“Transforming Communities Through Local Business" screens in Ashland, MA June 9

Former New England regional representative David Whitty sends the following announcement about the documentary series he's helped to organize:

The Documentary Film & Discussion Series will present the film, Transforming Communities Through Local Business (56 min.), June 9 at 7:00 pm in the Community Room, Ashland Public Library, 66 Front Street, Ashland, MA. The events, presented by the Friends of the Ashland Library, are free and open to the public. Viewers are invited to stay for discussion. All points of view are welcome. For event information, contact the Ashland Library, 508-881-0134.

The film, "Transforming Communities Through Local Business," contains two conversations from Peak Moment TV’s series on sustainable communities.

Conversation I – Sustainable Connections: Transforming a Community through Local Business

Michelle Long shows us how a highly successful local, independent business network has transformed Bellingham, WA, and inspired other communities. From an initial “Think Local First” program, they expanded to business peer mentoring, support for local food producers, sustainable buildings, and green energy. An astounding sixty percent of their community is not only aware of the “Think Local, Buy Local, Be Local” campaign but have changed their buying habits. (www.sustainableconnections.org)

Conversation II – Local Living Economies: Protecting What We Love

Judy Wicks’ love of place has made widening ripples on a global scale. She’s the founder of BALLE (Business Alliance for Local Living Economies), a national network of sustainable, small businesses. After moving onto a quaint street in Philadelphia, she learned it was slated to be torn down. Organizing her community, she saved the block as a walkable community. She opened White Dog Cafe coffee shop on the first floor of her home, which grew to a large restaurant proudly serving food from local farmers. (www.livingeconomies.org, www.whitedog.com) From water withdrawal to mining, GMOs, resort development and more, the corporate few wield the law against our communities, endangering our health, safety, and the environment. Confronted by corporate harms, more than 100 communities across the US have decided to do something different, enacting laws that place the rights of communities and nature over the claimed “rights” of corporations.

The Documentary Film & Discussion Series meets every 2nd Thursday and 4th Tuesday of the month for an in-depth look at important topics of our day. The discussions are often lively and thought-provoking. All points of view are welcomed. For more information, visit www.friendsoftheapl.com.