[Originally posted on Phxated.com]
Right now, an important conversation is occurring about how people can, need to, and should engage civically, and with civil discourse toward a more positive evolution for our communities and state.
Five of Arizonaʼs premier organizations have come together over their collective concern for and impassioned work to inspire civic action and conversation-changing dialogue that leads to a better future for our state. The Arizona Foundation for Women, Arizona Town Hall, Girl Scouts – Arizona Cactus Pine Council, The Center for the Future of Arizona and The OʼConnor House have joined forces to support thoughtful civic engagement and civil dialogue.
On September 23, 2010, these groups are hosting Itʼs Up to Me AZ: A Day for Civic Action at the downtown Wyndham. This full day of programming will include gatherings and discussions focused on inspiring Arizonans to understand key issues, to plan their course of action, connect with one another and important resources, and to bring forth the leadership the state needs to achieve social and economic success.
The day’s activities begin at 7:30 a.m. and continue until 8:30 p.m.
They include:
- Who Votes? Who Helps? Who Speaks for Arizona? at 7:30 a.m.
- The Status of Women in Arizona: A Special Report and Call to Action by the Arizona Foundation for Women at 9:15 a.m.
- Arizona Town Hall Fall Luncheon starting at 10:30 a.m., lunch at noon.
- It’s Up To Me AZ: The Action Starts Now starting at 1:45 p.m.
- Inspiration & Action for AZ reception and dinner starting at 5:30 p.m.
Sign up and get more info here. Interested folks can sign up for the entire day’s slate ($200) or can pick events a la carte (as low as $free).
Special note: The afternoon session is meant to engage the broader community who might not be able to attend a full day event or cover the cost. The Itʼs Up to Me AZ: The Action Starts Now is only $10 for a dynamic session that will delve deep into your concerns and actionable ideas. Thatʼs why itʼs set for 1:45 p.m.-5 p.m. Several community leaders will be listening to the outcomes and discussing them at the eveningʼs dinner event, include former Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day OʼConnor. Students are welcome too!
In creating this event, the collaborative partners recognize the power and importance of the individualʼs voice to help reshape and define our state. They realize that it should not be just the traditional institutions and organizations that guide our future. The title “Itʼs Up To Me AZ” is meant to encourage each resident of our state to take on the responsibility to “be the change” they seek. More information on the event is available at: ItsUpToMeAZ.org.
To make sure that this is a dialogue that reaches as many Arizonans as possible, there is an active Facebook page to encourage discussion leading up to the September event. The “Itʼs Up To Me AZ” page is a virtual gathering place where residents can connect with one another and share ideas, questions, concerns and hopes for the future of Arizona. Please check it out and join the conversation. The input received on the FB page will be incorporated into the events on September 23rd.
For more information, please contact: Rhonda Bannard at 602.370.3560 or Yuri Artibise at 480.319.2067.
