A few weeks back I received an email asking if I’d be interested in participating in a forum called We Media being held this year here in Miami. I was asked if I’d be interested in being a speaker for one of the programs in the event. So I did a bit of Googling and found information on the previous We Media conferences.
Now, I was more than a little surprised, to say the least. I certainly dont consider myself a particularly good orator nor am I an intellectual or media expert. I’m basically just the son of blue collar parents that has a penchant for butchering the English language publicly. But, with a bit of apprehension, I accepted.
Yesterday I received my registration information and, after having registered online, I browsed the We Media Miami site for a while. Here’s a link to the overview of the forum, and the following is a brief synopsis:
We Media Miami explores and fosters the use of digital media to build and improve real communities in a connected society.
This is the third year for the We Media conference. Former U.S. Vice President Al Gore spoke at We Media 05 hosted by The Associated Press in New York; BBC Managing Director Mark Thompson, Reuters CEO Tom Glocer, actor Richard Dreyfuss and Nitin Desai of the United Nations participated in the We Media Global Forum in 2006 hosted by Reuters and the BBC in London.
In Miami, the conference will focus on two connected themes:
Community: How can media and communications in a multitude of forms, produced or influenced by an ever-expanding multitude of sources, serve and strengthen the communities where people live?
Investment: In a shifting communications marketplace, how will investors, public and private funders or new formulations of social entrepreneurship pay for and sustain the civic enterprises of news and information?
The program includes a series of roundtable discussions and a variety of participatory activities involving communities, individuals and organizations to help participants understand and address the challenges of a changing multi-media world, and to stimulate innovation and investment in projects and services that strengthen communities.
Pretty nifty, huh?
Im slated to speak on the “Communities” part of the event, and I was only a little nervous about it until I saw the list of all of the participants slated to speak. (You can find that right here.) Now, I’m shittin’ pickles, as they say.
Just stick to your guns, be respectful, and use your passion intelligently… you’ll be fine.
Speak from the heart, Val, and your message will come out. PS> “Val Prientin” on their web list- they’d better get your name right.
Sunds like a media extravaganza. Have a great time, but bring along a can of bullshit spray-you might need it.
Get anti-liberal vaccinations before you go: read Churchill and Friedman, listen to Reagan speeches, and always spit when you say, “Clinton.” That’ll keep you nice and healthy…
George,
There’s talk the Bill Clinton will be doing some kind of opening night thing.
Val,
Ditto to the above! George is right about making sure you get your “Anti Liberal Immunity” built-up before exposure … :} LOL
I wish you well :} Melek
“Whatever task that you undertake, do it with all your heart and soul. Always be courteous, never be discouraged. Beware of him who promises something for nothing. Do not blame anybody for your mistakes and failures. Do not look for approval except in the consciousness of doing your best.” ~ B.M.B.
Congratulations, and good luck!
Congratulations!! You’ll be great Val. What a wonderful opportunity for you, and I know you’ll give them a good dose of real Cubiche and bust the hell out of the castro fed stereotype of the “Miami Mafia”. You make us all so proud.
Val, if that’s the case, then take my admonition very seriously. Add to my previous list, Kaopectate, Pepto, Prozac and a fine Kentucky bourbon 🙂
wow, some big liberal names up there. Go get em!
Yikes, what an opportunity! Just think, Val, for once you will have them all there, a CAPTIVE audience, it’s your chance to SHINE, since they gave you the honors. How cool is that?
My sisterly advice, which I pass on to friends who shudder and sweat about going to court and addressing a judge: these people get up in the morning and have to look at the mirror, brush teeth, wash face, wipe fanny, and make themselves presentable just like the rest of us chickens. Look at them and imagine them in their …. pijamas.
Just make sure we get an MP3 of your talk.
Congratulations. Enjoy yourself, and don’t worry about the nerves. Prepare well, and the rest will take care of itself.
Congratulations, Val. The listed libs are probably wondering if they need to bring some anti-truth spray to use on you. Let them get heartburn, I’m sure you’ll do us Babalu readers proud.
wow, Val. I’ll be glad to say I knew you “when” 🙂
Piece of advice, Val. If Clinton offers you a cigar, politely decline… ;->
But, seriously, it’s great to see your name in that lineup. I’m thrilled for you and your family.
Congratulations Val. You’re a great fit for that group – a member of the community who’s not afraid
to stand up for others and be a leader.
I know I don’t have to tell you this…but be yourself. That’s how you got to where you’re at.
oye must feel good to be among all those big names. dont worry. be yourself dude
Congratulations Val. I know you’ll do us proud. Good luck!