[See post to watch QuickTime movie]

Wednesday, April 18th
5:30pm to 7:30pm
Cafe a la C’Art (Tucson Museum of Art Courtyard)

$30 Single Ticket

$50 for Two Tickets

All proceeds benefit Access Tucson Community Media 501(c)(3).

In an evening featuring the theme “eat, drink and speak freely,” attendees will enjoy an artistic array of fine foods, a complimentary serving of beer or wine and the entertainment of two fantastically funny comics.

“We can’t think of a better way to celebrate the first amendment and the value we place on free speech than to invite Tucson to enjoy an evening of laughter and fun,” says Access Tucson Executive Director Lisa Horner. “’Fitz’ and Robert are not only home-grown, but exemplify important freedoms in our country.”

Access Tucson Community Media has a 28-year history of promoting freedom of speech through all forms of media. Its classes, productions and coverage of local events have received nationwide recognition.

“Laughter and free speech are inextricably entwined,” says AT Board President Bob Kovitz. From the earliest writings of Jonathan Swift to the “truthiness” of Stephen Colbert and Jon Stewart, the media have been used to share ideas and to galvanize public opinion.

This is a chance for the community to honor the rights of citizens to speak freely in an era when civil speech seems to be at a premium, this is an ideal way for Tucson to support public discourse.

For tickets, purchase online above via paypal or call 520-624-9833 Fri. & Sat. 2-10pm or 520-275-0864 weekdays.

Also, expect a silent art auction with art work by: Bryan Crow, Candace Greenburg, Harold Jones, Judy Nakari, Tim Romano, Nicki Santini, Julie Sasse, Maurice Sevigny, Susan Zielinski, as well as other local artists

Event sponsors so far include: Southern Arizona Video Productions, Cafe a la C’Art, J. Randall Harris Design, Center for Divorce Mediation, Bookman’s Entertainment Exchange, KXCI Community Radio 91.3FM, and Tucson Sentinel.com.

To sponsor this event, download this form and return by April 11th. Celebrating Free Speech 2012 Sponsorship Form

See you there!

Studio A Live: Core Services Tax Televised Forum
Thursday, September 9, 2010,
6:00-7:30pm.
Channels 74/Comcast & 99/Cox

Call-in to the studio with your questions: 624-2792 or be a part of the studio audience–Access Tucson, 124 E. Broadway

With a $50 million dollar budget deficit, the City will be forced to terminate 659 city employees and many services from the Tucson Police and Fire Departments, Parks and Recreation, City Court, Public Defender and City Prosecutor’s offices— if the Core Services Tax (Proposition 400) fails at the ballot box.

Tucsonans can meet face-to face with city officials as they discuss the reasons why voters are being asked to approve a ½ cent sales tax increase (AKA Core Services Tax) on November 2.

Police Chief, Roberto Villaseñor; Fire Chief, Patrick Kelly; City Manager, Mike Letcher; Director Parks & Recreation, Fred Gray; and Roberto Bedoya, Executive Director Tucson Pima Arts Council make up the round table. Bob Kovitz, Chair, Access Tucson Board of Directors will moderate.

Tune in. Stay informed. Remember—early voting starts October 7. How will you vote on this important issue???

As our Board of Directors Chair, Bob Kovitz noted in his update to the membership, that a Board Committee is working on a transitional plan. That plan will involve you and many other parts of the community.
To get the most up-to-date information and to be a part of the transition plans, we invite you to a public meeting:

Tuesday, September 7th
6:00pm-7:30pm
Access Tucson
124 E. Broadway
Studio A

This is the beginning of creating a new public resource that maintains the heart and goals that define us, reaching to provide education and access to the new tools of media and communication and finding a way to do this on a shoestring. Please join us and be a part of the conversation.

What if someone who knew about Native People was to write a comic book. Creator Caroline Felicity Antone (also ‘Caroline’ in the story) along with writer Jon Proudstar and artist Juan C. Heinrich has done just that. See the first issue of My Brothers’ and Sisters’ House on the gallery walls at Access Tucson.

Artist reception with comic book signing
Friday November 13, 5-7pm

My Brothers’ and Sisters’ House is on display now through December 23. Gallery hours: Wed-Sat, Noon-10pm.

“My wish is to reach the youth and have them find hope by relating to the characters and know that yes life isn’t fair, but it won’t always stay that way; they will eventually have more choices as they get older. I want them to see the incredible strength they already have!” –Caroline Felicity Antone

Green Teen Video Contest is a youth produced video competition for youth aged 12 to 18 designed to connect teens from around the region and world, so that they can share and develop their visions for a sustainable future. This is a contest in conjunction with the Annual Youth Environment Summit held at the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum.

Who Can Enter
- Anyone between the ages of 12 and 18.
- Youth from all states, countries and nations can enter.

Why You Should Enter
All youth who worked on a winning film will be invited to the Red Carpet Film Premier of submitted films to be held at the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum in Tucson, Arizona.

Out-of-town FILM CREWS invited to the Red Carpet film premier will be awarded a travel allowance of up to $200 cash.

The 2 Grand Prize Winning films (one Eco-Ad and one Eco-Documentary) will be awarded a CASH PRIZE of $100 for each member of the FILM CREW.

This contest gives you a chance to let your voice be heard, to connect with like-minded youth from around the world and gives you a chance to develop your film making skills through our FREE film making workshops hosted by Access Tucson.

For all the info about the Youth Environment Summit and the Green Teen Video Contest, click here:

Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum

Transportation. Safety. Education. Jobs. The environment. These are community issues that are on the minds of adults today. They are also the issues that are on the minds of young people, although they don’t often get a chance to voice their opinions about them. A group of Pima County youth known as The Hi Tech Team is looking to change that with Think. Talk. Take Action: A Community Gathering for Youth and Families, October 8, 6-10 pm at the Historic Rialto Theatre. The event will bring together youth and adults to “think about community issues and envision new possibilities, talk to people in power, and take action to make a difference,” says Dr. Judith Anderson, CEO of Every Voice in Action Foundation, the sponsor of the event.

“Through this event, we hope that youth and adults can build relationships and be able to cooperate with each other in order to solve issues, and create solutions in our communities,” says Marcos Perez, member of the Hi Tech Team. “ Everyone can provide their proactive assets: We can all become the change we wish to see in this world”

The multi-faceted event will include an open mic session—offering young people a chance to perform on the Rialto stage—and the screening of youth-produced short videos, including the premier of a short documentary film entitled Tucson Through the Eyes of Youth, which was produced and directed by the Hi Tech Team. The team’s purpose: To capture youth voice and to expose community issues and solutions through digital media.

Access Tucson will be there to cover the dialog between city leaders and youth. The documentary and the event may be seen:

Saturday October 31 & Sunday November 1st
8:00pm and 11pm
Cox 99
Comcast 74

Any youth that would like to work as crew on this event, please contact:

Lisa Horner, Director of Training
lisa@accesstucson.org
520.624.9833 x109

A big thank you to everyone that made a showing at the City Council public budget hearing last night.

An even bigger thanks to those of you that got up and told the council why Access Tucson was important to you, why the proposed 20% budget cut was unfair and reminded them where the funding comes from.

Miriam Weber
Joyce Smith
J. Lisa Jones
Sam Behrend
Carl Fiske
Stuart Thomas
Michale Oatman

Brilliant all around!

We are waiting (as is the rest of Tucson) to see what action the Mayor & Council take. If you attended the meeting, you saw what a tough position they find themselves in…

Stay tuned to this channel!

The evening started in Studio A for a live, televised panel as part of the Building Free Speech series. This program was developed by Access Tucson 5 years ago as a part of a nation-wide effort of community and independent media organizations to address media and free speech issues. This year the focus was easy–25 Years of Community Media. There’s good company in the silver anniversary crowd— KXCI Community Radio, The Tucson Weekly and Access Tucson all turned 25 this year!

Roger Greer, KXCI, Doug Biggers, Tucson Weekly, former Tucson Mayor, Tom Volgy, Sam Behrend, Access Tucson and long-time activist and community media participant Miguel Ortega spent an interesting hour looking at the history of community media in Tucson from the inside out. They tried to determine what was in the water all those years ago that led to Tucson’s leadership in community media. What is the rich history we stand upon and where does the road lead from here?

Following the show was anniversary cake and coffee. The election results for the Access Tucson Board of Directors–congratulations to Carl Hanni, Martha McGrath and Cynthia Dickstein! And last, but not least, the best volunteers in the world received the applause and recognition they deserve!

And congratulations to Frankie McDemmons for receiving the first ever…

FRANKIE MCDEMMONS INSPIRATIONAL SERVICE AWARD

(Better known as the “Frankie”).

The Frankie is presented to those individuals whose service to Access Tucson exemplifies the courage, hope and optimism inherent in our commitment to foster First Amendment free speech expression for all.

Frankie McDemmons embodies the ideals of this recognition for her long-term service as greeter extraordinaire for Access Tucson community information program, Local Matters. Thank you Frankie!

Annual Meeting/Volunteer Recognition/Building Free Speech Panel
Mark down on your calendar Thursday, April, 9th from 6pm-9pm. The event is Access Tucson’s Volunteer Recognition, Annual Meeting and 25th Anniversary kick off!

Begin the evening at 6pm in Studio A as part of the audience for a live, televised panel: Building Free Speech. This program was developed by Access Tucson 5 years ago as a part of a nation-wide effort of community and independent media organizations to address media and free speech issues.

There’s good company in the silver anniversary crowd—both KXCI Community Radio and The Tucson Weekly turned 25 this year!

Join Roger Greer, KXCI, Doug Biggers, Tucson Weekly, former Tucson Mayor, Tom Volgy, Sam Behrend, Access Tucson and long-time activist and community media participant Miguel Ortega for an interesting hour looking at the history of community media in Tucson from the inside out. Join them as they try to determine what was in the water all those years ago that led to Tucson’s leadership in community media. What is the rich history we stand upon and where does the road lead from here?

Building Free Speech: 25 Years of Community Media
Thursday, April 9, 2009
6:00-7:00pm
Live on channel 74 Comcast/99 Cox.

Be a part of the studio audience:
Access Tucson
124 E. Broadway
Studio A
5:00pm open seating

Following the show, head down to Access Tucson’s lobby for a piece of anniversary cake and coffee. The election results for the three open seats on the Access Tucson Board of Directors will be announced. And last, but not least, the best volunteers in the world will receive the applause and recognition they deserve.

Each group provides the host and produces every episode. Access Tucson contributes a professionally designed set and the technical support. Volunteers, who’ve been certified on the studio equipment, crew each show.
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You won’t want to miss:
OMA (Opeing Minds Through the Arts)— OMA is a dynamic and nationally recognized TUSD program that integrates the arts into teaching reading, writing, math and science in public elementary and middle schools. Learn how OMA can enhance your child and his future.
Don’t miss:
Sundays at 7pm and Mondays at 6pm
Access Tucson channels Cox/99 and Comcast/74

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Prisoner Reentry Program (PREP)— As the lead agency, Primavera works with many organizations to assist 200 previously incarcerated persons each year. Their success in the community is a success for us all.
Tune in:
Saturdays at 5:30pm and Thursdays at 7:30pm
Access Tucson channels Cox/99 and Comcast/74

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Acosta Job Center— Job Corps is the nation’s largest residential and educational training program for economically challenged youth, ages 16 through 24. In Tucson the goal of the Fred G. Acosta Job Corps is to maximize success and minimize possible failure.
Don’t miss:
Sundays at 7:30pm and Fridays at 6pm
Access Tucson channels Cox/99 and Comcast/74

TucsonVision and Access Tucson, “Where Tucson is on TV!”

When Randy Hanson, Director of Creative Services for La Paloma Kids called and asked if Access Tucson could televise a musical performance to benefit his organization—we were interested. Access Tucson regularly provides non-profit organizations the opportunity to televise community events. Staff and volunteers collaborate to provide Tucson viewers with the chance to see some of the wonderful community service work accomplished in Tucson, to learn about the organizations and often celebrate success.

La Paloma Kids had a big event in mind…International rock legends; Foreigner in concert. We did not think for a second that international rock legends or, more likely, their agents, would allow their performance to be taped. That’s when we found out that Randy’s son is Kelly Hanson, lead singer of Foreigner.

La Paloma Kids appeared on Local Matters, Access Tucson’s long running community affairs program, to promote the event and talk about the organization: “It’s a sad statistic: most children who enter the foster care system experience at least three placements after separation from their family. Most begin this journey with only the clothes on their backs. This lack of security and permanence undermines their attempts to form healthy relationships with those few adults who are committed to providing them with support, confidence and valuable life skills.

Founded in 1980, La Paloma Family Services has provided shelter, counseling, guidance and assistance to Arizona’s at-risk children and families for more than 25 years. Through a variety of programs designed to provide the tools and support they need to meet life’s challenges, La Paloma has positively empowered thousands of Arizona’s Youth.”

Access Tucson signed up as a media partner for the concert. We were given the rock star treatment; riding in the limo with Kelly and the KLPX contest winners, touring the La Paloma Kids facility and lunching with the international rock star. What emerged was an interesting story about the band; each member has a connection to a cause and the band as a whole agrees to donate performances as benefit concerts.

The Chilli’s

Access Tucson coverage of this event includes the concert with Tucson locals The Chilli’s and Foreigner, plus behind the scenes footage with La Paloma Kids organizers. When you hear the stories about these kids and see the commitment of the La Paloma Kids staff, it’s easy to see why Foreigner donated their time and talent to this exceptionally good cause.

See it!

Cox 99
Comcast 74

Photos courtesy of Francisco Medina
Tucson Citizen

To learn about Access Tucson services for non-profit organization link to For Groups.

Local Matters: From 1 Mother 2 Another
10/1/08-10/4/08 & 10/26/08-10/28/08

Two Tucson sisters are learning the do’s and don’ts of creating a non-profit organization. Their passion for helping children overcomes the daunting challenge of becoming a 501c3 non-profit. Watch Local Matters!
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Local Matters: Southern AZ Aids Foundation- SAAF
10/5/08-10/11/08

SAAF provides case management and support services for local people living with HIV/AIDS. Join AidsWalk 2008. Tune in to Local Matters for details.
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Local Matters: Interfaith Community Services
10/12/87-10/18/08

Music for the Soul is one special evening. An Interfaith Concert that benefits ICS programs for seniors and disadvantaged families. Watch Local Matters!
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Local Matters: Crop Walk
10/19/08-10/25/08

Each day in Pima County 50,000 children risk being hungry. We can help. Support the Crop Walk. Watch Local Matters!
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*Watch LOCAL MATTERS on Access Tucson Channels*
Cox/99 & Comcast/74

-Sunday & Saturday 5 pm
-Monday, Wednesday & Friday 7:30 pm
-Tuesday & Thursday 6 pm