On August 1st we’re having an event. We’re calling it Banquäla; it’s just a funny little word we made up. It will be the first in a series of annual events we hope to have every year to let you guys hear and see a little more about what we do. Even more than that we want to let you in on a conversation about the potential of media change the world.

So here’s your invitation. Come join us for a night of art, food, music and discussion about the power of media and the responsibility that comes with that power:
6:30PM Saturday August 1st, 2009
Woodrow Hall 5504 1st Ave North Birmingham, AL

Visit www.bedouinsinternational.org/banquäla to find out more and get your ticket.

“With great power comes great responsibility.”

Recognize those words?  Paul and I were talking the other day about media.  It’s been on all of our minds over here for a few years now, but lately has been the topic of discussion every day.  With our Banqüala coming up we’ve been thinking a lot about why we’re doing this, and where we’re going with it (this and it being Bedouins International).  So Media.  We’ve decided that media is a force to be reckoned with.  Just in the past weeks we’ve watched twitter become a megaphone for the ongoing political turmoil in Iran.  It’s obvious that media can have a huge impact on social issues, and any issue really.  So what does that mean?  I think it means that media is now a power and no longer just a spectator sport.  A great power even.  Anyone can use media.  It’s right there at your fingertips, literally.  And like any form of power there is potential to make great positive change, but also a very huge potential to do great harm.  I think that’s the responsibility part.

“With great power comes great responsibility.”

I know it’s from Spiderman, but I agree.  Uncle Ben knew what he was talking about.

Have you ever thought, “man, it’d be really cool to get together with a ton of other people who love media and want to see art make a positive impact on social justice issues around the globe?”

So have we.  Stay tuned for more…