Hear me and Lorraine talk SocMed in the little cubby-hole in the new Irish Heather.

Lorraine Murphy is the woman behind the legendary social media phenomenon called Raincoaster.

She has been writing, blogging and teaching courses on social media for social good for over ten years.  She has directly witnessed the positive affect that blogging and social media engagement have had on the lives of marginalized people in Vancouver’s notorious Downtown East Side.

She is a passionate and outspoken advocate of using social media tools to help writers develop confidence in their writing while simultaneously building an audience and community for their stories.

Lorraine has worked with the Surrey International Writers Conference in various guises and is currently the Lower Mainland representative for the BC Writers Federation.

She founded the Shebeen Club* in the Whisk[e]y Bar behind the Irish Heather Pub in downtown Vancouver’s Gastown district.

Lorraine also appeared at Book Camp Vancouver 2009 where she facilitated a session called “Blogging as Writers Practice”.  A fascinating idea and one that we discuss at length in this interview.

I had been wanting to interview Lorraine for many months and I am very pleased to add her to the Books on the Radio alumni.

I hope that you enjoy our conversation as much as I did.

*Lorraine has asked me to speak at the January 2010 edition of the Shebeen Club and I have tentatively titled my talk “Don’t Die Just Yet: New Life in New Territories for Book Publishing“.

]]> http://aprilfilms.wordpress.com/2009/12/27/two-photos-of-april-smith-aka-aprilfilms-by-simon-hayter-photography-currently-based-in-vancouver/ Sun, 27 Dec 2009 04:42:10 +0000 aprilfilms http://aprilfilms.wordpress.com/2009/12/27/two-photos-of-april-smith-aka-aprilfilms-by-simon-hayter-photography-currently-based-in-vancouver/

I have been very blessed to have my photos taken by the  excellent Simon Hayter !

AHA  MEDIA, April Smith’s mobile-media project, spotlights what’s going on in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside, accenting that neighborhood’s charm, solidarity, and positive developments.

Ms. Smith was recently profiled in a Globe and Mail article (http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/national/clustering-in-action/article1406276/) and, very movingly, in the documentary “With Glowing Hearts” (http://vimeo.com/7989592).

Merry Christmas Everybody!

I would like to thank everyone who has read the recent article “April’s Story” in the Vancouver Sun Newspaper by Gillian Shaw, Digital Life Writer

In my article in the Vancouver Sun which came out yesterday, Christmas Eve 2009, I reveal my personal journey of homelessness,  struggles, poverty, my efforts to do Citizen Journalism and Mobile Media Reporting with AHA MEDIA and the volunteer mentoring of other folks in basic Media training in Vancouver Downtown Eastside

If you have not read my article in the Vancouver Sun, please click on the link

http://communities.canada.com/vancouversun/blogs/techsense/archive/2009/12/23/april-s-story.aspx

It has been a really tough year for us at AHA MEDIA and we are seeking donations of electronic gear and equipment  so we may continue to build our community capacity to do mobile media reporting in Vancover and Downtown Eastside

FIDO Pay as You Go Phone Cards for cell phones,

Digital cameras,

SD memory cards,

Laptops/Desktops,

Video cameras,

Audio equipment

We are also looking for donations of warm clothing and food items for our friends and neighbors in the Vancouver Downtown Eastside at the LifeSkills Centre near Oppenheimer Park where we volunteer at

Wish List of Christmas Donations by members of AHA MEDIA and LifeSkills Centre

If you would like to donate FIDO Pay as you go Phone Cards, Electronic Gear and Equipment, Warm Clothing and Food to us at AHA MEDIA and for other folks in the Vancouver Downtown Eastside, please email me

Email: Apr@live.ca or  through Twitter or Facebook

Thank you very much and have a Merry Christmas!

This storyline is from the Documentary ‘With Glowing Hearts‘. It follows April Smith on her journey building AHA Media as the preeminent news source for Vancouver’s DTES using social media for social justice. Along the way April faces many challenges including homelessness

” April Smith is an incredible young woman facing a boat load of challenges.  She has graciously allowed us to follow her for the last 8 months and gather the footage we used to compile this story thread. Hers is a story full of both despair and inspiration. ”

A Social Media revolution has been brewing for the past five years on websites from FaceBook, to Wikipedia, to Flickr, and as it spreads throughout the Internet and into popular culture through an increasing number of portals, it is creating a new sense of community and empowerment amongst those who have embraced it.

History has shown that poor and marginalized communities stand to gain the most from leaps forward in the democratization of information, so the excitement in areas like Vancouver’s maligned Downtown Eastside about the possibilities of Web 2.0 and beyond is palpable.

With the Winter Olympics less than a year away, billions have been spent in preparations and many poverty advocates are concerned about how the city’s several thousand homeless and working poor will fit into the equation as Vancouver puts on its best face for the world.

Against this background the film examines Social Media in action as a group named Fearless City embarks on a campaign to empower and protect its neighbours with cellphones, video-streaming, and the World Wide Web.

With great thanks to Director Andrew Lavigne and Producer Jon Ornoy !

You may contact April Smith via Twitter or Facebook

By GILLIAN SHAW

23 DEC 2009 DIGITAL LIFE

A Table for 2000:

Union Gospel Mission partners with a celebrated local restaurant group to host a free gourmet meal for the Downtown Eastside.

Just in time for Christmas, thousands of Downtown Eastside residents will enjoy the gourmet dinner of the season on Wednesday, December 23^rd when Union Gospel Mission hosts A Table for 2000, a free culinary feast that is being made possible by the generosity and volunteer-time of a celebrated local restaurant group. The entire event is designed to give Downtown Eastside residents a unique, fine dining Christmas experience.

To accommodate so many guests, UGM will erect a tent outside of its building on Princess Street between Hastings and Cordova, seating 700 at a time. The spacious environment will ensure that guests don’t feel rushed as they enjoy hand-carved honey glazed ham and oven roasted beef strip loin with traditional festive gravy,  buttered vegetables with fresh herbs, roasted garlic mashed potatoes, an Italian pasta bar, fresh baked buns with whipped sea salt butter, and chocolate mousse tarts for desert. The tent will be decorated with festive lights and Christmas trees, and guests will be serenaded by carolers and the Vancouver Firefighters Band. At the end of the evening, guests will depart with a stocking full of goodies to help add some holiday cheer to the Christmas season.

UGM will offer a shopping cart valet service, so that guests can relax and dine leisurely with the knowledge that their belongings are secure. The SPCA will be on-hand to care for and feed dogs.

The Details

What: Union Gospel Mission partners with Glowbal Restaurant Group to present A Table for 2000, a gourmet Christmas feast in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside that is free to all.

Where: Princess Street between Hastings and Cordova, beside Union Gospel Mission. The street will be closed to traffic for this event, and guests will enjoy the meal in a heated tent with festive lights and Christmas trees, while being serenaded by carolers and the Vancouver Firefighters Band.

When: Wednesday, December 23, 2009

3:00pm: Priority seating for seniors, families, and those with special needs

4:00 – 7:30pm: event open to the public

Why: The Glowbal Restaurant Group approached UGM with the simple desire to provide a festive, gourmet, free Christmas meal to the Downtown Eastside. About 100 Glowbal employees will be volunteering at the event.

Carts and dogs are welcome; they will be securely cared for.

About UGM

Union Gospel Mission has been reaching the hungry, hurting and homeless for nearly 70 years. Through its 10 locations in Metro Vancouver and the city of Mission, UGM provides counseling, education, safe housing, and alcohol and drug recovery to men, women, youth and children struggling with poverty, homelessness and addiction. The heart of the mission is to demonstrate God’s transforming love, ease the burden of the most vulnerable, rebuild the lives of the broken and offer dignity to those who feel cast aside. UGM is a proud member of the Canadian Council of Christian Charities.

Welcome to the new look for AHA MEDIA online!

A sleek new design means faster access to what AHA MEDIA is known for  primarily…

1) Social Media Content Production, Promotion, Documentation and Archiving of Events, Projects and more

2) Hyper Local Citizen Journalism Coverage – A  media outlet for people of  Vancouver and Downtown Eastside  to help tell their own  stories. Through our social media campaigns we aim to bring an awareness to the Social Justice issues that affect our area

AHA MEDIA is proud to be involved in our Vancouver Downtown Eastside Community!  :)

• Facilitate others in social media literacy and campaign building
• Community engagement and outreach with social media
• Peer advocacy and awareness for our neighborhood residents.
• Active participation in the Vancouver Downtown Eastside
• Media representation and speaking engagements

Three upcoming and ongoing projects that AHA MEDIA is involved in

1 ) Filming 3 satirical/parody remakes of a “Holiday themed” song involving residents of the Vancouver Downtown Eastside.

2) Part of W2 Community Media Art’s Fearless City Mobile Project – helping to do livestreaming and engage  with the Downtown Eastside . We  will include their personal thoughts and stories in a very participatory way. http://www.CreativeTechnology.org

3) Being filmed and documented ourselves for With Glowing Hearts, an independent film about social justice, social media, Olympics and the Vancouver Downtown Eastside  http://www.WGHTheMovie.ca

Thanks everyone for supporting AHA MEDIA! We really appreciate it!

Many  Vancouver Downtown Eastside residents face great challenges including health problems, homelessness, access to good food/water/ warm clothing during the Holiday Season

Since the weather is getting very cold , members of AHA MEDIA as well as LifeSkills Centre in Vancouver Downtown Eastside would dearly appreciate some donations of food items, warm clothes, toiletries

AHA MEDIA would love to continue to build their community capacity to do mobile media reporting in Vancover and Downtown Eastside and would really love some  donated electronic gear!

FIDO Pay as You Go Phone Cards for cell phones,

Digital cameras,

SD memory cards,

Laptops/Desktops,

Video cameras,

Audio equipment

AHA MEDIA volunteers and peer trains others at LifeSkills Centre near Oppenheimer Park in 4 groups

1) Social Justice Support Group, 2) Upwords Writing 3) Computers and basic media literacy 4) Community Engagement

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In this video, Clyde Wright of AHA MEDIA speaks of a wish list for the Holiday Season 2009 in Vancouver Downtown Eastside (DTES)

This was filmed by April Smith of AHA MEDIA on a mobile cameraphone. April is passionate and skilled in making new media films by exploring mobile media production through the camera lens of a cellphone. For a better quality version of this video, please DM April Smith DM April Smith at Twitter.com/AprilFilms or Facebook.com/AprilFilms

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Below is a Wish list compiled by members of AHA MEDIA and members of LifeSkills Centre for Holiday Season 2009

- Gift Certificates  for London Drugs, Rexall, Army and Navy, Nester’s Food Market, Tim Horton’s, – Any Fast Food place

-  Socks

- Thermal Underwear

- Towels ( Bath and Kitchen )

- Toiletries – Shampoo, Conditioner, Shaving, ToothBrush, Toothpaste, personal grooming kits

- DVDs

- Art Supplies – Paints, Paper,

- Office Supplies

- Media Equipment

- Digital Cameras

- Blank Dvds to record on

- USB Flash Drives

- Radios – big and small

- Extension Cords

- Mini Fridge and Microwaves

- Good Shoes/Boots

- Vitamins, Boost and Ensure Drinks

- Laptops/Desktops

-  Cellphones

- FIDO pay as you go phone cards for cellphones

- Digital Cameras

- Video Cameras

- Jackets

- Sleeping Bags/Blankets

- Laundry Soap

- Mp3 players

- Guitars or Instruments

- Green Plants

- Tools

- Garbage Bags

- Cleaning Supplies

- Loose Tobacco

THANK YOU VERY MUCH!!

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Please contact April Smith of AHA MEDIA through Email: Apr@live.ca

Twitter.com/AprilFilms

Facebook.com/AprilFilms

Clyde Wright of AHA MEDIA reports on Sam the Candy Man’s Free Donations Giveaway every Thursday night  at 8pm near Main and Hastings corner in Vancouver Downtown Eastside

Below is Clyde Wright of AHA MEDIA standing with Sam the Candy Man who hands out candy and clothing for folks in the area

In this video, Clyde Wright of AHA MEDIA speaks about Sam the Candy Man who comes down every Thursday night and sets up in near in front of the Balmoral Hotel and Hotel Washington at Main and Hastings Street in Vancouver Downtown Eastside

This was filmed by April Smith of AHA MEDIA on a mobile cameraphone. April is passionate and skilled in making new media films by exploring mobile media production through the camera lens of a cellphone. For a better quality version of this video, please DM April Smith DM April Smith at Twitter.com/AprilFilms or Facebook.com/AprilFilm

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Below is a photo of Sam the Candy Man searching for shoes to give out

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In this video, Volunteers help Sam the Candy Man in Vancouver Downtown Eastside (DTES) at a table set up in near in front of the Balmoral Hotel and Hotel Washington at Main and Hastings Street in Vancouver Downtown Eastside

This was filmed by April Smith of AHA MEDIA on a mobile cameraphone. April is passionate and skilled in making new media films by exploring mobile media production through the camera lens of a cellphone. For a better quality version of this video, please DM April Smith DM April Smith at Twitter.com/AprilFilms or Facebook.com/AprilFilms

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In this video, Clothing Giveaway at Sam the Candy Man table set up in near in front of the Balmoral Hotel and Hotel Washington at Main and Hastings Street in Vancouver Downtown Eastside

This was filmed by April Smith of AHA MEDIA on a mobile cameraphone. April is passionate and skilled in making new media films by exploring mobile media production through the camera lens of a cellphone. For a better quality version of this video, please DM April Smith DM April Smith at Twitter.com/AprilFilms or Facebook.com/AprilFilms

In photo below,  Dave Jeanes helps out at the clothing table with Sam the Candy Man

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In photo below, a man poses for the camera while at the Clothing Table of Sam the Candy Man

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In photo below, “Chain Man” stands with Young Volunteers for Sam the Candy Man

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In photo below, is Clyde Wright of AHA MEDIA standing near the lineup for giveaways for Sam the Candy Man

What do a 70 year old gospel mission and a nine-year old creative agency have in common? The Downtown Eastside, for one. Like many of the applied and creative arts agencies in the North end of Vancouver’s poorest postal code, Burnkit Creative is energetic, thoughtful, and not afraid to work alongside the contradictions and contrast of the Downtown Eastside.

So while many businesses were cutting back during the recent economic downturn, Burnkit took a look around their own neighborhood and decided to lend their talent and energy to support a non-profit agency that would in turn help those who have been hit hardest by the recession: the homeless and working poor of the Downtown Eastside. The result was a contribution of $12,500 worth of creative services toward the Union Gospel Mission’s annual Christmas ad and direct mail campaign.

For Union Gospel Mission, Burnkit was a natural fit. “People who work on the Downtown Eastside often have a certain raw edge to their work, and that’s what we were looking for in this campaign,” says Genesa Wheaton, Director of Resource Development at Union Gospel Mission. “Not many businesses would choose to set up shop in the poorest postal code in Canada. That type of entrepreneurial spirit and willingness to become a part of this community are not lost on those of us who live and work on the Downtown Eastside. For a company like Burnkit to literally put their money where their office is and support UGM in a new, unique way is corporate philanthropy in action.”

Burnkit brought that edge into the campaign as they began the creative process with Union Gospel Mission. “We wanted to engage people in a new way, unlike anything else UGM had ever expressed in previous campaigns – and Burnkit was up for the challenge,” explains Wheaton. “We wanted to help Vancouverites rethink homelessness and addiction, and the response we’ve received to date says that it’s working.”

The resulting ads (attached in low-res; high-res available on request) feature photos of people who have used UGM’s services, and are now UGM staff members, appearing confident and offering unexpected comments like, “I wish I was stuck in traffic.”

“We wanted to jar people a little bit, and make them reevaluate their neighbour’s problems – and their own,” says Josh Dunford, Director at Burnkit. “So maybe next time, instead of being upset, they think, ‘Ok, I’m not going to let this traffic jam ruin my day. I’m thankful for what I’ve got. Some people would love to have a car to be warm and dry in, and a job to be going to.’”

“If people truly want to help, this is a great way to make a difference this Christmas,” says Wheaton, “and we’re thankful organizations like Burnkit, and supporters of UGM see the value in supporting those in need at Christmas time.“

Sunday December 6th – Fransiscan Sisters -385 E. Cordova, 12 – 2pm

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Sunday December 12 – Union Gospel Mission- 616 E. Cordova 10 am – 5pm

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Saturday December 19th – Mission Possible – 543 Powell St 11 am, 12:30, 2 and 3:30 pm

21st Oppenheimer Park Christmas Dinner - Alexander and Dunlevy starting at Noon

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Wednesday Dec 23, –  Table for 2000 – Free Gourmet Meals for Vancouver DTES at @UGM by @Glowbal_Group http://tinyurl.com/yeyf9fj

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Thursday December 24th – 15th Annual Labour Community Christmas Dinner - 1880 Triumph Street 5 – 8 pm

The Dugout 59 Powell 7 – 9 pm Tickets issued in line

Carnegie Centre - 401 Main St. OPEN ALL NIGHT until 6am Friday

Snacks and entertainment throughout & Breakfast at 5am Friday

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Friday December 25th – Harbour Light – 119 E. Cordova St. 10am – 2 pm

- Potters Place Mission – 21 E. Hastings 11am – 9pm  On the hour, all day

- Evelyn Saller Centre - 320 Alexander St. 3 – 5pm Cost $2.oo

- The Dugout – 59 Powell 7-9pm Tickets issued in line

Animal Mother Films invites you to join us for a drink and exclusive preview from the film at the official launch party for the website for our documentary project With Glowing Hearts. We continue to capture the pressures facing Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside as the city prepares to host the Winter Olympics next February, and how a remarkable group of individuals is using cutting edge social media technologies to empower their community.

WGH-is a story about a revolution, one of social change and a paradigm shift in media representation. Vancouver sets the stage, against the backdrop of the 2010 Winter Games, for our documentary about a marginalized community embracing social media tools to empower, inspire and breakdown the digital divide.

This is a project that Andrew Lavigne is directing and is being produced by animalmotherfilms.com. Shot on various capture devices including the Red, the HVX 200, the 5D MkII and the Nokia N77 cellphone. We began shooting Feb/2009 and will continue through March/2010.

Director Andrew Lavigne and Producer Jon Ornoy are now 9 months into production, charting the inspiring story of the creation of the W2 Media Arts Center as part of the Woodward’s redevelopment and the vital steps towards breaking down the digital divide that will take place within its walls.

With the launch of wghthemovie.ca, our Facebook presence and the Games only a few months away, we’re excited to throw the doors wide open and let you have a look inside.

@Ahamedia went and filmed our walkthrough of @Workspace!! Post tomorrow!

Going to film Press Conference at Golden Crown – Illegal Tenant Evictions

NEW POST! @AHAMEDIA filmed at Fight HST Rally at Canada Place on Sat Sept 18 – Over 5,000 ppl!  http://tinyurl.com/nf2q3q

Will be helping to present at #BarCamp on @FearlessCity – Moble Media + @W2Woodwards – New Media Arts Centre in Vancouver #BCV09

Will be helping to do a presentation on Mobile Media Strategies at @FreshMediaMe at @W2Woodwards from 1:50pm to 2:40pm TODAY!

Just filmed a short segment of the the Sites of Empowerment tour in the Vancouver Downtown Eastside with Wendy Pedersen and CCAP volunteers. Nice to see Vancouver City Councillor George Chow with our group of 40 interested folks on life in our community!

Dear Friends, I just started @AHAMEDIA Fan page on Facebook. Please come join me http://tinyurl.com/yzw4sfz Thank you

Today AHA MEDIA will be filming Remembrance Day ceremonies at Victory Square in Vancouver

For Hendrik’s parents’ 60th wedding anniversary coming up!!… He bought an original work of art for them: It is a quilt, a beautiful wall-hanging, depicting a tropical fantasy scene that is called “Under the Sea“.

Under the Sea: Sandi Bajcar

Laurel Birch panel. Machine practice piece. 30,000 stitches, maybe more.

http://www.decentreforthearts.com/home/programs/fabric-arts/community-quilt-project-stories/under-the-sea

Hendrik would like to present it to his parents as coming from the Beunes in Canada (including his daughters). He selected it because it struck him right away as being very beautiful and fantasy rich. and hopes that his parents will feel a connection through this piece for the reason that they all shared a very close connection to the sea.

“I have bought an original work of art for them: It is a quilt, a beautiful  wall-hanging, depicting a tropical fantasy scene that is called “Under the Sea”. I hope that they have a good spot for it in their new apartment. At the end of the hall, near the bathroom door, I would envision to brighten up an otherwise dark and uninteresting cul de sac.”

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In this photo is Hendrik Beune and Peter Davies of AHA MEDIA with Lisa Fox Valdes of Downtown Eastside Centre for the Arts admiring the over 30,000 stitches that went into the making of the “Under the Sea” quilt

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In this photo and video Hendrik Beune speaks with Lisa Fox Valdes of Downtown Eastside Centre for the Arts where they auctioned Under the Sea as part of the Fabric Arts Program 2009 – Community Quilt Project in October

Hendrik Beune says:

I would like to present it to my parents as coming from the Beunes in Canada (including my daughters). I selected it because it struck me right away as being very beautiful and fantasy rich.

I hope that my parents will feel a connection with us through this piece for the reason that we all shared a very close connection to the sea.

My parents helped me to get through university and become a marine biologist. Hence my daughters were conceived practically on the sea shore, where we also lived and worked for many years (12 in my case).

These years were formative for my daughters, because it brought them into close contact with Mother Nature at an early age. I hope this will carry through into their adult lives and result in a respect for nature that most City born children never have the direct connection and experience of.

For my oldest , this is certainly true: She has often said that she wanted to become a marine biologist. The mermaid in this picture reminds me of my daughters’ early childhood, as we traveled to town in a small boat on a weekly basis and were on the beach practically every day.

The mermaid in the quilt represents my daughters!

I will recount the above story to my parents as I present them with the quilt for their 60th Wedding Anniversary!

Clustering in action

Robert Matas

Vancouver — From Saturday’s Globe and Mail Published on Friday, Dec. 18, 2009 10:13PM EST

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/national/clustering-in-action/article1406276/

AHA Media is a struggling new company incubated in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside by a government-funded agency that turned to theories of a Harvard University professor more often associated with Silicon Valley and Hollywood than with revitalization of urban slums.

April Smith, one of the company’s founders, drifted into the Downtown Eastside after a serious car accident left her with severe memory loss and other injuries. With no money, she ended up living in temporary shelters and hotels dominated by predator pimps and drug addicts, she said recently in an interview.

Her life changed after she began cartooning to tell the stories of people she met at the hotel and on the street. A local community group inspired her to think about reporting activities in her neighbourhood without going through traditional media. She became part of an apprenticeship program developed by a cluster of local companies. After completing the program, she worked with others to open a new business in the area, AHA Media.

Prof. Michael Porter has written extensively about the advantages of clustering as an approach to economic development. Concentrating interconnected companies, specialized suppliers and associated educational institutions in the same geographic area fosters increased employment, productivity and innovation, he said. The clusters become a catalyst for innovation that feeds economic growth.

Building Opportunities with Business, a government-funded agency, dedicated to revival of the local economy, embraced clustering at the suggestion of an ex-board member who had studied at Harvard.

Ms. Smith was part of a training program developed by a cluster that included Bell Canada, the FireHall Arts Centre, a local digital filmmaking program that works with youth at risk called Intersections Media, a B.C. government employment program called BladeRunners and a non-profit group working in social media called W2: Community Media Arts.

The training program “gave me a big, big start,” she said. “It gave me a sense of direction.”

Ms. Smith is now on Twitter, Facebook, Youtube and Flickr. She describes herself as a mobile new-media videographer and social media content-producer. She shoots camera-phone videos and live-streams events onto the Internet.

To speak with April Smith more personally

http://www.facebook.com/AprilFilms
http://www.twitter.com/AprilFilms
http://www.twitter.com/April

To see more of AHA MEDIA:

http://www.facebook.com/AHAMEDIA

http://www.twitter.com/AHAMEDIA

http://www.youtube.com/AHAFilm

http://www.flickr.com/photos/AHAMEDIA/sets

Clustering pushes local businesses to think how they can work together, BOB’s chief executive officer, Shirley Chan, said. But, unlike Silicon Valley, the Downtown Eastside businesses do not have resources to carry out many of their ideas.

“Many employers here are marginal, they do not have a lot of money. That is why they are here. The rent is cheap,” she said. “ Without finding sources of funding, there is not a lot that can be created.”

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AHA MEDIA wishes to thank the following

Robert Matas, Reporter for Globe and Mail http://www.theglobeandmail.com

Shirley Chan of BOB ( Building Opportunities with Business ) http://www.buildingopportunities.org

Irwin Oostindie of W2 Community Media Arts http://www.creativetechnology.org

Lani Russwurm of DTES CAN ( Downtown Eastside Community Arts Network ) http://tinyurl.com/yaqw5mz

Lorraine Murphy of Raincoaster Media http://RaincoasterMedia.com

AHA MEDIA was pleased to attend BOB’s Christmas Open House at Main and Pender in Vancouver.  Their new location was beautifully decorated and very spacious… located right at Main and Pender in Vancouver

Based in Vancouver B.C., Building Opportunities with Business (BOB) is a non-profit organization that is championing an inclusive revitalization process for the inner-city that values existing businesses and residents. BOB is a connector, a resource and a facilitator working to: strengthen the inner-city’s community capacity; identify and build on untapped business opportunities; improve employment opportunities and retention; and increase investment in Vancouver’s inner-city.

buildingopportunities.org/

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In this photo is Libby Davies – MP for Vancouver East

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In this photo – Shirley Chan – CEO of BOB and husband Steve Hopkins

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In this photo, Andrew “Muskie” McKay – Industry Initiatives Coordinator for BOB

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In this photo, Shirley Chan presents a certificate to London Drugs at Woodwards

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In this photo, Shirley Chan presents to Nester’s Market at Woodwards

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In this photo is Kerry Jang, Vancouver City Councillor and Lorraine Murphy aka Raincoaster http://www.Raincoaster.com

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In this photo, Andrew “Muskie” McKay,  Peter Davies of AHA MEDIA, Lorraine Murphy aka Raincoaster

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In this photo, Irwin Oostindie – Executive Director of W2 Community Media Arts, David Lee, Toby Barrazoul and Peter Davies

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In this photo, Peter Davies of AHA MEDIA at BOB’s Christmas Open House

To see all 15 photos of BOB’s Christmas Open House 2009, please see our Flickr

http://www.flickr.com/photos/ahamedia/sets/7215762302541

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Co-Working Opportunities are available at BOB.
.
To further our mission we would like to make available to select partners, individuals, and businesses the main floor of 163 East Pender Street. We hope that this open shared work space can contribute to the revitalization of the inner-city by providing a space for creative professionals to flourish, for ideas to percolate, to cross pollinate, for businesses to grow, a place where stuff gets done.

What we’re offering is a work surface, be it a desk, a chair, a table, a couch, or the bay window, wherever you’re most comfortable.

Of course we’ll offer wi-fi and other niceties such as an electronic white board and a projector to facilitate discussion and creative thinking. There’s a fridge for your food, a microwave, filtered water cooler, and secure storage for your bike.

The price is a flat $200 per month and includes keyless access.

We’re looking for creative professionals, progressive thinkers, the socially responsible and ecologically conscious who want to be surrounded by others of like mind.

Folks who want more than a cubicle and a 9 to 5 and dream of bigger things and a better Vancouver to call home.

If this sounds like you, contact Andrew “Muskie” McKay 778-328-7672 or write coworking@bobics.org

buildingopportunities.org/

At least Saul Brown seems to think so. Saul and his company are members of our Green Inner-city Cluster and have helped us on SOLEfood and the Sustainability 2.0 Expo among many projects. His company provides sustainable and socially responsible corporate gifts and operates out of a green building in Strathcona.

Building Opportunities with Business maintains an online directory of inner-city businesses with particular emphasis on those that are sustainable and socially responsible. Many large organizations such as Business Objects and SFU use it to buy their catering, recycling, or cleaning services. Next time your business or organization needs to hire someone for a job, if you’d like to hire someone who is progressive and working towards improving Vancouver’s historic inner-city, check our online business directory first.

If you operate a business in Vancouver’s historic inner-city and wish to be included in the directory, you can register online. We’re making a few changes and additions to our website which will be finished soon according to our web developers.

AHA MEDIA is very proud to be featured on Blog site of the Mayor of London – Boris Johnson!

http://www.boris-johnson.com/2009/12/16/the-challenge-of-housing-and-homelessness/

Many thanks to our great mentor @Raincoaster for featuring AHA MEDIA and what we do in the Vancouver Downtown Eastside!

http://www.Raincoaster.com

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@Raincoaster writes

” We all know this blog belongs to the Mayor of London (although detached it is still his in spirit), and before that was based out of the cosmopolitan megalopolis of Henley, but for a moment I’d like to divert your attention to my own town, indeed my own neighborhood. I’d like to introduce you to Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside.

Queen of Hastings Street

Image by Peter Davies of AHA MEDIA, From the Hope in Shadows collection, COPYRIGHT: Pivot Legal Society, 2009

Hendrik Gets His Chair by AHA Media

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@Raincoaster writes “ With an average life expectancy in the mid-forties (thanks to disease, addiction, and the interlocking social and physical problems arising from substandard- or no housing), the DTES (Downtown Eastside) has been an archetypal skid row since the days in the last century when lumber was, in fact, skidded in the mud down the street on its way to the sawmill because wagons were for the rich folk.

Now, after more than a century of struggling with the issue, I’m proud to say that Vancouver has eliminated homelessness.

We anticipate increased life expectancy (as much as thirty years for DTES residents), a significant drop in crime (particularly violent crime), and an estimated $5000 per person “housing dividend,” reflecting the difference in social service expenditures between the housed and the homeless.

Gregor Robertson at Union Gospel Mission by AHA Media

If a Canadian may toot her city’s own horn, this is truly an amazing accomplishment and Mayor Gregor (Robertson), Premier Gordon Campbell, City Hall, social service agencies, advocacy groups and officials at all levels should be very, very proud. I salute them. Who can even imagine how it must feel to know, unequivocally, that you’ve changed the world for the better.

Here is the official Homelessness is Over press release, via the Pivot Legal Society, a great organization whose mandate is to ensure that the laws of the nation apply equally to all, and who are always on top of positive (and negative) developments in housing for the homeless in Vancouver:

Vancouver’s housing crisis is finally over. Today Ray Solda, Vancouver’s last homeless person, moved into his room in the Kansas Hotel, a new social housing building funded by the provincial government. Government officials and Canadians everywhere today are celebrating the end of homelessness in Vancouver, a city that has struggled with a homelessness crisis for years.

Today’s announcement is the result of a number of key investments made by the provincial government to build social and supportive housing as part of their visionary comprehensive housing strategy. Despite the up-front costs, government and experts alike are confident that ending homelessness in Vancouver will actually save money over the long term.

“The years of spiralling rates of homelessness, derelict hotels, over-crowded shelters and laws punishing those without a safe place to live are going to be remembered as a dark page in this province’s history” says Laura Track, Pivot’s housing campaigner. “But the way this government changed course and resolved the crisis is a testament to what is possible when governments show real leadership and determination to make positive social change.”

Already, Vancouver is being held up as model for the rest of the country. Governments around the world are looking to the province for guidance in addressing homelessness in their jurisdictions.  When asked what role she felt advocacy work had in ending homelessness, Track commented: “This accomplishment is the result of people coming together and saying they would not settle for anything less than an end to homelessness. It took everyday people saying yes, I will welcome social housing into my neighbourhood and taxpayers recognizing that it makes financial sense to tackle homelessness. Finally, it took governments hearing the call and making the decision to act.”

Once again: simply amazing. This is an incredible example to the rest of the world.

So you tell me: does London have what it takes?

@Raincoaster

You can learn more about London’s Housing and Homelessness Strategy here

AHA MEDIA is pleased to attend Pigeon Park’s Grand Re-Opening in Vancouver Downtown Eastside ( DTES ) on Tuesday Dec 15, 2009

Vancouver Board of Parks and Recreation
www.vancouverparks.ca

“The fences are coming down”

The Pigeon Park renewal project is substantially completed, The removal of the fencing represents the return of this important public space to the community.

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In this photo and video, Sarah Blyth of Vancouver Board of Parks and Recreation welcomes us to Pigeon Park’s Grand Re-Opening in Vancouver Downtown Eastside (DTES) on Tuesday Dec 15 2009

This was filmed by April Smith of AHA MEDIA on a New Media camera Panasonic DMC-ZS3. AHA MEDIA is about exploring mobile media production through New Media cameras. For a better quality version of this video, please DM April Smith @AprilFilms on Twitter or —Facebook.com/AprilFilms

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In this photo and video, A speech is given where Beverly Dobrinsky and Carnegie Village Choir are invited to sing at Pigeon Park’s Grand Re-Opening in Vancouver Downtown Eastside (DTES) on Tuesday Dec 15 2009

This was filmed by April Smith of AHA MEDIA on a New Media camera Panasonic DMC-ZS3. AHA MEDIA is about exploring mobile media production through New Media cameras. For a better quality version of this video, please DM April Smith @AprilFilms on Twitter or Facebook.com/AprilFilms

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In this photo and video, Beverly Dobrinsky and Carnegie Village Choir sing at Pigeon Park’s Grand Re-Opening in Vancouver Downtown Eastside (DTES) on Tuesday Dec 15 2009

This was filmed by April Smith of AHA MEDIA on a New Media camera Panasonic DMC-ZS3. AHA MEDIA is about exploring mobile media production through New Media cameras. For a better quality version of this video, please DM April Smith @AprilFilms on Twitter or Facebook.com/AprilFilms

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In this photo, Hendrik Beune of AHA MEDIA and Ellen Woodsworth – Vancouver City Councillor watch the performance by Carnegie Village Choir

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In this photo and video, Terry Hunter, Joseph Pepe Danza and DTES Samba Band play at Pigeon Park Grand Re-Opening in Vancouver Downtown Eastside (DTES) on Tuesday Dec 15, 2009

This was filmed by April Smith of AHA MEDIA on a New Media camera Panasonic DMC-ZS3. AHA MEDIA is about exploring mobile media production through New Media cameras. For a better quality version of this video, please DM April Smith @AprilFilms on Twitter or Facebook.com/AprilFilms

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In this photo, Dalannah Gail Bowen of  Downtown Eastside Centre for the Arts  sings

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In this photo, Andrea Reimer  - Vancouver City Councillor chats with Constance Barnes – Vancouver Park Board

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Hungry Folks line up for Chili, Cheese Scones and Hot Chocolate at Pigeon Park

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In this photo, Garvin Snider gives his thoughts on the new Pigeon Park

Please see all 35 photos on our Flickr

http://www.flickr.com/photos/ahamedia/sets/7215762288446

In these photos and video, Hendrik Beune, Director of AHA MEDIA speaks about an office chair at his work that makes employees work close to the ground and almost on their knees

This was filmed by April Smith of AHA MEDIA on a mobile cameraphone. April is passionate and skilled in making new media films by exploring mobile media production through the camera lens of a cellphone. For a better quality version of this video, please DM April Smith DM April Smith at Twitter.com/AprilFilms or Facebook.com/AprilFilms

In this photo and video, Hendrik Beune, Director of AHA MEDIA welcomes Wayne McCarthy, newest member of AHA MEDIA at LifeSkills Centre in Vancouver Dowtown Eastside (DTES)

This was filmed by April Smith of AHA MEDIA on a mobile cameraphone. April is passionate and skilled in making new media films by exploring mobile media production through the camera lens of a cellphone. For a better quality version of this video, please DM April Smith DM April Smith at Twitter.com/AprilFilms or Facebook.com/AprilFilms

In the following photos and video, Clyde Wright of AHA MEDIA and Van Jensen at LifeSkills Centre in Vancouver Downtown Eastside talk about how some Traditional Media represents only sensationalist aspects of the area and how they’d like to be Media Reps on Vancouver Downtown Eastside

This was filmed by April Smith of AHA MEDIA on a mobile cameraphone. April is passionate and skilled in making new media films by exploring mobile media production through the camera lens of a cellphone. For a better quality version of this video, please DM April Smith DM April Smith at Twitter.com/AprilFilms or Facebook.com/AprilFilms

In the following photo and videos, Community March to Stop the ‘Olympic Kidnap the Homeless’ Act at Hastings and Carrall Streets in Vancouver Downtown Eastside ( DTES )

“The ‘Assistance’ to Shelter Act Must Be Stopped!

A coalition of DTES community groups and allies including CCAP, Streams of
Justice, IOCC, VanAct and DTES Power of Women Group are hosting a march
against the Olympic Kidnapping Act, which allows police to detain and
use force on homeless people to compel them into shelters.

*Rally to Stop the ‘Olympic Kidnapping Act*

SUNDAY DECEMBER 13 @ 3:30 PM-5:00PM
POLICE STATION (312 MAIN STREET, AT CORDOVA)

These videos were filmed by April Smith of AHA MEDIA on a New Media camera – Panasonic DMC-ZS3. AHA MEDIA is about exploring mobile media production through New Media cameras. For a better quality version of this video, please DM April Smith @AprilFilms on Twitter or Facebook.com/AprilFilms

Below are two photos of Vancouver Police questioning folks on steps of Vancouver Art Gallery