijuana Decriminalization Vote (June 26, 2014)

"Chicken Fat" lives on

Thanks, Valerie Strauss, for Why kids in 1960′s knew the 'go you chicken fat go' song in today’s iPhone ads.   I'm a boomer, but at the tail end, so was not exposed to "The Youth Fitness Song" (aka "Chicken Fat") in school.   Strauss reports the song was central to President Kennedy's promotion of physical fitness.

There are two versions of the song.   The long version (linked above) was played during the school day to "accompany the official U.S. Physical Fitness program of the President's Council on Physical Fitness." (Source: John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum)   The shorter version is known as the "disc jockey version."   The lyrics of the long and short versions here.

In the 1990s, Dave produced the Chicken Fat Kids workout video (also below).   The first segment is from the 1960s when President Kennedy introduced the program; you'll see children and young adults doing pushups, stretching, and other activities mentioned in the song.

Watch and Listen to the video below for the shorter version of the song.   Interesting facts about the song and the president's effort pop up throughout the video.

And lest you think this song is no longer used, think again.   In 2012, the University of Evansville cheer squad and university president Dr. Thomas A. Kazee appeared in a video to promote Evansville Mayor Lloyd Winneke's initiative to have Evansville stay fit.   Watch the Evansville vid here.

Free learning opp: Why Collective Impact and Why Now?

Interested in collective impact?   Learn with the best at the free Tamarack tele-learning event Why Collective Impact and Why Now? Friday, August 8 from 11:00 am - Noon (Eastern).   Speakers Melody Barnes and Paul Born will engage participants in an interactive session during which everyone will explore the idea and practice of Collective Impact and why it's crucial that leaders embrace this framework.

Not sure what exactly Collective Impact is?   FSG's definition is to the right.   FSG's website boasts a number of Collective Impact-related materials and tools including videos, a webinar, and a written piece.

Community Research also has some useful information, tools, and links.   Naturally, Stanford Social Innovation Review has contributed to the knowledge base with Collective Impact.   Another useful website is Innoweave's collective impact collection.

Engagement Tech for All webinar June 26

The free Engagement Tech for All webinar takes place June 26 from 3:30 - 5:00 pm.   Participants will learn about some of the latest innovations in the field of civic technology and the potential for these technologies to advance transformational change in communities, particularly around the lives of low-income people.

Background information, including Engagement Tech for All report, is online at Engagement Tech for All.   The report, Engagement Tech for All: Best Practices in the Use of Technology in Engagement Underrepresented Communities in Planning (PDF) considers the best ways to reach low-income and other technologically underrepresented communities regarding using technology in civic engagement.

The June 20 DCR according to @hgil

More about #dcfy15 budget second BSA reading

FY 2015 Mayor-Mendelson Letter re: 2nd BSA reading

Great news: DC Free Summer Meals sites in a searchable map

Hot off the press from the One City Youth blog: Looking for free summer meals?   As the OCY post reports, the map will be updated so you should check back regularly.

For those new to the program, children and youth (0-18) who are DC residents can eat for free this summer.    No registration, no paperwork required.

Can we apply the lessons from Why Students Don't Like School to adults?

I'm not a teacher and I have limited knowledge of what makes an effective teacher/classroom/school.   But the Twitter chat about the book Why Students Don't Like School, the Storifed version of the chat below, got me thinking about how to engage adults in learning and relearning.   I am particularly interested in Bill Ivey's review of the book.

A special shout-out to Scott MacClintic (@Smacclintic), teacher at Loomis Chafee and a member of the Class of 1982 along with yours truly.   I follow Scott on Twitter and learn a lot from him.

Keep the hydrants closed!

It should go without saying that fire hydrants exist so fire fighters can fight fires.   Not so, at least according to the recent release, Please leave fire hydrants alone from DC Water and FEMS.   Advice from the release:

Residents and visitors in the District can keep cool by staying in shade or air conditioning and drinking plenty of water. When the temperature or heat index reaches 95, residents are encouraged to take extra precautions against the heat. If they do not live in an air-conditioned building, they may take refuge at a District swimming pool, cooling center, recreation facility, senior center or other air-conditioned building. More information, and locations, can be found at dc.gov or by calling 311.

#dcfy15 draft BSA ANS for June 24 consideration

FY15 BSA draft ANS (2014-06-23)

An entertaining and informative hour with Elizabeth Drew on Richard Nixon

As I watched Elizabeth Drew talk about her updated book Washington Journal: Reporting Watergate and Richard Nixon's Downfall on BookTV, I flashed back to eighth grade history with Mr. Ralston.   I wish I had read the first edition of Drew's book back in Tolland, CT since there is so much more to the Nixon downfall than was portrayed in All the President's Men.

If you have time, watch the hour-long Drew book talk.   And if so inclined, buy the book at Politics & Prose (book page).

DC Council Chairman Mendelson holds media briefing June 23

DC Council Chairman Phil Mendelson will brief the media about the June 24 legislative meeting on June 23 at 10:00 am in Room 412 at JAWB.   If you can't make it to the Wilson Building you can watch on the DC Council website.

DC Free Summer Meals PSA - watch and share

Just posted on the One City Youth blog is the DC Free Summer Meals Program PSA (DC Free Summer Meal Program basics):

You, too, can embed the PSA in your blog or website.   Just use the following embed code; instructions are in the box below.

allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="375" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/hMmj09EIIJY?rel=0&cc_load_policy=1" width="500">

Help inform outreach plans about the new smoking-in-public prohibitions

Smoking Restriction Act of 2013 (PDF) went into effect December 13, 2013.   The law makes illegal smoking within 25 feet of bus stops, city parks, community facilities, dog parks, private playgrounds, public playgrounds, recreational centers, swimming pools, spray parks, bike/jogging trails, and other facilities maintained by the DC government.

The Community Wellness Alliance is conducting a survey to get the opinion of DC residents of the best ways to make the public aware of the law.   Take the survey and encourage others to do so, please.

Mayor Vince Gray's June 19 sked

Mayor Gray will make his regular monthly appearance on NewsTalk Thursday, June 19 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.

Then at 11:30 am, Mayor Gray will appear on Senior Talk on positivenergyworks.com/.

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The June 13 DCR Storified by @hgil

What to do for those without AC when it's hot, hot, hot

With the extreme heat (95 degrees temp or feel) come special plans to keep residents, visitors, and workers cool and safe.   The details are in 2014 HEAT EMERGENCY PLAN (PDF).

The best way to beat the heat is to stay inside an air conditioned building.   If you have to leave, check out these options to cool down:

• The Department of Parks and Recreation has opened spray parks a week early.   These sites, located in all but Ward 2, are open from Noon 10:00 am - 7:00 pm. (UPDATED: 6/17/14, 9:15p)
• The four cooling centers are:
  • One Judiciary Square, 441 Fourth St NW
  • Frank D. Reeves Center (Lobby), 2000 14th St NW
  • King Office Building (Lobby), 3720 Martin Luther King, Jr. Ave SE
  • Virginia Williams Family Resource Center, 33 N St NE
• United Planning Organization (UPO) vans will be on the lookout for people suffering from heat-related stress and provide transport to a Cooling Center.   If you need to call for transport, call DC Shelter Hotline at (800) 535-7252.
• The Department of Human Services opens cooling centers for homeless residents; the list of the sites is on pages 1 and 2 of the plan.
• DC Housing Authority open buildings as cooling centers for seniors who live in a non-air conditioned buildings.   The locations are listed on page 2 of the plan.

Finally, DC government posts an alert on the DC government home page during heat emergencies.   The alert links people to resources.

Public Education and the D.C. Federal Courts June 19

The Historical Society of the District of Columbia Circuit's June 19 panel presentation is "Sixty Years After Bolling v. Sharpe: Public Education and the D.C. Federal Courts."   Panelists include DCPS Chancellor Kaya Henderson and DC Circuit Court Judge David Tatel.   A reception will follow.

The event is free and open to the public.   Additional information is on the historical society website.

Technology and learning, the PIL interview with Katie Davis

Project Information Literacy (PIL) describes Katie Davis as a

young researcher on the rise. She investigates the role of digital technologies in the academic, social, and moral lives of modern youth and works with educators, parents, business leaders, and policymakers throughout the U.S. to put her research into practice.

The University of Washington's iSchool interviewed Davis to learn more about those who will be learning in the future.   Katie Davis: Who is the Learner of Tomorrow? examines how Davis believes learning is changed by technology and whether technology can promote learning across all ages.

The interview starts with a question about Davis' book The App Generation: How Today's Youth Navigate Identity, Intimacy, and Imagination in a Digital World (for sale at Politics & Prose).   Davis is asked about what defines learners of tomorrow; the response is that "the app" is a metaphor for the various themes from the underlying research.   Want to learn more about the book?   A video featuring both authors is below and reviews are all over the internet.

The PIL interview asks Davis about other technology-related research and presentations and is worth a read if you are a teacher or interested in the power and implications of technology.

Snippets from Health for Tomorrow

Several weeks ago, health practitioners, researchers, and journalists came together at Health for Tomorrow.   I'm not a health policy person, but a couple sessions stood out.

The first was that with Toby Cosgrove, president and CEO of Cleveland Clinic.   Cosgrove described the steps Cleveland Clinic took internally and in the community to improve health outcomes and change behavior to improve outcomes.   One takeaway was from moderator Elisabeth Rosenthal of The New York Times: In reaction to an intervention described by Cosgrove (engage more people in their own health care and reducing incidence of diseases such as diabetes and high cholesterol, Rosenthal said she had heard from every day people that they wanted to be compliant, they wanted to eat better and healthier food.   The problem was they couldn't afford it.

The second stand out was the session The Future of Individualized Medicine with Eric J. Topol of Scripps Translational Science Institute, Scripps Health, and The Scripps Research Institute.   What resonated with me was the affordability of personalized medicine and how quickly the world of medicine and science is changing, further challenging the widespread adoption of personalized medicine.

The videos of Cosgrove and Topol are below.   To view the other videos, click here.

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Haven't read Dream City? Then this is for you.

Short Articles about Long Meetings (SALM) has done the work―reading―for you.   It has started summarizing the epic Sherwood/Jaffe 20th anniversary edition of Dream City.

The Cheater's Guide to Dream City will continue next week, on Friday, and Fridays thereafter.

Clinton Yates talks Dream City with Tom Sherwood and Harry Jaffe

Second reading of BSA postponed to June 24

The second reading of the FY 2015 BSA has been moved from June 17 to June 24.

Third Annual New Heights Summit June 25

The Third Annual New Heights Summit takes place Wednesday, June 25 from 8:30 am - 2:00 pm at Columbia Heights Education Campus (3101 16th St NW).

The summit will highlight the New Heights' efforts to support expectant and parenting students and celebrating the achievements of New Heights students, including those who are graduating or have graduated.    Workshops include Growing, Learning, Playing: Your Child's Development, Healthy Cooking, Family Literacy, and Parenting in Action.

Register for the free event online.

Inspired Teaching Fellows share action research June 12

Inspired Teaching Fellows will present the findings of their exploration of complex topics positively affecting their classrooms Thursday, June 12 from 5:00 - 6:30 pm at Inspired Teaching Demonstration School (1328 Florida Ave NW).   The issues considered include

• Can a teacher use kids discussions about fashion to spur student learning?
• What can teachers do to create a classroom culture that encourages empathy? Can art bolster literacy?

Teachers will engage attendees and explain their findings using posters and visuals at the open-to-the-public event.

Photo by Inspired Teaching.

New human services committee staffer

Barry Weise has rejoined CM Jim Graham on the DC Council.   Weise is the new John DeTaeye.   Reach him via email or phone at (202) 724-8191.

Growing Up East of the River: Does Geography Equal Destiny? June 19

RSVP via email.

UMC community meeting June 18

Ward 8 Farmers Market has a great opening day

2014 Conversation Changers Award nomination deadline June 28

DC Campaign to Prevent Teen Pregnancy is seeking nominations for the 2014 Conversation Changers Award.   The award is given to those who are making a positive difference in the lives of teens and who demonstrates extraordinary effort, innovation and excellence in activities that prevent teen pregnancy.   Learn more about making a nomination on the Campaign's website.   The nomination deadline is June 28, 2014.

CM Evans has new comms staffer

Tom Lipinsky is the new Director of Communications in the office of Ward 2 CM Jack Evans.   Reach Tom via email or phone, (202) 724-8058.

The June 6 DCR according to @hgil

Update on Capper June 11

In early May 2014, DC Housing Authority polled the community about the Capper Community Center (see Live near the Capper Community Center? Take this survey!).   The results of the survey are in:

• Close to 475 people in the Capitol Quarter neighborhood participated
• Of the approximately 475, more than 85 percent were from within a 10-block radius of the proposed facility
• About 46 percent of those surveyed indicated they rented their home

DCHA will share the deets of the survey results June 11 at 7:00 pm.   The meeting will take place at 200 I St SE.

Got interns? Share these valuable tips from WaPo

Going Out Guide: Intern’s Guide is chock-full of tips for interns in DC this summer.   The guide includes where to go to the theater, for brunch and lunch, and the best places to see art.

DC Council Chairman Mendelson on NewsTalk June 5

DC Council Chairman Phil Mendelson will guest on NewsTalk Thursday, June 5 during the 10:00 am hour.   Mendelson will be asked about the court ruling requiring the District to allow voters to elect the Attorney General, street car funding, the soccer stadium proposal, and more.   Tune in to the show streaming here: http://news8.net/.

If you have questions or comments, call (703) 387-1020 or email the show.

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Upcoming events for children, youth, and families

LGBTQTownhall Flyer Black 5-30-14

TA: More on infographics

If you are looking for help creating infographics, take a few to read 5 Infographics to Teach You How to Easily Create Infographics in PowerPoint [+ TEMPLATES].   The authors have created templates so that even non-designers can easily use.   The blog post also offers pointers on designing infographics using four colors and various type sizes and ones comparing data.

Just Neighbors - making your corner of the world better

Sixth & I Synagogue and Calvary Baptist Church are sponsoring Just Neighbors Tuesday, June 10 at 7:00 pm at Calvary Baptist Church (755 8th St NW).

About Just Neighbors:

Help make our corner of the world better. In partnership with Calvary Baptist Church, this new initiative advocates for justice and aims to serve the underserved in the surrounding Chinatown and Penn Quarter communities.

Clergy from Calvary Baptist, Trinity Lutheran Church, and Rabbi Scott facilitate a discussion on the issues that matter most to you as a Washingtonian, including gentrification, poverty, rising housing costs, homelessness, or other problems you wish to see addressed. The conversation aims to help you create a connection with neighbors you never knew by working to remedy these pressing issues.

RSVPs are required.

Join in on the summer 2014 kickoff!

One City Summer Kickoff 2014 Flyer

Legislative meeting June 3

The DC Council's Twentieth Legislative meeting takes place June 3 at 10:00 am in the Council Chamber.   The agenda (PDF) contains an extensive list of items.   More information including the link to watch online.

TA: The value of content (aka editorial) calendars

Do you know what you're posting, sharing, and blogging this Thursday?

How about two Thursdays from now? Thursday of next month? Thursday of next year?

So starts The Complete Guide to Choosing a Content Calendar: Tools, Templates, Tips, and More.   The post explains the value of such calendars, chief among which is the visual content calendar (below).   Three of the benefits of using a content calendar:

1. Take a bird's-eye view of your content and fill in any gaps
2. Plan and organize around key events, dates, and launches
3. Ensure plenty of prep time to get content ready to publish

The Buffer piece also provides links to online content calendar apps, examples of calendars from Forbes and others, and templates.   Be sure to read the comments since there are links and other useful nuggets.

Sherwood and Jaffe talk Dream City on NewsTalk