Words of Peace Global Presents
March 13th, 2010 – Miami, Florida
We’re delighted to announce that Prem Rawat has accepted an invitation to speak in Miami, Florida. This is a fantastic opportunity to hear — in a live setting — this simple and profound Message of Peace.
Anyone interested in attending is welcome to come.
The event will begin at 5:00 pm.
James L. Knight Center 400 SE Second Ave. Miami, FL 33131
http://www.jlkc.com
Children age 10 years and older who have a genuine interest are also welcome to attend, when accompanied by a parent or guardian.
The event will be in English, with translation provided in Spanish.
Events are sponsored by the generosity of people interested in helping Maharaji share his message of peace through live events worldwide. Donations make it possible to keep entrance free of charge for all people interested in attending.

Video archive of the Knight Arts Challenge Town Hall Meeting that took place on March 9th at the Little Haiti Cultural Center. Deadline for the Challenge is March 15.

Video by Soul Of Miami.

Drew Heitzler
THE WORLD IS YOURS
Conversation with the artist: Thursday, March 11, 6:30pm
Opening reception: Saturday, March 13, 7-10pm
Through April 30

Locust Projects is pleased to announce a solo exhibition by Los Angeles-based artist and filmmaker Drew Heitzler. Heitzler’s new installation focuses on a two-channel video projection that explores the 1932 film Scarface.

Before Brian DePalma’s Miami-based remake was released in 1983, an original version of Scarface, directed by Howard Hawkes and produced by Howard Hughes, was produced in Los Angeles. For this exhibition, Heitzler edits Hawkes’ film to exclude dialog and create an abstract narrative that shifts the focus from drug and street crime to white-collar crime and government complicity.

The installation will also include appropriated photographs from the book Howard Hughes, His Life and Madness that explore how the Howard Hughes Medical Center, originally headquartered in Miami, was a tax dodge for Hughes made possible by a collaboration with Richard Nixon’s brother. The windows of Locust Projects will be lined with images from the cover of a 1974 issue of Playgirl magazine, which included an article about Howard Hughes and Richard Nixon.

Together, these works lend to the Heitzler’s practice of reconsidering histories as he assembles a series of seemingly unrelated sources to re-tell a story that was never explicitly told.

Frederick J. Frenger, Jr., a blithe psychopath from California, asked the flight attendant in first class for another glass of champagne and some writing materials. She brought him a cold half-bottle, uncorked it and left it with him, and returned a few moments later with some Pan Am writing paper and a white ball point pen. For the next hour, as he sipped champagne, Freddy practiced writing the signatures of Claude L. Bytell, Ramon Mendez, and Herman T. Gotlieb.

The best way to forge a signature, he knew, was to turn it upside down and draw it instead of trying to imitate the handwriting. That was the foolproof way, if a man had the time and the privacy and was forging a document or a check. Still, close enough was usually good enough for Freddy. He was not a careful person, and a full hour was a long time for him to engage in any activity without his mind turning to something else. Comfortably full, and a trifle dizzy from the wine, Freddy stretched out in the wide reclining seat, hugging the tiny airline pillow. He slept soundly until the attendant awakened him gently and asked him to fasten his seat belt for the descent into Miami International Airport.

Drew Heitzler (b. 1972 in Charleston, South Carolina) lives and works in Los Angeles, California. Heitzler received his MFA from Hunter College in 2000. His film based projects have been exhibited internationally at galleries and institutions including Renwick Gallery, The Project, Orchard, The Swiss Institute, Sculpture Center, Anthology Film Archives, and PS1 Contemporary Art Center in New York; Blum & Poe, Redling Fine Art, China Art Objects, TRUDI, and LA>

This exhibition is made possible with the support from: Andy Warhol Foundation; Galt & Skye Mikesell; Hannibal Cox Jr. Foundation; Miami-Dade County Department of Cultural Affairs, the Cultural Affairs Council, the Mayor, and the Miami-Dade County Boardof County Commissioners. Special thanks to: Blum & Poe, Los Angeles and Renwick Gallery, New York. Design: Venture Architects.

Become a Locust Projects Member

Originally posted here.
The 2010 Knight Arts Challenge is officially underway, with applications being accepted until March 15. Bas Fisher Invitational, a 2008 KAC winner, wants to help make sure your great idea is one of the winners. Head to the space this Sunday (Mar 7) from 7-10pm for a Knight Arts Challenge brainstorming session. Bounce your idea around, polish your wording and field feedback from fellow entrants. Extra bonus – stick around for a Zoolander screening after the session. 20 guests were confirmed as of Tuesday, get more info & add your name to the list here.
This Sunday, March 7th we will host a brainstorming session for all those interested in applying to the upcoming Knights Arts Challenge Grant. Come and bounce your ideas around, tighten up your wording and get feedback. Wouldn’t it be great if more individual grants were awarded?
start time: 7 pm
9pm we will be showing Zoolander.
180 NE 39th Street, suite 210
Miami, FL 33137
KAC Brainstorming session @ Bas Fisher Invitational: Sunday, Mar 7; 7pm; 180 NE 39 St, suite 210; Miami; basfisherinvitational.com
Facebook Evite

Tuesday, March 16, 2010 @ 7pm
The Wall Flower Gallery
10 Northeast 3rd Street
Miami, FL 33132-2129
(305) 579-0069
wordup@miamiwriters.org

Bring a friend and a notebook!
Tired of trying to be fabulous on a Tuesday night in South Beach?
How about something obtuse and not glamorous?

The Miami Writers, a group of emerging poets, novelists, screenwriters, bloggers and politicians (ha ha, just checking to see if you’re paying attention), are hosting an interactive writing and critique session at The Wallflower Gallery in downtown Miami on Tuesday, March 16 starting at 7pm.

What do you get out of this, exactly? Everyone’s got somethin’ to dish, and it all starts with writing a few words on paper. But then what? So often, the journals and electronic files go nowhere, and your dreams of becoming a writer never manifest.

Put an end to the procrastination while discovering a fun way to share and get feedback within a safe environment of like-minded people. Having an audience that wants to support you rather than heckle you off the stage is the first step to taking your creativity from just an idea to reality.

The way it works: This is a workshop for beginners. We will start with a warm-up of on-the-spot writing by giving you prompts. Then, in the second half of the workshop, you can share what you wrote and/or just give feedback to others. You may also bring writing from home – we especially like second or third drafts of work (since the first draft is often just a journal entry).

$10/person

About the Miami Writers
http://www.miamiwriters.com
In 2006, Alejandra Fernandez, Melanie Feliciano, Claudia Forestieri, Tennille Martinez and Ruben Soto got together at Azucar para el espiritu, a small spiritual bookstore located on Calle 8 to talk about their dreams as aspiring writers. They pooled all their skills and creative energy to organize Write-Ins, Critique Sessions, Spoken Word & Literary Reading Nights, the Write Out Loud Tent at Miami Book Fair International, Author Panels on publishing, a writers retreat at The Standard Hotel and a literary exhibition at Art Basel 2009. Since then, Angello Pizarro became the “communications ninja” for the group, managing 400+ Facebook members, and Jose Javier Rodriguez serves as the group’s soul searcher.

About the Wallflower Gallery
http://www.wallflowergallery.com
In the heart of Downtown Miami, The Wallflower Gallery is a multi-media arts and community facility that features a diverse selection of creative formats. As part of The Local Art Experience, The Wallflower Gallery highlights various presentations that showcase emerging and established talents – with most of the artists being from South Florida.

Within The Wallflower Gallery, there is an assortment of visual arts including paintings, photography, digital images and sculptures. In addition, there is a selection of interactive showcases that feature spoken word, dance, theatre, comedy and most diverse arrangement of musical styles in South Florida. The Wallflower Gallery also presents an independent film series that includes shorts, features & documentaries.

What does it take to become a world-class city? With a tropical waterfront location, access to public transit, state-of-the art cultural destinations, and a strong commercial base, Downtown Miami has a lot going for it. But how do we elevate Downtown Miami from a thriving urban community to a world-class destination?

On Thursday, March 11 at 7:45 a.m., the Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce New World Committee will host a symposium featuring municipal experts from across the country to discuss how they have successfully transformed their own downtowns – and how Miami can do the same.

Speakers include:
•The Honorable Joseph P. Riley, Jr. – Mayor of Charleston, South Carolina
• Tom Murphy – Former Mayor of Pittsburgh, Urban Land Institute Senior Fellow, and Klingbeil Family Chair for Urban Development
• Eugenie Birch – Professor of Urban Research and Education, Department of City & Regional Planning, School of Design, University of Pennsylvania
• Moderator, Bernard Zyscovich – Managing Principal of Zyscovich Architects and author of Getting Real About Urbanism, Contextual Design for Cities
WHEN: Thursday, March 11, 2010. Registration & Breakfast begin at 7:45 a.m.;
Program from 8:15 to 10:30 a.m.
WHERE: HILTON Downtown Miami, 1601 Biscayne Boulevard, Ballroom Level
REGISTRATION: Register online at www.miamichamber.com
Advanced registration – $45 per member, $55 per nonmember; Onsite – $60

Leave A Legacy Non-Profit Education Day
Sharing Insights, Information And Strategies
To Help Enhance Miami’s Non-Profit Sector
Friday, March 12, 2010
Victor Clarke Education Center at South Miami Hospital
6200 SW 73rd Street (US-1 and 62nd Avenue)
Download the PDF RSVP form here.
A BRAVE NEW WORLD: THE CHALLENGES OF NAVIGATING CHAGE
Don’t miss this important day of information in this collegial and stimulating environment. Our full day of learning will feature leading local and national experts who will provide a program on current topics geared to CEOs, Board Members and Development professionals; our luncheon round tables will focus on specific strategies to increase fundraising expertise; and the afternoon keynote speaker will discuss the transforming impact of social media on how non-profits communicate.
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS:
8:00 a.m. Registration & Continental Breakfast
8:30 a.m. Welcome & Introductions
Teresa Valdes-Fauli Weintraub, President, Fiduciary Trust International of the South
Henry H. Raattama, Jr., Shareholder, Akerman Senterfitt
8:35 a.m. The Changing Climate for Philanthropy
KEYNOTE SPEAKER/Moderator: Stacy Palmer, Editor, The Chronicle of Philanthropy
Panelists:
! Stephen Parsons, CEO, Baptist Health Foundation
! L. J. Rodriguez, Vice President, Catholic Community Foundation
! Debi Harris, CEO, The Women’s Fund
10:05 a.m. Donors as Investors: Changing Expectations
Speaker/Moderator: Louis Wolfson III, Partner, Pinnacle Housing Group
Panelists:
! Dennis Scholl, Miami Program Director, John S. and James L. Knight Foundation
! Robert F. Conrad, Vice President, University Advancement; Executive Director, Florida International
! University Foundation, Inc.
! Debby Bussel, Bussel Philanthropy Associates
11:15 a.m. Break
11:30 a.m. Managing Your Budget is Critical to Your Success
Speaker/Moderator: Carlos Molina, CFO, United Way of Miami-Dade
Panelists:
! Richard Perez, Vice President, Finance and Human Resources, Miami Children’s Hospital Foundation
! David Halpern, President, Halpern and Associates
! Linda Lecht, President, The Education Fund
12:30 p.m. Boxed Lunch Served
1:00 p.m.
Break Out Sessions
BREAK OUT SESSION TOPICS:
(During the Break Out Session, you will be able to select from one of the following five topics)
! The Art of Making a Successful Ask in this Economic Climate
! Stephen J. Parsons, CEO, Baptist Health South Florida Foundation
! Prospect Research: Using Philanthropy Data to Maximize Your Fundraising
! Julie Maspons, Director of Reseach, University of Miami
! Grants Management: Accessing Government Stimulus Dollars
! Dan Wall, Director, Office of Grants Management, Miami-Dade County
! Critical Marketing Techniques for Your Planned Giving Program
! Cynthia L. Beamish, Director of Planned Giving, University of Miami
! Stewardship: The Path to Building Strong Donor Relationships
! Karen Dudley, Director of Philanthropy – Florida, The Nature Conservancy
1:30 p.m. Social Media: Transforming the Way Non-Profits Communicate
KEYNOTE SPEAKER: Farra Trompeter
Vice-President, Client Relationships + Strategy, Big Duck, Smart Communications for Non-Profits
With all the new technology, organizations have more ways then ever to communicate and reach donors online. This presentation will help participants sort through the different channels, share examples from leading nonprofits, and assist participants in determining which ways will be most effective for them — depending on their existing online communications, staff capacity, time, and budgets. The most popular social media tools will be highlighted and some of the latest statistics and demographics on social media use will be presented. Farra Trompeter has more than 15 years of experience in communications and fundraising for nonprofit organizations.
Farra is Vice President of Client Relationships + Strategy at Big Duck (www.bigducknyc.com), a communications firm that works exclusively with nonprofit organizations to transform the way they communicate. Farra’s expertise focuses on helping nonprofits use the Internet (social media, websites, email, etc.) to increase visibility and connect with donors, activists, and other stakeholders.
3:00 p.m. Closing Remarks
Lucy Morillo, Esq., President, Miami Children’s Hospital Foundation” $40 Pre-Registered
” $50 At the Door

American InterContinental University Offers Webinar on How to Develop a Personal Brand in Today’s Economy
WHAT: Building Your Personal Brand: You, Inc.
American InterContinental University (AIU) presents a complimentary Webinar on how to build a personal brand in today’s economy- a critical success factor whether someone is planning to start a business or become part of another organization.
WHY: Today there are 6.1 unemployed workers on average for every available job opening, based on data from a recent Labor Department report.
· Historically, according to the Office Advocacy of the U.S. Small Business Administration, over half of all jobs in the private sector are in small businesses.
Small businesses will be critical to the creation of new jobs today and when applying, today’s workforce needs to effectively brand and market themselves to stand out.
WHO: Presenters include:
AIU MBA Alumnus Gilberto Pinzon: Founder and vice president of Education First, an early childhood education company based in Florida, will share his brand success story of opening five pre-K schools in the past three years while growing his business 20 percent annually.
AIU Professor Dr. David Kalicharan: A consultant to small and medium-sized businesses will lead a discussion on how to build a personal brand.
WHEN: Wednesday, March 3, 2010
1:30 pm EST/ 12:30 CST
HOW: To register please visit http://www.aiuwebinar.com/front/frontLogin.jsp

Have a question about your Knight Community Information Challenge application?
Join us for a live question-and-answer session at 3 p.m. tomorrow on the Knight Community Information Challenge – a matching grant program that helps community and place-based foundations fund local news and information projects. The challenge is accepting applications through March 8 at www.informationneeds.org. Submit your questions via instant message for immediate answers from Knight Foundation staff during this final live chat session.
When: 3 p.m. EDT Friday Feb. 26
Where: Participate at www.informationneeds.org
No registration required.
Sign up for an email reminder by visiting: www.informationneeds.org/webinar

Questions? Email Marika Lynch, lynch@knightfoundation.org

The Knight Community Information Challenge is a project of the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation

Knight Arts Challenge Live Town Hall Meeting with Dennis Scholl

The John S. and James L. Knight Foundation is now accepting applications for the Knight Arts Challenge, a community-wide contest that aims to bring South Florida together through the arts. Have a big idea for the local cultural scene? Submit it through March 15 at KnightArts.org.

Artists and art advocates interested in applying for the challenge’s third round also are invited to a town hall meeting. Miami Program Director Dennis Scholl, who leads the challenge, will answer questions.
Little Haiti Cultural Center
March 9, 5:30 p.m.
260 NE 59th Ter.
Miami, FL