Recap

Shame on me. I never went over Day 2 of the conference, and I've already had the first organizational meeting without putting more information on here.

Slept in a little on Day 2, since I figured I didn't need to be at the NASNA member meeting (can't really be a member until you publish your first paper). Well, Andy ribbed me a little about that later in the day - seems he used Toledo Streets in his presentation of what NASNA is working on in the next year. Woops.

My first session was New Street Paper Road Map with Andy. A few other veterans sat in and gave their two cents as well. In terms of actually getting started, this was probably the most helpful workshop, and I'll share the outline of it on this blog in my next post (can't do it now because I left my notes at home).

The next session was about generating story ideas. I was torn between this one and another happening simultaneously, Vendor Territory & Turf. Great notes from the one I went to, and I'm looking forward to NASNA making good on their promise of providing notes on all sessions. There were a couple workshops on Friday I wished I could have sat in on.

The third round of workshops on Saturday were round table discussions. Based on the subjects, I had no burning desire to sit in. I thought maybe I'd play hookie and get into downtown Denver and snap a couple photos with Henry. The best laid plans... by the time I figured out how to use public transportation to get there, I really didn't have time to go, do what I wanted, and get back in time for the last (official) event that included the vendors from the Denver Voice.

The dinner is nice and simple, and I got to chat a little more with a couple people. One Denver Voice vendor told me the paper was key in getting him off the streets. I kept the evening brief, because I needed to get up at 2:15 am and get ready to leave - I shared a cab with Margo Pierce (THE volunteer) from Streetvibes so we split the cost and ensure we get through security and board our planes on time. As it turned out, there was plenty of time.

Cut to last night's meeting. Notable attendees were Breanna Filas (of Metro Media Group), Tana Schiewer (Executive Director of Food For Thought), Ken Leslie (of the organization 1Matters, which is serving as Toledo Streets fiscal agent), and Ken's wife Norma. I have all the street papers I collected at the conference spread out in the middle of the table, and I pass out a packet of information that includes a basic FAQ and a list of needs. We brainstorm, I answer questions and note the ones to which I don't have answers, and we watch the vendor orientation video generously supplied by Street Roots. Bre and Tana leave and I finalize a couple things with the Leslies. We walk out together, and I feel solidarity.

I will be posting notes and lists of things to do, so stay tuned.

THERE IS NO SUCH THING AS SMALL CHANGE.