Dear friends and neighbors,
I write today in my capacity as event organizer to invite you, your families, and any organizations you represent to be part of “The New Pueblo: A Multilingual Celebration of Voice and Culture from Tucson and the Sonoran Desert” taking place at Tucson’s El Presidio Park, from 3:00PM-7:00PM, on September 24th, 2011. As participants at one of 600 simultaneously scheduled events in 450 cities and 95 countries to answer the global call from 100 THOUSAND POETS FOR CHANGE, performers and audience members alike will represent Southern Arizona in the world’s largest ever poetry reading. The New Pueblo shares the 100TPFC commitment to make September 24 the first day in the absolutely critical mission to “seize and redirect the political and social dialogue of the day and turn the narrative of civilization towards peace and sustainability.”
You are receiving this invitation because The New Pueblo and 100TPFC recognize the work you do in Tucson and beyond as integral to the tolerance, diversity, and educated populace required of a peaceful and sustainable civilization. This is a grassroots event, made possible through sweat equity and a few generous gifts. Each participant is donating his or her time and resources to support a healthy and peaceful community, but the ultimate success in moving our dialogue forward depends on the presence of all of Tucson’s voices. We ask you join September 24th on the grounds of the historic Pima County Courthouse at 160 W. Alameda St. We need you.
- Everyone is welcome to set up non-staked tents and booths, pass out literature, sign up volunteers, collect petition signatures, grow membership ands sponsor rolls, display art of every form, and conduct peaceful campaigns for any inclusive cause.
- We encourage–in fact, we need–groups or individuals to provide children’s activities such as face painting, chalk art, and any language-centered expression. Activities that showcase Non-Western cultural or ethnic traditions are especially welcome.
- The New Pueblo will be especially grateful to groups willing to donate and distribute bottled water and/or prepackaged food—candy, chips, etc. Buying a few bags of pre-wrapped treats from the 17th St. Market or other grocers carrying international selections of food and passing them out to festival goers is a great way to highlight the gifts of a culture. If you wish to go further, please contact Pima County Health Department at (866) 939-PIMA (7462) or (520) 243-7770 to ensure health code compliance. If your group possesses a current permit from the PCHD and wishes to distribute unpackaged items, please contact event organizer Ben Quick at bnquick74@gmail.com
- As per city ordinance, the buying or selling of any good or service on city property is prohibited. Exceptions may be possible, but only through following the proper channels, beginning with contacting event organizer.
- Lastly, we need volunteers with filmmaking equipment and experience to stream and document the event.
Peace be with you.
Ben Quick
TNP Organizer and Host
