Emerge Weekly Update (May 15th, 2012)

Live, from Emerge’s monthly Boardgame Night, we are happy to bring you the what’s-going-on for the next few weeks. Emerge hosts its weekly meetings every Tuesday at Sweat Records at 7 PM, and, because we freaking love it, we use the Third Tuesday of the Month to host Boardgame Night. There is currently an epic round of Apples 2 Apples going down, and it is truly inspirational! Sad you’re not here? Join us next month!

In the meantime, here’s the deets on some important developments we’ve been working on:

May 18th – Bike To Work Day
Get the heck out of your car and ride your bike to work! Friday May 18th is National Bike to Work Day, and Miami, we want you to set an example! Five hour Energy will be giving free shots next to the M. Path at the University Metrorail Station around 7:00 am, so you’ve got no excuse to travel low on fuel.  Don’t want to ride alone? We got you covered. Join some bicycling friends for a group commute starting at 7 am from the Omni/Performing Arts Center Metromover Station to Blue Lagoon. Sign up for a chance to win a $100 gift card: 1800234ride.com/cleanairchallenge And don’t forget to RSVP on Facebook!

May 19th-20th – Greenpeace Miami’s Defend Tigers Campaign
The natural habitat of Sumatran tigers is being destroyed to make cheap paper products. Are you aware of the impact your purchases may have? Barnes and Nobles is the only major corporation that has not agreed to stop buying paper pulp from illegal loggers. Greenpeace is organizing many international events to draw attention to this pertinent issue, and Miami is handling it with our iconic flair by getting people to dress as tigers and perform a “die-in.”  Look for participants- you are welcome to join!- this Saturday and Sunday. If you check out Whole Foods in South Miami on Saturday at 5 pm, you may see some interesting activities in which to participate.  Sunday, check out the Coral Gables Starbucks at Ponce and Miracle Mile at 2 pm for more tiger-protecting performances.

May 20th – Learn to Bike Right with Certified Road 1 Training
Yes- Miami is a challenging city to experience by bike. You should learn the skills to navigate our streets with safety and confidence. This Sunday, May 20th, there will be a Road 1 Bicycle Skills Training Course at University of Miami at the Memorial Building.  This is a traffic skills 101 class led by certified League of American Bicyclists instructors, and will provide you with materials, group rides, training drills, improved self-esteem, confident roadway practice, and good cheer-  all for the low cost of  $35. Learn more about this training on the Meetup, and please sign up in advance.

Emerge Miami's 3rd Annual Bike Prom

May 27th – Emerge Miami’s Third Annual Bike Prom
High School Prom probably didn’t go the way it should have- all “Pretty in Pink” style, but Emerge is happy to help you do it the way you’ve always dreamed: BY BIKE! You are cordially invited to be our date on Sunday, May 27th at Government Center at 8 pm.  Join us for a scenic evening ride around romantic Downtown Miami- the City of Lovers- as we lead you on a group ride, featuring scenic breaks for dancing, and a end point at The Vagabond’s 90’s Homecoming. This is Memorial Day weekend, so no worries staying out late, and no, there is no curfew! Just ride home safe- who knows what crazy folks are Promming it up and driving around town irresponsibly? We can promise you, however, you Prom with us, we’ll make your dreams come true! No date necessary- everyone scores on our Bike Prom Night! RSVP on Meetup & Facebook.

May 29th – Ignite Miami’s Pecha Kucha Night
Five minutes. One stage. Your expressive prowess. There will be a Pecha Kucha at the Stage on May 29th  at 7:00 pm, brought to you by Ignite Miami. If you have 5 minutes on stage, what would you say to Miami?  Philosophers, artists, musicians and local figures are set to present, and you know you want to be a part of it. What can you teach us in five minutes?

Introducing – El Barrio Workshop


Getting involved in everything imaginable is a challenge to envision- so what if the involvement is made easy and accessible? El Barrio Workshop knows what it takes to make your ideas a beautiful reality. This shared workspace features an awe-inspiring array of ways to facilitate creative and productive culture. The means to effect productivity are available in multiple workshops, group endeavors, arts, crafts, tool shops, and conversation space. Film series and potlucks abound- and that’s just the beginning. This space is yours- how would you use it? With 15,000 square feet to put to use, your ideas are the foundations for future endeavors. Check out this miracle in progressive culture at 518 West Flagler Street- and bring your imagination!


June 9th – Sweet Treats III

We know you love bikes. We are pretty certain you love sweets. Put the two together with us, cause we know you love a sweeeeet ride. Join us June 9th at 10 AM for our Third Annual Sweet Treats Ride- an exploration of Miami’s sweeter tasty establishments, toured by bike, and brought to you with love. This year’s Sweet Treats ride will feature Miami Beach’s coolest summertime stops for the dessert-loving, bike riding connoisseur. Sweet Treats, brought to you by Emerge Miami, offers an awesome tour-by-bike, and special deals at local food stops. Taste it right- by bike. Location TBA, but we can guarantee it will be somewhere around Downtown!

June 16th – Build a Better Block Fort Lauderdale
So, you know that strip of street in your hood that you wish someone would just do something with, already? Build a Better Block challenges locals to envision the street they’ve always wanted to stroll down. Temporary establishments, quick park installations, and the street space of your dreams come to life for one day. Our friends in Fort Lauderdale’s Flagler Arts Village have stood up to the challenge, and will bring you a spanking new block for one day, on June 16th. This all-day event will include a Pecha Kucha event at 7pm- and you are invited to contribute!  Organizers are looking for people who want to present during Pecha Kucha.  How do you feel about this, Miami? Is there a street you want to build a better block on?

Continue Reading Posted on 5/15/12 Comment Share

2 Quick Announcements: Vote for our Self-Service Bike Repair Station project & Upcoming Emerge Board Game Night!

Emerge Miami is striving to install self-service bike stations around Miami, where riders can perform simple repairs on their bikes at no cost. We envision these bike stations installed across the city in areas heavily traveled by cyclists to encourage a more sustainable culture in Miami.

Please vote so that we can get funding for this project!

Free places to make repairs would motivate more people to cycle and contribute to making Miami a healthier and environmentally friendly place. Our vision starts with one station. With the funds from this contest we will purchase and install Miami’s first self-service bike station in a safe and heavily travelled route used by cyclists to maximize its impact; from this initial success, we will continue to expand the project by asking local advocacy groups and businesses for sponsorship, in exchange for advertising space on the stations in which they have invested.

Please vote so that we can get funding for this project!

Also, join us for April Emerge Board Game Night at Sweat! Yet another opportunity to show your game face. Come to Sweat Records to play your favorite board game. Bring your favorite game for all to play.

Continue Reading Posted on 4/6/12 Comment Share

Miami Crawls & Life is Art present PhilanthroFest

April14,201212:00 pm — 6:00 pm

FREE
RSVP on Facebook

Continue Reading Posted on 4/3/12 Comment Share

Love Parade at Grassroots Music Festival & A weekly Bike Happy Hour at Wood Tavern

Attention lovers of love! Emerge Miami is organizing a ‘Love Parade” during the Virginia Key Grassroots Festival on February 11th from 2:15-2:45. This is a creative, silly, interactive event designed to express all sorts of love….love for the environment, love for yourself and love for your fellow human. We would love to have your group join in the festivities! We need people to bring costumes, props, signs and joy to the festival. Bring your positive message to the festival-goers! There will be a drumline! Please contact me if your group is interested in joining at info@emergemiami.com.

And get ready for it: A weekly bicycle happy hour at Wood Tavern! 50% off drinks, every Thursday from 5-9pm. Be sure to drink.. err.. bike responsibly!

 

 

Continue Reading Posted on 2/6/12 Comment Share

Caffeine Tour Documentary

Special thanks to Carmen Rodriguez for providing us with this excellent short documentary on Emerge and local activism.

Emerge Miami from Carmen Rodriguez on Vimeo.

Continue Reading Posted on 12/20/11 Comment Share

Emerge Miami Presents: Boardgame Night- Holiday Edition!

December20,20118:00 pm — 10:00 pm

Emerge Boardgame December

Emerge Miami invites you to our December Boardgame Night! Maximize your Scrabble skills with witty and good-naturedly competitive friends! This month’s event will feature the always popular word games, some vibrant and obscure Apples to Apples arguments, and a special opportunity to beta-test a brand new game! Games start at 8 PM! RSVP on Facebook!

Continue Reading Posted on 12/19/11 Comment Share

Open Letter to Mayor Regarding Injured Bike Police

All of us at Emerge were horrified to hear about the car-on-bike collision that injured Officers Diaz, Mercado and Baudry. As cyclists, we can empathize with the physical and emotional trauma that comes with this type of accident.  As active and invested members of the community, we are saddened to see just how dangerous the roads are for cyclists in Miami.

It is terrifying to think of our own odds, if even a large group of marked police officers cannot get care and consideration from motorists.  Our warmest regards go out to the injured Officers.  We will continue to work hard for bike safety and awareness.  We welcome anyone from your force to join us in our continued efforts.

Best,

Your Friends at Emerge Miami

Continue Reading Posted on 10/5/11 Comment Share