July Update: Mary’s farewell, meet our new editor, classes and more

Tuesday, July 15 will be Mary Turck’s last day as editor of the Twin Cities Daily Planet, after more than seven years of outstanding service. It’s also the date of Mary’s farewell party, to be held from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Black Dog Cafe, 308 E. Prince St., St Paul. Everybody’ s welcome, but please RSVP to me so we’ll know how many people to expect. If you want to send Mary a personal note, her email address is maryturck@gmail.com. Mary’s farewell message is below. 

Next Tuesday will also be the first official day at work for our new editor, Kristoffer Tigue. We received dozens of applications for this position from many very qualified candidates, but Kristoffer was the unanimous choice of the selection committee. We were impressed with Kristoffer’s enthusiasm, his energy, his track record as a journalist, and his understanding of the challenges that the Daily Planet faces. Kristoffer is no stranger to the Daily Planet – he has written for us since 2011, and recently joined our team of editorial assistants. But it’s probably better to let Kristoffer introduce himself – scroll down to see his message.

We also have a report from program manager Bruce Johansen, and community engagement editor Cirien Saadeh, plus a list of upcoming classes – scroll down to see it all.

And please remember: your support of the Twin Cities Media Alliance makes all of this work possible.  To donate, visit our secure online donation page, or send a check to TCMA, 2600 E. Franklin #2, Minneapolis MN 55406.

Scroll down to read our staff reports, and a list of upcoming classes.

Thanks,

Jeremy Iggers, executive director

Staff reports: 

Editor Mary Turck reports:

Seven and a half years after agreeing to be a temporary, interim editor for the Daily Planet, I’m looking at my last few days in the job. I’m proud of what we have accomplished, and especially of the deep connections we have built with many communities and the wonderful writers who have practiced their reporting craft here. Some are still writing for TCDP, and some have moved on, but it’s been a privilege to work with all of them. I came to the Daily Planet as another move in a work life that had included teaching, writing, editing and even lawyering, but that always included a strong focus on social justice and activism. I look forward to continuing that strong focus on social justice and activism, and to continuing to write and teach. You can find my writing at http://maryturck.wordpress.com — and I’ve given TCDP permission to republish blog posts as they choose, so you may see my byline here as well. I’m very happy to see Kristoffer Tigue taking over the editorial spot, and look forward to seeing how he leads the Daily Planet forward from here.

Editor Kristoffer Tigue reports:

I’m very excited to begin my work as the editor of the Twin Cities Daily Planet this month. I’ve been contributing to the Planet as both a freelancer and an editorial assistant for years now, and have enjoyed watching the Planet grow as both a publication and as a community. Over the last three years, my work has focused on health, science and technology, civil rights, housing, LBTQ, communities of color, and the arts. And my work has been published in the Star Tribune, MPR, City Pages and the Minnesota Daily. I have some ambitious goals for the Daily Planet over the next six months, and I see this as an opportunity for both me and the Planet to continue to evolve and grow.

Program manager for Training and Engagement Bruce Johansen reports: 

A June highlight was our first ever 3-hour, Saturday workshop, which filled up in record time. Wing Young Huie’s Getting Outside Your Bubble with a Camera provided 20 people the opportunity to hear stories about the evolution of the celebrated photographer’s craft and career, learn his “Formula for Success,” and then take to the streets to shoot photos of their own. Two days later, Eleonore Wesserle hit a homerun with her workshop, How to Advance Your Campaigns—and Your Values—with Effective Framing for Justice, a workshop that’s sure to be repeated. We also provided customized trainings for:

• A communications professor from Minnesota State University, Mankato, and two of his colleagues, this one an 8-hour video training from instructor John Akre.
• Staff of the Midwest Independent Booksellers Association, who reported that their first of several media and communications consults through TCMA gave them new tools and fresh insights about how to get their message out.

June also found us gearing up for a 6-month project that has us assisting a small cohort of Phillips Family Foundation grantees, helping to address their communications needs. And we learned that we’ve received a One Minneapolis grant from the City of Minneapolis to advance our work with North Minneapolis residents and neighborhood based organizations. Stay tuned for updates about that work and upcoming public classes.

Community engagement editor Cirien Saadeh reports: 

Just a short update for everyone this month. We’re making moves to build and engage the online TCDP community. We’ll be spending July working with our writers, updating profiles and increasing online engagement. I’m also excited to be working with Kristoffer Tigue, our new editor, in the coming weeks. If anyone has any questions or comments, or is interested in volunteering, please contact me at ciriensaadeh@tcdailyplanet.net. Thanks!

 

 

Classes: 

Newsroom Cafe – North Minneapolis | Tue, 07/08/2014 – 4:30pm

North Minneapolis shout out: If you want more positive images/stories from North Minneapolis in the news – join us and find out how you can help!

We’ll meet at The Avenue Eatery at 4:30 p.m.  – Broadway and Emerson Avenue in North Minneapolis. Look for the laptop with “I love the First Amendment” and ask us to buy your coffee!

 

Social Media Speed Dating: 10-Minute Introductions to the Top Ten Social Media Sites at Hayden Heights Library – Pre-registration required| Sat, 07/12/2014 – 10:30am – 12:30pm

Hayden Heights Library

1456 White Bear Ave

Saint Paul, MN

Discover what’s out there and whether any of the social media tools are right for you. This session will cover the main social media platforms active today: Facebook, Twitter, tumblr, LinkedIn, Pinterest, Google+, reddit and Instagram. Bring your smart phone, tablet or laptop if you have one.

Presented by Twin Cities Media Alliance and funded by MELSA.

This class will be taught by Steffen Ryan. Thanks to our partnership with the Metropolitan Library Service Agency (MELSA), this class is offered free of charge, but pre-registration is required as space is limited. Contact the library to register.

 

There’s an App for That! at Merriam Park Library – Pre-registration required | Thu, 07/17/2014 – 6:30pm – 8:30pm

Merriam Park Library

1831 Marshall Ave.

Saint Paul, MN

So many apps, so little time. Discover which apps should be loaded on your smartphone or tablet to improve productivity for your business or organization, plus how to use and organize them. Don’t miss this fast-paced and fun-filled session. Bring your smart phone and/or tablet.Presented by Twin Cities Media Alliance and funded by MELSA.

This class will be taught by LeAnn Suchy. Thanks to our partnership with the Metropolitan Library Service Agency (MELSA), this class is offered free of charge, but pre-registration is required as space is limited. Contact the library to register.

 

Make the Most of Google Docs at Rum River Library – Pre-registration required | Sat, 07/19/2014 – 10:30am – 12:30pm

Rum River Library

4201 6th Ave. NW

Anoka, MN

Come and learn about Google Docs: Google’s version of documents, spreadsheets, forms, presentations, and drawings—all part of the Google Docs suite. Learn how to create, manipulate, manage and collaborate with Google Docs. This hands-on class is designed for job seekers, business owners and members of organizations seeking easy ways to collaborate digitally.

Presented by Twin Cities Media Alliance and funded by MELSA.

This class will be taught by Steffen Ryan. Thanks to our partnership with the Metropolitan Library Service Agency (MELSA), this class is offered free of charge, but pre-registration is required as space is limited. Contact the library to register.

Social Media Speed Dating: 10-Minute Introductions to the Top Ten Social Media Sites at Heritage Library – Pre-registration required | Thu, 07/24/2014 – 2:00pm – 4:00pm

Heritage Library

20085 Heritage Dr.

Lakeville, MN

Discover what’s out there and whether any of the social media tools are right for you. This session will cover the main social media platforms active today: Facebook, Twitter, tumblr, LinkedIn, Pinterest, Google+, reddit and Instagram. Bring your smart phone, tablet or laptop if you have one.

Presented by Twin Cities Media Alliance and funded by MELSA.

This class will be taught by Scott Artley. Thanks to our partnership with the Metropolitan Library Service Agency (MELSA), this class is offered free of charge, but pre-registration is required as space is limited.Contact the library to register.

Google Tools at Rum River Library – Pre-registration required | Sat, 07/26/2014 – 10:30am – 12:30pm

Rum River Library

4201 6th Ave. NW

Anoka, MN

Learn about products and services (often free) Google has developed to aid in collaboration, accessibility and business marketing. Now there’s Gmail, Gchat, Google Drive, Google+, Google Calendar, Google Maps, and much, much, more. A Google account gives you access to a world of powerful free tools. Learn the basics about how to make the best use of Google’s tools to achieve your personal and professional goals. Bring your tablet or laptop if you have one.

Presented by Twin Cities Media Alliance and funded by MELSA.

This class will be taught by Steffen Ryan. Thanks to our partnership with the Metropolitan Library Service Agency (MELSA), this class is offered free of charge, but pre-registration is required as space is limited. Contact the library to register.

 

Make the Most of Google Docs at Roseville Library – Pre-registration required | Mon, 07/28/2014 – 6:30pm – 8:30pm

Roseville Library

2180 Hamline Ave. N

Roseville, MN

Come and learn about Google Docs: Google’s version of documents, spreadsheets, forms, presentations, and drawings—all part of the Google Docs suite. Learn how to create, manipulate, manage and collaborate with Google Docs. This hands-on class is designed for job seekers, business owners and members of organizations seeking easy ways to collaborate digitally.

Presented by Twin Cities Media Alliance and funded by MELSA.

This class will be taught by Steffen Ryan. Thanks to our partnership with the Metropolitan Library Service Agency (MELSA), this class is offered free of charge, but pre-registration is required as space is limited. Contact the library to register.

 

Twitter 101 for Your Business or Organization at Roseville Library – Pre-registration required | Tue, 07/29/2014 – 6:30pm – 8:30pm

Roseville Library

2180 Hamline Ave. N

Roseville, MN

What is Twitter, and how can you use it effectively to connect with your friends, colleagues, and—for business owners—potential customers? Go from being a novice to a power user. Bring your smart phone, tablet or laptop if you have one.

Presented by Twin Cities Media Alliance and sponsored by MELSA.

This class will be taught by Jay Gabler. Thanks to our partnership with the Metropolitan Library Service Agency (MELSA), this class is offered free of charge, but pre-registration is required as space is limited.Contact the library to register.

 

Become a LinkedIn Power User at Roseville Library – Pre-registration required | Wed, 07/30/2014 – 6:30pm – 8:30pm

Roseville Library

2180 Hamline Ave. N

Roseville, MN

Do you have a LinkedIn account but don’t know how to use it? This workshop will demonstrate how to set up an accurate profile, discover new contacts and participate in groups. Bring your tablet or laptop if you have one.

Presented by Twin Cities Media Alliance and funded by MELSA.

This class will be taught by Marcos Lopez-Carlson. Thanks to our partnership with the Metropolitan Library Service Agency (MELSA), this class is offered free of charge, but pre-registration is required as space is limited. Contact the library to register.

 

Google Tools at Merriam Park Library – Pre-registration required | Thu, 07/31/2014 – 6:30pm – 8:30pm

Merriam Park Library

1831 Marshall Ave.

Saint Paul, MN

Learn about products and services (often free) Google has developed to aid in collaboration, accessibility and business marketing. Now there’s Gmail, Gchat, Google Drive, Google+, Google Calendar, Google Maps, and much, much, more. A Google account gives you access to a world of powerful free tools. Learn the basics about how to make the best use of Google’s tools to achieve your personal and professional goals. Bring your tablet or laptop if you have one.

Presented by Twin Cities Media Alliance and funded by MELSA.

This class will be taught by Brian Roemen. Thanks to our partnership with the Metropolitan Library Service Agency (MELSA), this class is offered free of charge, but pre-registration is required as space is limited. Contact the library to register.