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.

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?

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.

FREE
RSVP on Facebook

Miami Crawls and Life is Art, with the support of City of Miami Mayor Tomas Regalado and Miami-Dade County Mayor Carlos Gimenez Cordially Invite You To: A family festival celebrating the South Florida philanthropic and cultural arts community.

During the free outdoor event, South Florida residents of all ages have the opportunity to learn about more than 75 philanthropic and cultural organizations and resources in a family-friendly atmosphere while enjoying musical performances, an art show, fashion shows, kids activities, delicious food and live entertainment.

Over 75 Community Organizations

• Music by Elastic Bond – Dangerflow – Cleaveland Jones & More!
• Coconut Grove Drum Circle!
• Big Art Show with Local Artists!
• Dance & Performances by Kikimora – Rainbow Circus – Fusion Gitana & More!
• Fun for the entire family by the Miami Science Museum
• Fashion by Joy Taylor Studios sponsored by Blo Blow Dry Bar!
• MC Kelly Saks, Miss Cuba
• Free Samples by Perrier Water – VitaminWater – Vita Coco!
• Vendors and Much More!

Major Sponsors: Knight Foundation, The Miami Community Redevelopment Agency, Midtown Development
Well-Fargo, Waste Management

Community Builders: Real Estate Sales Force, Health Council of South Florida, Inc.

Fiscal Sponsor: The Miami Foundation

Supporters: SocialBuzzOnAir, The Urban Tour Host

Produced by: Miami Crawls, Life Is Art

www.PhilanthroFest.com

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!

Emerge Miami from Carmen Rodriguez on Vimeo.

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!

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

Introducing #OccupyMiami – Nearly 200 activists, artists, and organizers made clear their intentions last Saturday, at the first #OccupyMiami organizational meeting. The new collaboration assembled to discuss problems facing the community at a local and national level- and subsequently global level- democratically deciding how to address such issues through direct action. The event was the first official meeting, after many of its members spent the previous days conceptualizing how to bring Miami into the effort in conversations that spanned ad-hoc video conferences, Facebook chats, and IRC.

The nationwide Occupy Together movement was inspired by the ongoing #OccupyWallStreet protests which took over New York’s Zuccotti Park, aka “Liberty Square”, on September 17th. The idea, with heavy support from Adbusters, spread to cities from Boston, to Chicago, to LA and around the world, springing up with unprecedented velocity. The message is multifaceted, touching upon common grievances: money’s corrupting influence on politics and the resulting breakdown of hallowed democratic institutions. The symptoms become evident when we observe one of the highest income gaps in the developed world, and extended tax cuts for the wealthy forcing public services to face austerity measures and downsizing.

The local voices perfectly express their discontent: “We want the city made up of immigrants to be a sanctuary for all immigrants.”

Saturday’s meeting started by inviting open discussion in an emergent manner, allowing any individual to proclaim their reasons for attending. The bullhorn exploded with stories of single parents facing layoffs and unsure how to thrive in these upheaved times; alongside young people, unable to find work and lacking healthcare; to families who just want their children to grow up in a world without corporate sponsored wars. Downtown’s half-empty condo towers and developer-run prioritized projects echoed with the outcry against oppressive political tactics that now allow private banks to manage money the Federal Reserve prints out of thin air, all the while charging interest on it. This would serve as absurd art, were it not a symbol of the reality we all confront.

As #OccupyMiami’s voices made clear, it is not difficult to see who elected officials work for these days, when banks cry insolvency and are handed $700 billion checks with carte blanche responsibility attached. Meanwhile, communities eke out an existence in grinding poverty. Somehow, most of our news sources believe this disparity doesn’t warrant so much as a mention. As the worldwide #Occupy movements build momentum, the unheard voices come to the forefront. We are witnessing a time when the news is forced to facilitate that voice- proclaiming itself the “99%” of society cast aside by private interests. This 99% comprises their viewership, regardless of agendas and persuasions. Socialist, liberal, conservative or Tea Partier- all of these movements are finding their placement among the 99%, and, miraculously, they are finding #Occupy to be a common ground upon which to march.

#OccupyMiami broke up into intimate groups of 10 to 15 members for round-table discussions with the primary aim to derive a concrete list of the issues they cared the most about. In the process, they facilitated the essential components of direct action: personal interaction, breaking the ice, and forming bonds.

“We want an education system that teaches kids how to give back to their community.”

Photo courtesy of Alexandra Gaudiosi from Kateri Photography

For many participants, this was their first time partaking in a democratic process. Those who summoned the courage to show up and speak out demonstrated that complacency is no longer an option, and that finding new and innovative solutions to regional, national, and global problems often involves leaving your comfort zone behind. For those who desire fast results, it was a wakeup call to realize that reaching a consensus while allowing for dissenting viewpoints requires patience, resilience, understanding, and communication- all in addition to marching and shouting from the rooftops. The harshest critic of a movement is the one who observes: “They are yelling about something, but I don’t think they know what it is.” #OccupyMiami confronted these challenges with class, establishing its intentions before grabbing the megaphone.

“We will not pay for your illegal wars. This is our money, and we want it going to education.”

The decisions around the big issues that we face are conducted in secret, with corporations leveraging their out-sized power to directly write individual states laws becoming the norm. Our contemporary system ignores the grievances of its own Declaration of Independence, encouraging the gathering of “legislative bodies at places unusual, uncomfortable, and distant from the depository of their Public Records, for the sole purpose of fatiguing them into compliance”. Now, the #Occupy movement asks the important question of our leaders: Why is this behavior acceptable?

There was open concern about how the mechanisms of direct democracy are often absent in our lives and processes. With ballooning campaign costs and a deluge of politicking leading up to each election for years at a time, politicians are left with no choice but to solicit donations that leave them beholden to special interests.

The mainstream media originally leveled accusations at the Occupy Wall Street protesters for lacking a cohesive, unified message. The same proved to be true here in Miami, as a number of issues were brought up throughout the day, from broad issues ranging from healthcare, revoking corporate personhood, ending foreign wars and occupations, immigration rights, and investments in clean energy; to hyper-local issues like public transportation, local organic farms, over-development, education reform, the dual-justice system, and the general sense that that public does not have any input as to what gets cut from the state budget.

In the end, however, what the MSM and opposition does not recognize is the unifying force behind this outcry: the public is fed its beliefs, and they’ve come to suspect those that have malnourished their awareness.

“Corporations have the most cash assets they’ve ever had since 1959, and they’re not hiring.”

Here in the Sunshine State, it would seem that Governor Rick Scott is waging a war on public workers, cutting $2 billion from the education budget, while increasing the budget for the governors office. These initiatives are instilled without a whiff of public input or a moments concern over his polling numbers. Florida is a microcosm of the nation as a whole, but these behaviors reflect the entirety of the issue: the majority voices are being ignored.

“There are many of us without health insurance, and we all deserve to be healthy.”

We are witnessing the onset of a movement that’s adding new members faster than it can bring them up to speed. As they educate the public, we are left to contemplate: if we agree with what they say, what is holding us back from helping it out? This is the kind of movement that is hungry for new leadership; new talents. On the forums, people are recommending groups and volunteering services like an open-source job fair.

Far from showing signs of slowing down, the #OccupyMiami Facebook Group page has doubled its membership since the first meeting. A new generation, concerned about its future and potential outcomes, is waking up to realize that it can no longer remain complacent if it hopes to achieve sustainability.

Towards the end of the day, with the late afternoon sun sinking into the horizon and bathing the Torch of Friendship in golden light, those assembled divided once again, this time into three core groups. Each tackled the essentials for spreading the message:

1. Mobilization, focusing on logistics and tactics for direct action;

2. Media representation, facetiously dubbed the “Ministry of Propaganda and/or Truth”;

3. Education, tasked with creating arts, props, and visual branding elements to help inform, inspire, and get people involved.

Much care was taken to announce that any direct actions would not be antagonistic to the police, although the savvy crowd was familiar with the aggressive behavior that had been directed towards the protesters in New York, regularly cross posting updates from Occupy Wall Street.

The Media crew has its work cut out for it, as Miami is regularly portrayed as apathetic and materialistic, with Channel 4 news obliviously labeling the nascent movement “Hipsters by the Bay” in its coverage. There are those in the MSM who have been quick to prejudge a movement made up of ordinary folks who are not regulars to protests, and just want solutions to problems the government is not providing them.

This collaboration has caught #EmergeMiami’s attention because it is putting into practice many of the core ideas comprising emergent behavior. By presenting broadly defined mission statements that allow for a variety of endeavors without rigid constraints, this movement strives to unify through common interest. #OccupyMiami, and the #Occupy movement as a whole, strives to partner disparate groups that are functionally working toward conjoined goals.

Ultimately, these efforts facilitate community interaction through peaceful, creative, and informative ways. This movement depends on people of diverse ethnicities, political views, and age groups who want to build on this momentum to develop a model for a new society. One that pays more than just lip service to the idea of an experiment in participatory democracy.

For more information, please visit: www.occupymia.org

-Bruce Wayne Stanley
@brucewstanley

That’s why every third Tuesday of the month, Emerge gets together at Sweat Records at 8 pm to throw down.  All are welcome to this free and festive community event.

This week, about a dozen folks got involved in an incredibly boisterous round of Apples to Apples, where there was a particularly argumentative and energetic contest.  Max and Adam dominated the table with their superior word-association prowess.  Good times and high-fives were had by all.

At the other table, a group of us played Konexi.  None of had ever delved into this novel combination of Scrabble and Jenga.  After making it through the initial learning curve, we had a great time balancing letters and making words!

Sweat kept the frothy beverages coming as we chatted, laughed and competed. Delicious pizza was ordered from Andiamo.  As if that weren’t delightful enough, our friend Stephanie made an amazing vegan strawberry vanilla cake to share with all of us!

Our next board game night will be Tuesday, October 18th at 8 pm at Sweat Records.  Be there AND be square!

September 17th – Coastal Cleanup Day
Also this Saturday is the Ocean Conservancy’s International Coastal Cleanup Day- Emerge and the Coral Gables Roteract Club will be helping out at Matheson Hammock Park.  Maxwell and Adam are coordinating this- look for the cool guys digging in the mangroves for trash! This is Saturday from 9 am -12 at Mattheson Hammock.  If you go to the guard house at the entrance road, they will let you in for free if you tell them you are doing the beach cleanup. This event fills up quickly, so try to arrive around 8:30!

September 20th – Emerge presents Board Game Night
Board Game Night is next Tuesday at 8 pm at Sweat Records.  Come play games with friends!  It’s free and awesome.

September 24th – Moving Planet: Ride On!
Miami Dade College’s Earth Ethic Institute, Moving Planet, is working with 350.org to integrate the concept of sustainability to the school’s curriculum. We are planning a 10 mile ride that involves vegetarian food and addresses issues of sustainability, local foods and avoidance of fossil fuels.  Emerge has enjoyed 350 Day bike rides and events for several years, and this is a great opportunity to continue bringing awareness to important climate issues! The ride is going to be at 10 am on Saturday, September 24th.  Meeting point at the MDC Wolfson Campus.  The event name is Moving Planet>RIDE ON!—up on 350.org website as a Miami event.  You can also find out more info at Earth Ethic Institute’s Moving Planet Facebook page. Join us!

September 24th – Earthdance Miami
The annual Global Festival for Peace, Earth Awareness, and Community Celebration returns!
Moksha Family Arts Collective presents a day and night of live world music, dj’s, performance artists, a global synchronized peace prayer across 80 countries, art & crafts vendors, the participation of local environmental non-profit organizations, and much more.
Buy pre-sale tickets, visit the official website, and RSVP on Facebook.

6:00pm – Topic: Everything You Wanted To Know About Tofu- The science, history and culinary facts around this popular meat alternative are dramatized in a demonstration of techniques and recipes to enhance your kitchen experience. More details here.

September 29th – ECOMB’s Cinema Green – Trash Inc: The Secret Life of Garbage
ECOMB is hosting a screening of the documentary Trash Inc., a CNBC documentary offering a fascinating look at what happens to garbage in the U.S. and abroad. View trailer. 8pm at Miami Beach Cinemateque. Click here to purchase tickets.

October 8 – Critical Mass Cemetery Tour
Our regularly scheduled monthly ride will be a special Cemetery Tour!  We will meet at Government Center Metrorail Station at 10 am to explore and learn about three of our local cemeteries.  Spoooky!

October 19th – The Corporation at O Cinema
This will be our kickoff in a series of monthly film screenings at O Cinema.  Mixer at 7:30, screening at 8 pm.  We are showing the Corporation to promote the organization Move to Amend.  More details are coming!

October 23rd – Coral Gables Bike Day
Coral Gables Bike Day will be Sunday Oct 23rd. Races start at 7 am. The street festival portion will be at 10 am. There is a Facebook Event Page, and a Facebook page for Volunteers . Ponce de Leon will be closed down to cars between the circle park and Miracle Mile and half of Miracle Mile will be closed to cars between Douglas Rd and LeJeune. There will be a stage at Ponce Circle Park with bands and children’s entertainment. Bike polo will be off of Miracle Mile. Does anyone know any trick riders/BMX people who would like to get paid to entertain the masses? If so, contact Peter at the above-mentioned Facebook page. Bike tours will be led throughout the day. We are looking for sponsorship. There will be police and porta-potties and the works. This costs money so we would love to find a friendly sponsor.

Also in the works, we’re organizing a Moustache Ride and Movember Party to promote men’s cancer awareness.  This will be our regularly scheduled November ride.  Stay connected for more details about locations, events, music, and afterparties!