Social Tech Brewing Co.

Both the recent event on "Drupal Dialogs and Drafts" (which has catalized a Toronto Drupal Users Group) and July's "Cool Tools" session brought out more technical folks. However, as always, we managed to keep it light and fun and easy-to-access.

In usual last-minute fashion, I’d like to announce the occurrence of a July 7th Social Tech Brewing gathering. After a brief hiatus in June to enjoy the first appearance of summer, we’re back and ready to resume pro-social activities of all sorts!

This month, as an Ode to the Interweb, the gathering will feature a distributed and spontaneous discussion of “cool tools” that deserve your attention – from free and open-source PBXs and voice-over-IP phones to Web services and Wacom tablets – you’re sure to learn about at least one new thing (or site, or something!).

I’ve asked a few folks to kick off the evening with short (bring the gong) monologues about their favourite new-new thing. And, as usual, the floor will be open for you to share your favourites too.

THEN … AT 7PM SHARP … WE’LL HEAD DOWN THE STREET TO THE ABOVE THE CLOUDS LAUNCH PARTY (http://abovetheclouds.tv)

Above the Clouds is an innovative, e-mail delivered, alternative travel show that explores concepts of transcendence through a series of Canadian interactive shorts. The producer, Mark Greenspan, is a friend of Social Tech Brewing and has invited us out for the launch.

More details are available (and please RSVP) at Upcoming.org.

On May 5th, the Social Tech Brewing Co. regulars got together for some libation and cheer at the Embassy in Kensigton Market. It was a chance to catch up on the "social," and go light on the "tech."

About 30 people came out, including new faces from Bryght and Enboard.com.

Maybe somebody took photos!?

Social Tech Brewing is an informal gathering of people working on, or interested in, the intersection of technology and social change. The simple mandate is to bring together people from tech, business and local not-for-profit organizations to discuss how technology can be used for positive social change.

Social Tech Brewing gatherings are informal and relaxed 'no-pitch' environments where tech developers and innovators can meet and connect with activists, staff and supporters of social causes, non-profits and grassroots organizations. A typical Social Tech Brewing meeting starts with a round of introductions, followed by an information or demo session on a topic or theme of interest, and closing with an opportunity for questions and discussions. Drinks at a local pub may follow the close of the session.

Social Tech Brewing is similar to groups like Green Drinks and 501 Tech Clubs. Social Tech Brewing groups have been active in recent years in Vancouver, Toronto and Australia, and in Ottawa since 2007.

There's a long list of people who are involved or have come out to Social Tech Brewing Co. events over the last couple of years. Generally, the people that should attend are voluntary sector organizations with an interest in technology-related issue, organizations or individuals that serve the voluntary sector in a technology capacity, or people from the market sector who are interested in the intersection of technology and progressive social change.

To get involved in Social Tech Brewing, just drop your e-mail into the form on the left and we'll make sure you're invited to the next event.