Friday, November 13, 2009

postheadericon November 8th Meeting

Friends,

The snowball continues to roll down the hill gaining mass and momentum!

We are very happy to report that this past Sunday's meeting was yet again a great success. We had a decent turn out of attendees some of which were repeat, some that were new.

We want to point out that the next meeting HAS BEEN RE-SCHEDULED, it is now the Third Sunday of the month (Dec20th), 1:00 PM, Novi Public Library, please put it in your schedule.

We opened with introductions as always then went on to discuss our current goals. This led into the topic of the local chapter's mission statement formation which has been a high priority since the last meeting. We should have something for everyone to look at next month.

We also discussed the following:

- The Wayne State Screening is on a temporary holding pattern until we complete one last red tape task. We do not know how long this will take, but we assure you that our contact at Wayne State is working very diligently to make it happen, we will keep you posted.
- We discussed the MI portal site (www.zeitmi.com) and the look / effectiveness. We had some great ideas to improve the page come about during the meeting that we will implement ASAP.
- We discussed our meeting with one of the members of the Green Party SE MI. This meeting went better than we could have expected. We gained a lot of knowledge and further local initiatives, not to mention making a new friend that has pledged the local Green Party's support to our cause.
- We discussed the US Social Forum (USSF) that will be held at Cobo Hall / Joe Louis Arena on June 22 - 26th. As their website states: "The US Social Forum is a movement building process. It is not a conference but it is a space to come up with the peoples’ solutions to the economic and ecological crisis." They are expecting 30,000 + individuals to attend this event from all over the country. We plan on not only being present at the event, but to also help with the organizing of the event in any way possible. Check out the website if you would like more information: http://www.ussf2010.org/

- After going over current and past initiatives each member discussed their personal initiatives for a short period of time. Myself, Dave, Matt & Casey all spoke about our current actions. We also discussed some of the actions that members that could not attend are pursuing.

We have been working on the following (not in any particular order):
- Creating / maintaining the general infrastructure of the local chapter.
- The website design / Online presence.
- The Green Party meeting(s).
- Getting involved with the USSF.
- Literature / pamphlet design.
- Attending local concerts that may provide a fertile ground information distribution (Handing out our newly designed pamphlets at the Skinny Puppy concert was a great success).
- Attempting to contact and set up meetings with local & non local celebrities such as Michael Moore, R.A.T.M, and other large names that claim to be working towards similar goals as TZM.
- Designing statements / phrases that we can utilize on our literature that may result in more interest / curiosity.
- Pulling together ideas regarding a local short film that discusses the local problems that we face and offering TZM as a possible solution.
- Other possible venues for a movie screening.
- We discussed Z Day 2010, the fact that we don't have a plan as of this moment, which we need to get working on immediately. It is still a toss-up between planning our own local event or car pooling out to the NYC main event.
That wraps up the minutes summary from the last meeting.

We would like to also make everyone aware of http://www.hugyourbank.net
We have signed up to help this initiative on a local level and will keep everyone posted as new information is available. Make sure you check out the website!

Once again the next meeting HAS BEEN RE-SCHEDULED, it is now the Third Sunday of the month (Dec20th), 1:00 PM, Novi Public Library

As always our goal is to grow this movement to a level of critical mass. This can not be accomplished without YOUR support! We need anyone and everyone to donate somehow. Different ways of donating include your time, talents, resources, a few dollars, etc... This movement has a lot of momentum, but it could be your idea or you donation that helps us achieve our various goals!

There is so much going on within our local chapter that the active members will be meeting more than once a month. If you feel that you would like to get more active or have an initiative that you are personally working on please let us know via email and we can add you to the core mailing list. We will use this list to get quick feedback, request immediate support, and to arrange core member meetings.

The main mailing list that you are most likely already on will continue to be used for general updates, progress reports, calls to action, and main meeting information.

Until next time!

Zeitmi.com
Saturday, November 7, 2009

postheadericon Sunday's SE MI Zeitgeist Meeting / Call to action!

Friends!

In an effort to keep the lines of communication open we wanted to make sure that you are aware that we ARE having our monthly meeting this Sunday as planned. The meeting is at the Novi Public Library at 1:00 PM.

A lot of great things are happening behind the scenes these days, which is mainly what we will be reporting on during the meeting. We have at least five people that are actively working different initiatives and we expect to have some positive reports during the meeting.

We will also be talking about initiatives that we need help with. We will have a number of initiatives that YOU can personally be a part of!

On that same note, many of you have emailed with fire in your hearts, but most of the time that fire obviously, unfortunately subsides. This is obvious due to your lack of communication, attendance, & involvement.

So why is this?

We gave this thought challenge to one of the individuals that has been very active with the chapter (David). After talking at great lengths with active members (and watching a lot of J. Krishnamurti videos) he created the following statement:

Changes in perception can be caused by very subtle occurrences. The simple occurrence of learning a new word can vastly change how one perceives the world. When the cryptic symbols above a door are suddenly perceived as the word “Enter”, a whole new level of possibility, a new opportunity for insight is revealed. Once we perceive, we have the capacity to comprehend. Comprehension however, is only thought. Thought cannot change anything. Thought does not take us through the door. Thought will not bring us into the new realm of insight. Thought/Comprehension is only the key to unlock the door. Action is the child of comprehension, just as comprehension is the child of perception.

Each of us took the first step toward radical (fundamental) revolution of the mind when we decided to change our perceptions by watching the Zeitgeist movies and getting in touch with your local chapter. We were already aware, prior to viewing, that there was a crisis. We are now aware that it is a “crisis in consciousness”. It is “a crisis that cannot, anymore accept the old norms.” Once something is known, it can never be unknown. We can deny it. We can try to forget it, but it will always be there, “like a splinter in your mind”.

Comrades, this is a call to action! We act because the old norms are no longer acceptable, no longer feasible, no longer tolerable, and no longer suitable to a human existence. Once we begin to see the bars of our prison, at what point do we stop trying to escape? I say never! Action must be taken, because we can no longer live the way we did before our perceptions changed. Let us now act together, each of us doing our part, using our unique strengths, using our unique abilities. Each of us was born to play a part in demanding, acquiring, and securing our collective freedom. Our destinies have been crossed, and the movement is gaining momentum. We are one, let us act as one!

David, we applaud your (and J.K.’s) ability to put these thoughts into such clear statements. We hope that the above thoughts may help re-ignite that fire within all that receive this email!

Don’t worry about sending an RSVP, don’t worry about having a plan when you arrive, just show up and be counted!

See you Sunday,

Zeitmi.com
Friday, October 2, 2009

postheadericon October 11th SE MI Chapter Meeting

Friends!

The Oct 11th meeting was another great success.

The Novi library turned out to be a wonderful spot to cultivate ideas and catch up on past / present initiatives. We had numerous first time attendees, although, there's still plenty of chairs to be filled!

We discussed the following topics this time around:

- For the newcomers we talked about our current goals and the methods we have discussed and are presently acting on to achieve these goals.
- A few of us gave updates on current activities that we have been working on to further spread awareness. We are finally seeing some of our thoughts turn into actions!
- We discussed a few new awareness spreading ideas.
- We discussed the revision of our literature / handouts. How can we modify these items to further create curiosity, to further motivate self enlightenment? What phrases, quotes, pictures, etc can we utilize to grab more attention?
- On that same thought process we discussed what exactly inspired each of us to get involved and how we can use these thoughts to modify our tools.
- We briefly discussed larger attention getting actions, which lead to the thought of Z Day 2010. We will either hold a large event here or carpool out to the New York event. Everyone was leaning towards something local, although, we need more members to assist in the planning and attending of a large event.
- We had an individual travel from northern MI to learn more about the chapter and how they can form one in their home town. We hope to see this happen in the near future!
- We discussed different movies, books, etc that somehow relate to our cause, and it's amazing how many there are! We will eventually create a list that you can access from the website.
- We also talked about the fact that a few of us are going to visit Venus, FL Halloween weekend. We would like to arrive prepared with some of the main questions that continue to surface and see how Jacque would respond. If you met Jacque, what would you ask him?

We are working hard to create a new SE MI website, and also to create a MI portal that will immediately direct you to the different MI chapter websites the moment you click on www.zeitmi.com. There will be no need to hunt for the different chapter links if you're not from the SE MI area.

The next meeting will be at the same place (Novi Library), November 8th @ 1:00 PM.

All of that being said we get more and more motivated with every meeting that takes place. At first this was just a few friends talking about ideas, this has now turned into a local movement, and is shows no signs of slowing down! There's so much confusion going on in the world right now it couldn't be a better time to get the word out. We live in a very fertile area, if we put in work, we will get attention, it's as simple as that. The more people that we have in attendance, the more ideas from great minds will be available, the more this will grow. We need to know that there are people out there that care. We need to know that YOU are out there! If you are truly pissed off at the establishment, if you are unhappy with the typical shit we deal with day in and day out let's see some feedback! Show us how much you care by getting involved! We have a lot of work to do, we need your help!

What makes you any different than the great minds of the past? What is it that stops you from getting involved? You have a chance to change the world for the better, so what are you waiting for?

It has to start some place; it has to start some time! What better place than here, what better time than NOW!

Zeitmi.com
Wednesday, September 9, 2009

postheadericon Sept 13th Meeting

Friends,

The fourth meeting of the MI chapter was very inspiring! We had multiple repeat attendees that brought many great ideas to the table. Some of the items discussed were:

- THE NEED FOR A CONSISTENT, NON-BAR, SAFE, LARGE, PREFERABLY FREE, CLIMATE CONTROLLED MEETING VENUE. (*More about this below)
- The need for a consistent meeting time and date every month = second Sunday of every month, 12:00 noon.
- Discussion of different media outlets that we have been using to spread awareness and their effectiveness (Facebook, MySpace, Random Forums, Blogspot, etc...).
- "The College Campus Initiative", we have run into a few speedbumps but have formed some new goals to accomplish for the next meeting. If you are a student currently attending any college / university please get in touch, we need your help!
- Creating our own local chapter video piece using sections of other movies / media, still in the works, we need qualified, aware editors willing to lend some expertise!
- We discussed detaching our local chapter from any topics, beliefs, or stances that may eliminate possible interest in the movement.
- Discussion of the previous month's Peter Joseph bi-weekly radio addresses.
- Discussion of recruiting tactics.
- The condensing of the information that is available for hand out. The tri-fold is a beautiful piece of information, but is it too big? Can we spread information with less paper usage?
- We discussed the P.J. London presentation and how it was very well done.
- Discussion of the most potent phrases that we can use on hand outs to create interest & curiosity.
- Discussed the formation of the Western MI website (http://zeitgeistmiwest.webs.com/) and how well done it is, way to go Cider!
- That led to a discussion of how we can improve this website, which is in the works!

*The main goal at this point other than spreading awareness to the general public is to find a consistent, free, sheltered, non-bar, large, safe venue to host our meetings at. We have searched high and low but this has proven to be very challenging. Please email any thoughts you have on this topic ASAP! Detroit has proven to be pretty central to all attendees, but other areas are open for discussion.

The next meeting as discussed above is Sunday the eleventh of October at 1:00 PM. As we continue to search for a venue we will update the site and send a mass email ASAP regarding the location.

We expect the Fifth meeting to be well attended, therefore, it will be very important for you to send a note if you do plan on attending. We will have to make sure the chosen venue is large enough.

We need people with diverse ideas that are serious about making a difference! We need YOU to get involved!

Zeitmi.com
Monday, August 3, 2009

postheadericon Third Meeting

Friends!

Our apologies for the delay in updating the site.

The third meeting was the most productive and had the highest attendance so far! We are very thankful to the people that are making the effort to come out and support the cause!

We had a number of great conversations about the format of future meetings, mainly how to eliminate tangents and to be as productive as possible. We discussed a number of different ways of spreading awareness on a larger scale, some of the topics were: setting up a booth at schools & universities, concerts & sporting events and also speaking in front of groups that have similar focus (such as Rotarians, the Green Party, etc...).

Another topic revolved around the different media that has enlightened our lives. On that same note we would like to create a video that is a quick summary of different medias that are concise and effective. That being said, taking parts of the Z movies and a few others like "The Story of Stuff" and making it somewhat user friendly to be educated about the obvious issues in our world and what we can do about it. One of the attendees is skilled in video editing and has begun this process.

We had a nice demographic that represented a good amount of the generations that exist. People from High School through middle aged individuals. This was great in that everyone brought a different perspective to the table.

At the end of the meeting everyone was very excited and inspired. Once again thank you to all that came out.

On a side note, we would like to create a mailing list & database of interested individuals that are committed to the movement. This will also allow us to send email updates between meetings. Please send an email if you would like to be added to the list, we will send a mass email towards the end of next week to update our current progress with the current action items. Of course this will be duplicated on this site. Please include as much info about yourself as possible especially what general area you reside in so we can find the most convenient city to meet in for everyone. Another topic you might include are personal strengths & resources that you'd be willing to donate to the local movement.

The fourth meeting will most likely be held in a different location, probably in the Auburn Hills / Rochester area in a library, public park, something of this nature. A few individuals mentioned that the bar atmosphere may not be the best atmosphere and it may effect the attendance levels.

The next meeting will most likely be early September. Please send any feedback on locations, times, dates, anything that can help us help you make the meeting.

In the mean time please do not hesitate to comment below or send us emails about thoughts for the next meeting or just pertinent thoughts in general.

Our apologies for the delay in getting back to the emails that are sent to the site. They are all great ideas, it's just a matter of getting the time to reply. We are receiving them, we're finally getting caught up, we will respond soon.

Thank you again for staing tuned in, it's time to get serious, time to get involved!

Zeitmi.com
Tuesday, July 14, 2009

postheadericon The second meeting

Friends,

Our second meeting was another success, although, there were fewer people than we expected.

We discussed current events, shared & discussed awareness spreading tools, rehearsed F.A.Q.s, and discussed some heavy ideas for reaching critical mass (locally).

The next meeting is tentatively set for mid August. Please send an email to let us know what is good for you, we want to make this as convenient as possible for everyone involved.

We look forward to hearing from all of you!

Until then,

Zeitmi.com
Send emails to: info@zeitmi.com
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
We are excited to announce that two large milestones have been reached!

1) Our first chapter meeting was a great success.

We discussed the following:
- The format of future meetings
- Meeting frequency (once a month)
- Future possible topics
- Different methods of spreading awareness
- Rehearsal of FAQ's that we do not completely understand or that have been asked often to be better prepared to answer in the future
- Different media and sources of media we have encountered / read / watched / listened to that have been enlightening
- Short term goals
  • Doubling the attendance of the next meeting - TBA
  • Distributing pamphlets / cards
  • Continuously educating ourselves & the people around us (UNobtrusively) about all aspects of the movement
  • Further web site development

2) Even more exciting we have a link on the main Zeitgeist "local chapters" web page! I hope that we receive more inquiries about how people from our area can contribute to spread awareness. This should also help us greatly with one of our short term goals, doubling the meeting attendance!

Time to get serious, time to get involved!


Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Meetings:

The main goal as we see it is educating the public, preparing each other for FAQ's, spreading awareness to the most people with the littlest effort. Therefore, if a lot of effort is given, a lot of people will be reached, who will then spread awareness to their friends / family / co-workers / acquaintances.

I challenge anyone that will be joining us to have a few thoughts on how to accomplish this. I will have plenty of the business cards available for you to take with you to give to friends / family / co-workers / acquaintances / or to stash in places that someone might stumble upon.

I also challenge you to think of phrases that can be used on cards such as these to gather more interest / curiosity.

Stay tuned!
Thursday, May 7, 2009

postheadericon Zeitmi.com is under construction

Zeitmi.com is the local chapter of the Zeitgeist Movement based in SE Michigan, USA. We are currently working hard to build this site to contain information relevant to Michigan events and to educate the public about the Zeitgeist Movement in general.

If you would like more immediate information please visit http://www.thezeitgeistmovement.com/ & www.thevenusproject.com to learn more about the movement.

Once you have learned all you can from the main sites please feel free to send an email to info@zeitmi.com to hear more about what we are doing RIGHT NOW to spread the word.

Time to get serious, time to get involved.