Seeking Intern, Apprentice, or Volunteer for Special Project

Read on if you fit ALL of these criteria:

• You want to build your resume with social media marketing, web design or online community building experience.
• You have at least 10 hours per week for 2-3 months to devote to this.
• You work well with a team and enjoy collaboration.
• You love to be creative and learn quickly.
• You are looking for a way to give back and change the world (starting with the South Loop).

We are preparing to complete a super special secret project!  All we can publish online is that it involves "online community building."  To be successful, we need some extra hands that fit the above criteria.  

We are willing to barter in exchange for your efforts.  Bartering includes giving you coffee, food, gas money (or CTA passes), and/or self-fulfillment.  

If you're interested, please call (312) 674-0001.  Email inquiries will be ignored.

Film Screening Review

On Tuesday, February 19 we screened The United States of ALEC in partnership with Common Cause.   Some students from Roosevelt University were in the audience.  They are taking classes related to social entrepreneurship and are getting hands-on experience here at Overflow.  Here's what a few had to say about the screening...

"The United States of ALEC Film Screening really motivated me to get informed! It is mind-blowing how many things are going on behind closed doors in our government, at the expense of our livelihood. I began to see why Benjamin and Brian, from Common Cause, are so passionate about their movement. It is imperative that we restore our democracy! I am going to do my part by voting next week!" - Erika M.

"After watching The United States of ALEC, I have a better grasp of what ALEC is and how it affects all of us. I hope to stay in touch with Common Cause and help create awareness to stop ALEC from privatizing everything." -Felix E.

"I really enjoyed the movie. The room had really good acoustics and the view was good. You guys organized the event really well." -Daniel P.

The next film we're screening is Danny from North Korea on March 19.  This film is perfect for those who love an inspiration story.  It's also great for those interested in media and world change.  More info is here.

United States of ALEC Film Screening

This blog post was written by Roosevelt University student Nicole Thorpe.

Have you ever seen the show Millionaire Matchmaker? The American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC) has a similar mission but less style than Bravo’s Stanger. ALEC acts as a corporate dating service matching lonely legislators with corporate special interests.

On February 19, 2013, Overflow Coffee Bar will host a screening of the documentary film, The United States of ALEC.

If you attended Overflow’s January screening of The Economics of Happiness, you will notice that the two documentaries both discuss major corporations. The last film compared shopping at local, independently owned business to shopping at large corporations. The difference between these businesses lays not just their ability to offer a personalized, localized experience but also what they do with their profits. Small businesses will pump the money back into the local community. Where do you think the profits of national businesses end up?

The American Legislative Exchange Council works like a political actions committee. They are a group of powerful corporations and politicians who presents itself as a “nonpartisan public-private partnership”. However, the documentary helps uncover the truth behind all of the hype, unveiling that the most influential corporate funded political force is only focused on increasing profits at the public’s expense.

Representatives from the Illinois Chapter of  Common Cause, a non-profit organization, will facilitate a post-film discussion. The mission of Common Cause is to make citizens’ voices heard in the political process and to hold their elected leaders accountable to the public interest.

Don’t wait, spread the word, bring a friend and RSVP today at www.overflowusofalec.eventbrite.com. You’re never too young or old to learn something new. Who knows, the next person to change the world could be you!

Even if you cannot attend this screening, Overflow is the place for you. Film screenings are help each month and they even host open mic nights too!  A full calendar is located at www.overflowcoffeebar.org.

Meet February's Artist: Alex

I want to introduce you to my friend Alexander Goreham.  His photography is on the walls here at Overflow for the month of February.  He is a resident of Bridgeport.  He doubles as an ER Technician and a student earning his Masters of Social Work from Loyola.  I sat down wit Alex and asked him 8 questions.

1. Where were you born?
Moscow, Russia

2. What is the top value that shapes your life?
Choosing surrender and seeking intimacy with Christ.

3. What's your main passion?
Having deep conversations with people.

4. Who is your role model?
My parents.

5. Tell us 1 thing you must do before you die.
Visiting my orphanage again.

6. What's your favorite drink or food at Overflow?
White Hot Chocolate.

7. What do you like most about Chicago?
The lake shore during summertime from 9am to 8pm.

8. Tell us 1 random thing you'd like people to know about you.
My photographic philosophy is “a moment captured is a moment remembered.”

Stop by sometime to see Alex' art.  If you want to make one your own, they're available to purchase.

The Story Behind the 1st Annual South Loop Women's Tea

If you haven't heard about the tea, the information is here: http://southloopwomenstea.eventbrite.com.

The month of March is Women's History Month.  In communities around the United States, National Women’s History Month provides an opportunity to share the significant role of women in American history and contemporary society, and to recognize women who have been instrumental in their local communities. 

Plus, March 8th is International Women's Day.  International Women's Day is a global day celebrating the economic, political and social achievements of women past, present, and future. In some places like China, Russia, Vietnam and Bulgaria, International Women's Day is a national holiday.

Amanda's Mom!

Over 10 years ago, my mom (Mary) started an annual Women's Tea in her rural area in Ohio.  She did this to celebrate women and their contributions to her area.  My mom spent over 30 years of her life as a librarian at a local community college.  During that time she helped many woman stick with their education, especially non-traditional students like moms returning to school after a long break.  My mom retired but the Women's Teas have continued.

Last year, my mom was selected to be honored as Woman of the Year at the Women's Tea in March.  In February, however, my mom suffered a severe stroke.  She was still in the hospital during the Tea honoring her so I went in her place to accept her award.  While at the Tea, I heard many women speak about my mom's contributions to their lives.  They also talked about how much they looked forward to coming to the Tea each year.

Then and there, I decided to continue and expand my mom's legacy by starting an annual Women's Tea here in Chicago.  I want to achieve three things with these teas:

1. To celebrate women, especially those who are making contributions to our city.
2. To encourage women, especially those who doubt their achievements.
3. To inspire girls to dream big dreams and continue the advancement of women around the world.

As women, we've come so far.  We still have more to do.  

This Month at Overflow!

Here are some events we're hosting this month.  Hope you can attend to build community, to appreciate art, and to find ways to change the world.

• Saturday, February 2 - Open Mic 6pm (sign ups start @5:30)
• Saturday, February 2 - AIM High Interest Meeting @ 10:30am
• Tuesday, February 19 - The United States of ALEC Film Screening @ 7pm (in partnership with Common Cause)

In our building but hosted by others:

• 1st and 3rd Mondays -  Toastmasters @ 6pm
• Tuesday, February 12 - This Gun for Hire Film Screening (hosted by Daystar Center) @ 6:30pm
• Saturday, February 16 - Something to Talk About: Songshop Exposed (hosted by Daystar Center) @ 8pm