politicopia + some hard design crushing

Politics. Design. Social Media.

That’s pretty much how my day has gone so far.

(That, and me trying not to freak out when meeting design idols like Joslyn of Simple Lovely. And she is just that, simply lovely.)

In other news, I may never leave this place.

I was invited by the organizers of ALT to take part in a pre-conference workshop called Politicopia, led by Utah Senator Steve Urquhart. Myself, Laura Mayes, Colin Delany, David All and Ric Cantrell spoke to local Utah politicians and campaign teams about new media tactics and trends. The experience was amazing, and I learned a ton from my fellow panelists, all brilliant political new media strategists. It’s exciting and inspiring to see how other states’ legislatures are utilizing these new media tools.

After the workshop I wondering into the lobby of the Grand America Hotel where the conference is taking place this weekend, to meet up with some speakers and attendees of ALT. Holy hell. This hotel. Is incredible. Think, Versailles meets holy freaking radness. There’s a parlor. IN OUR ROOM. Straight up roylaty, y’all.  Here’s a pic from our balcony. Oh, there’s two balconies. Natch.

Tonight there’s a speed networking event and a “Hollywood Glam” mixer. Thankfully, between Laura and I, we packed enough for a small Paris Hilton army.

More later.  And yes, I’ve been singing Band of Horses all day.

the dichotomy of independence

tumblers, by slightclutter

It feels as if this post is way overdue. On the other hand, it also feels to be entirely immature.

I’m going to cram a lot into this post, so for you ADD readers, here’s the short version:

• Update on Baby Kailey: she’s doing great!
• I moved in with my parents to help with the baby!
• I still have my place, so there will still be a Christmas Tree Viewing Party 3.0!

• I quit my job!

• I’m freelancing! (yes, read above: i quit my job!)
• I’m really, really happy, excited, and scared as all hell!
• Wedding Bells

Whew. That wasn’t so hard?  Now what took me so long to write this post? (Besides painstakingly searching for the exact right image. Which I will always obsess over.) Read more…

Tags: blogging, career, colab, cosmopolitician, family, friends, houston, MagsMac, Politics, schipul, weddings, writing

Bill White Gets It

Mayor Bill White, image by David Brown

This past Saturday, I had the esteemed honor of putting on a Social Media Workshop for Houston Mayor Bill White, his staff, and volunteers for his upcoming US Senate Campaign. We discussed Facebook,Twitter, and other social media tools.

We gathered at the Houston Technology Center and specifically discussed the importance of new media tools in politics. Admittedly so, not a student of politics, I invited two of the most capable teachers I know, Ed Schipul and Katie Laird, to help present.  Ed and Katie explained the importance of storytelling, how to listen first before engaging, and the art of responding.

You can view their full presentation here.

After Ed and Katie presented, Mayor White got up to share a few words.  I was entirely impressed by his understanding of this medium of communication, and more importantly the need for it in politics.  He went on to explain that what politics can benefit most from social media is the transparency and honesty that comes along with it.  No longer can politicians say one thing to one source, and another to another source.

In the time I’ve spent with both Mayor White and his wife Andrea White I’ve come to know them not only as intelligent, capable leaders, but as eager students who both see the value in community.

Big thanks to all of our volunteers: Julie Pippert, Katrina Esco, Ashley Minor, Laura Mayes, Jenni-Rebecca Stephenson, Grace Rodriguez, Katy Bacon, and Felicity Pereyra.

To David Brown of Spacetaker for playing official photog for the day, and for all of his continued support of Mayor White.

Thanks to the Houston Technology Center for hosting us.

To the city’s best coffee, Coffee Groundz, and to the Kolache Factory, who answered my last minute call via Twitter (while in Colorado nonetheless) and provided us with yummy breakfast.

I look forward to being involved in more of these workshops, and wish the Mayor the best in his campaign for the U.S. Senate seat.  I hope he gets it. Because Bill White gets it.

Tags: bill white, bill white for texas, BW4Tx, ed schipul, katie laird, schipul, socia media