#CelebrateSTF Tweetup

#CelebrateSTF Tweetup: One Week Later!

The author, Kaitlin Cubria, (center) at the very first tweetup in Summer 2010...

One week later, I’m still getting chills from the remarkable stories and videos. One week later, I’m still inspired to do more to help further the education of others. One week later, I’m anticipating the next #CelebrateSTF Tweetup, so that I can meet more incredible followers of She’s the First’s efforts, advocates for change and social action.

If you had the opportunity to attend She’s the First’s Second Annual Summer Tweetup, then you can probably relate. In a room of 50+ STF supporters, it’s hard to not be compelled to be a part of something greater than yourself. And even if you could not sit in one of those 50 seats with us, it was still easy to contribute to the conversation via Twitter, the network that inspired this event.

...in Summer 2011, Kaitlin was LEADING the Tweetup!

I sat at the first Summer Tweetup, as a new supporter to the cause. Now, a year later, I had the privilege of acting as emcee for the evening. In this role, I was able to work with STF Founder Tammy Tibbetts and Christen Brandt, and STF Photographer Kate Lord, on finding a food sponsor (thanks Bamiyan!), managing the guest list and venue (at Google!), and most importantly, communicating the messages from Righteous Pictures’ Web documentary, and the Starfish One by One story of Francisca.

Not surprisingly, we received an incredible amount of positive feedback via Twitter and in-person on She’s the First’s current efforts, Francisca’s sponsorship story, and how we can contribute to Righteous Pictures’ campaign. But as an added bonus to the evening, attendees were driven to start their own campus chapters, philanthropical events and cupcake coalitions just to be a part of the cause and sponsor girls’ education. So if I do say so myself…it was a success!

My personal recommendation? Keep your calendars open the beginning of December. Because as a three-time Tweetup attendee, I can personally tell you that they keep getting better every time ;)

Until next time,
Kaitlin

P.S. Pics by Caroline Voagen Nelson here for tagging!

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Tips for Getting the Most Out of #CelebrateSTF Tweetup!

Will the #CelebrateSTF Summer Tweetup be your first one ever? Or maybe you’ve been to other Tweetups but don’t get what makes them so different from regular meet ups? Allow us to explain what how they rock!

We display #CelebrateSTF tweets on screen at the event!

1. Hash tag it up! The difference between a Tweetup and a Meetup is that @shesthefirst (and our guests) will tweet what’s going on using the #CelebrateSTF hash tag. This means that even people who don’t live in NYC, or who didn’t snag a ticket to attend, can still participate!

TIP if you’re at home: The easiest way to follow along if you’re at your computer screen is in the tweetchat room, because it will automatically append the hash tag to any tweets you send! http://tweetchat.com/room/celebrateSTF

TIP if you’re on the go: We like tweeting from the Seesmic app, especially because it lets you monitor your replies and easily switch Twitter accounts, if you have more than one — for work and personal.

2. Not sure what to tweet?

  • During the presentation portion, tweet quotes and facts that stick out to you, tagging them #CelebrateSTF. These are the types of tweets that tend to get retweeted. Also tweet questions you have that we can raise during the Q+A portion.

  • Everyone at the #CelebrateSTF Tweetup will be wearing one of these!

    During the mingling part of the night, of course it’s rude to tweet while you’re talking to someone! Enjoy the offline convo…but definitely take note of the person’s twitter name (everyone will have name badges like this) & after you’re done talking, send a quick tweet like “@kcubes so awesome to meet you & hear about how you got involved with @shesthefirst!” When you get back home to your computer, follow the people you met, and DM to exchange email addresses and set-up future meetings.

3. Who will be there?

She's the First-ers in Guatemala: Maisy Page, Christen Brandt, and Kate Lord with student Ana

The attendees’ names are listed on Eventbrite — pardon us for not collecting their Twitter handles at registration time…oops! We’ll do that next time. :) But here are some handles to watch for (or perhaps tweet in advance so you look out for each other!):

  • @katelordphoto: Photographer of @shesthefirst, works at @WSJ by day, made the micro-mini (4-minute) documentary we’ll be watching about the life of a girl in @Starfish_1by1 program
  • @cjbrandt: Executive Director of @shesthefirst, went to Guatemala with Kate in January
  • @ChristieM of @RighteousPix will be giving us a 4-minute sneak peek at #WebFilm, an upcoming documentary on children’s first experiences with Internet in the developing world. She’ll be joined by special guests (!!) and ask us to suggest how She’s the First can get involved in the social action component to the film.
  • @tammytibbetts: Founder/President of @shesthefirst
  • @bamiyannyc: the Afghan restaurant feeding us (tweet your thanks!)
  • @resawu: She works at @google and hooked us up with the cool digs!
  • @struppster: She’s the new volunteer Penpal Coordinator for She’s the First – ask her about we’re connecting with the girls we sponsor in letters!
  • @KCubes: Point-person for the night — she organized the program; bravo!
  • @PaperMaShea: She interned with @shesthefirst this summer and will help out anyone who wants to purchase a signature She’s the First bracelet by @ashapateldesign– they’ll be on sale ($20) and donate back to sponsorships
  • @BriteNYC: Staci Perkins, the Eventbrite evangelist in NYC, will be in the house! We ♥ @eventbrite.
  • @AListExpert & @shelleytibbetts: On the @GirlsWhoRockNY team, the @internetweek benefit concert for She’s the First in June — if you want to get involved in that, talk to them!
  • @AprilMWright: She works at @dosomething, which we adore, and three of our directory partners (@MaggieDoyne@hope2shine@AfricAid) are past award-winners of the organization for young do-gooders.
  • @RachelChang: @j14magazine editor-in-chief who’s attended She’s the First events from the start & has a serious travel bug — she’s been everywhere, so ask her about her adventures!

See you Tuesday, 6:30pm!

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Google It: #CelebrateSTF Summer Tweetup!

After three previous successful #CelebrateSTF Tweetups, we’re sure you understand the concept behind these amazing (free!) events. But whether you’re a veteran Tweetup-goer or a complete newbie to the term, here’s what you can expect from She’s the First’s second annual Summer Tweetup.

#CelebrateSTF Tweetups are quarterly events held by She’s the First in order to give our online supporters (in the NYC area) the chance to put faces to each other’s names and develop friendships based around a similar interest. Out of towners, you can tune into the #CelebrateSTF hash tag to talk with us!

We are thrilled to count down to Tweetup at August 23 (a week from today!) at Google HQ! Plus, we’ll get to try a variety of afghan treats from Bamiyan Afghan Restaurant in NYC (thank @bamiyannyc), graciously sponsoring our event with food for thought!

Space is limited, so RSVP here on Eventbrite, if you can definitely attend. Capacity is set to 50 people, and we only have 2 spots left before wait list!

Look forward to a night with…

  • a sneak peek of Web, a feature-length documentary on children’s first experiences with Internet in the developing world
  • the premiere of “A Starfish Story: Francisca,” a micromini-documentary filmed by 26-year-old Brooklyn-ite Kate Lord
  • a special Q&A with Kate and She’s the First Executive Director Christen Brandt, as they dish on #STF360 and their life-changing trip to Guatemala
  • tips and tricks for how you can travel the world with She’s the First, host your own fundraiser for a girl’s sponsorship, or even become a digital penpal with a girl



If you’re unable to attend, you can still participate in the discussion by following and contributing to #CelebrateSTF tweets. We’ll be tweeting the whole event, so tune in to broadcast your own questions and comments!

THANK YOU TO OUR SUPPORTERS!

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#CelebrateSTF Spring Tweetup Photos!

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She’s the First Spring Tweetup!

#CelebrateSTF Tweetups are quarterly events that She’s the First decided to host free of charge, starting last summer, to give our online following in NYC the chance to meet together offline. Why go on a bunch of little coffee meetings with you all if we could just bring you all together to have the creative sparks fly, and let the thought-provoking convo on girls’ education take us in new, unexplored directions?

We’re thrilled to announce our next Tweetup will be on April 6th, at MTV Studios, which donated use of a conference room, and we’ll feed our minds with Hummus Place treats, also a generous donor!

Since space is limited, RSVP here on Eventbrite, if you are 100% certain you can attend. There is a capacity of 40 people, and we’re already at 23, in less than 24 hours!

Even if you are not in NYC, you can participate in the discussion by following #CelebrateSTF tweets. You can even tweet in your own questions and comments, which our event leaders will share with our attendees.

Expect an evening of…

  • creative brainstorming for a National Poetry Month campaign in April that aims to sponsor a girl in Sudan
  • an up-close look at our She’s the First partner in Uganda
  • forming new friendships with go-getters who like to give back
  • a special preview of GIRLS WHO ROCK, the biggest fundraiser for She’s the First, returning this June!

 

Remember, if you live outside of NYC, you can host your own Tweetup for She’s the First any time! All it takes is a hash tag and online enthusiasm to get your friends and followers together offline for meaningful brainstorms on how you can support and fundraise for girls’ education.

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#CelebrateSTF December Documentary Tweetup Photos!

She’s the First’s December Documentary Tweetup with Girl Scouts of the USA (@girlscouts) was a success! For a week of holiday parties and final exams, we actually had a full house of just over 30 participants! We enjoyed speakers from 10×10, who discussed their documentary projects around the world and their goals for spreading the word about girls’ education. The Girl Scouts spoke about their international initiatives, and I spoke with STF members Tammy Tibbetts and Cynthia Hellen about our travel series STF360 and how it’s developing as a tool to attract the public’s interest in the stories of girls around the world. Look for videos to come, but here are some photos I took!

Transcript of Tweets Using #CelebrateSTF are Here!

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Participate in Tonight’s Tweetup — Even If You’re Not in NYC!

Our second Tweetup is tonight in NYC! With #CelebrateSTF, follow and join the discussion from anywhere!

If you are in NYC, you can meet the She’s the First team offline tonight, with the Girl Scouts, at 6pm-8pm in Manhattan…RSVP for our Winter Tweetup, featuring guest speakers from 10×10, Girl Scouts, and She’s the First. We have more than 30 attendees expected so far! We look forward to a lively conversation about how storytelling can support girls’ education, and how to leverage social media and documentary effectively. (Plus, there will be some delicious falafel, sushi, and Pop Chips to snack on.)

Kaitlin Davis will be live tweeting the conversation from @shesthefirst with hash tag #CelebrateSTF. You can sync your Twitter up to Tweetchat.com and participate in the discussion easily here: http://tweetchat.com/room/CelebrateSTF

Tweet ya from 6pm-8pm tonight!

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#CelebrateSTF Tweetup on Thursday: Remember to RSVP & Tweet!

RSVP for our Tweetup on Dec. 16th! http://wintertweetup.eventbrite.com

Coming to the #CelebrateSTF Winter Tweetup? Please RSVP so we know who’s coming — it’s free! http://wintertweetup.eventbrite.com/

A “Tweetup” is a meetup of She’s the First enthusiasts on Facebook and Twitter offline…this time, we’re meeting at the Girl Scouts of the USA headquarters. We’ll watch some short video clips to inspire a discussion about how we can best support girls’ education through storytelling, travels, social media, and creative fundraising.

Reasons to squeeze this into your week of holiday parties:

  • Meet senior Girl Scouts who have cool global projects, and maybe even become their mentors– though we expect we’ll learn just as much from them.
  • Meet some of the team behind the 10×10 documentary that’s following 10 girls in 10 countries — a project of The Documentary Group, which was founded in honor of the legendary ABC broadcaster Peter Jennings.
  • Meet leaders and core volunteers of the She’s the First team in person — to learn how you can get involved
  • Purchase a She’s the First bracelet if you don’t already have one (last-minute Christmas gift!)
  • Enjoy snacks from our friends at Pop Chips
  • and more! (as always)

Not to mention, if you’re a former Girl Scout/Brownie, like a few members of our STF leadership team are, then this event is like coming full circle with your girlhood. Hope to see you there on Thursday!

Kate Lord (grew up to be STF Photographer)

Katie Riley, second from left, standing (grew up to be STF Graphic Designer)

Tammy Tibbetts (grew up to be STF President)

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Introducing Special Guests of our #CelebrateSTF Tweetup!

Have you RSVP’d to our Winter #CelebrateSTF Tweetup yet, NYC? Let us know if you’re coming here, and don’t forget, everyone can participate from 6-8pm on December 16th at the Girl Scouts of the USA headquarters — just use the hash tag #CelebrateSTF in your tweets to join our discussion!

10x10act.org will be attending our Tweetup and showing a clip from their documentary series about girls worldwide.

We will be talking about the role of storytelling in creating a social impact, especially one supporting girls’ education. Some stellar Girl Scouts will be in attendance to share their own global projects for girls, as well as members of our team who traveled to Peru this summer, and photographer Kate Lord, who is going to Guatemala in January with our Executive Director Christen Brandt and Researcher Maisy Page. We’ll watch short video clips, including one from 10×10, a giant documentary project that will follow 10 girls from 10 different countries around the world. You’ll get to meet three special members of the 10×10 team:

Justin Reeves (manager of NGO partnerships)
Lauren Mitte (film production manager) @LaurenMitte
Dan McIntosh (manager of Action Campaign)

So mark your calendars, RSVP here, and tweet/follow us at @shesthefirst and 10×10 at @10x10act!

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Annoucing the Winter Tweetup #CelebrateSTF – RSVP for Dec. 16th!

tweetup

December 16, 2010

6pm-8pm

Girl Scouts of the USA Headquarters

420 Fifth Avenue

Free!

star

In proud partnership with the Girl Scouts of the USA, She’s the First presents a December Documentary Tweetup!

She’s the First & the Girl Scouts are both committed to providing opportunities for girls globally. Please join us in a fun Tweetup where our NYC networks meet offline to…

  • screen a few short video clips profiling girls’ lives worldwide & advocating for education
  • inspire discussion on how we can give back
  • meet teen Girl Scouts with amazing global projects & discover how we can mentor each other
  • reveal the Girl Scout Research Institute’s latest results
    on teens and social media and get a sneak peak on the newest Girl Scout
    leadership journey – It’s Your Story – Tell It!

  • unveil She’s the First’s plans to travel to Guatemala in January
  • socialize in the holiday spirit!

Please RSVP here if you plan to attend in person!

Snacks & beverages will be provided.

What’s a Tweetup?!

During this event, we will be Tweeting using the hash tag #CelebrateSTF, just as we did during our Summer Tweetup. Even if you are not in NYC, you can participate in the discussion by following #CelebrateSTF tweets. You can even tweet in your own questions and comments, which our event leaders will share with our attendees.


What’s the Goal?

This particular event is not a fundraiser. It’s a networking and educational opportunity intended to build camaraderie and fuel the creativity of young women (and men!) who want to change the world — by educating girls. We highlight social media and storytelling as a way to create social change.

Stay tuned to our blog for exclusive #CelebrateSTF posts in the next two weeks, which will unveil special guests at the Tweetup as well as more information on the Girl Scouts’ exciting new storytelling initiative!





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#CelebrateSTF Tweetup Recap: Our Photographer’s Point of View

* See Photos from the Tweetup here *

* See #CelebrateSTF Tweets here *

The teen staff of the Celebrate Cafe (from the Lower East Side Girls Club)

What could be a more fitting place for a NYC She’s the First Tweetup than the Celebrate Cafe inside the Bowery Poetry Club, owned by the inspiring Lower East Side Girls Club? I’d always heard bits and pieces about the Girls Club: their dedication to providing safe spaces for girls of NYC to learn, grow, and follow their dreams. And now there I was, surrounded by young women informed of our cause via the wonder that is online social media, ready and eager to learn more.

After the She’s the First President/Founder, Tammy Tibbetts, gave a brief overview of our She’s The First goals, we all introduced ourselves and mentioned how we first heard about the cause. And while I don’t personally have a Twitter account (yet!), the ways in which these young professionals heard about STF really proved the power of word of mouth!

As photographer of the night, I got to get close and personal with our attendees when I took their portraits and asked them, “What are you the first to do? What do you still want to be the first to do?” Every answer I received was just as incredible as the women themselves, like Kaitlin Davis, who is the first in her family to perform at Carnegie Hall or girls-school teacher Stephanie, who is the first in her family to get a Masters Degree and go cliff diving, or even NYU Journalism and French Major Lauren Strupp, who was the first in her family to study abroad to Paris. Equally inspiring were the goals of the actual girls of the Lower East Side Girls Club, like Besa Balidemaj, who dreams of being the first woman to open an international organization in Kosovo that protects families, educates them, and helps them achieve their goals financially.

Ajit George stopped by the Tweetup -- he represents the India partner in our directory, the Shanti Bhavan Children's Project.

I had such an amazing time getting together with all of the She’s The First supporters, and I was reminded that not every supporter is a she! I loved that I got a chance to meet Ajit George, the US Director of Operations for Shanti Bhavan Children’s Project, where our guest blogger Shreya Bhatt is volunteering this summer. My favorite part of every She’s The First event is when we have new people come and inquire about our non-profit. While photographing the girls, I was approached by Edward (another guy!) who was impressed with our efforts concerning girls’ education and admitted that his girl cousins in the Philippines have even asked him to send money for school instead of Barbie dolls for Christmas presents. All they want to do is learn.

We loved hearing from him and our Tweeters, and now we want to hear your stories! What do you want to be the first to do? You can still be part of the Tweetup if you tweet your answer to @shesthefirst and use our hash tag #CelebrateSTF!

Also, here’s a video from our Director Christen Brandt — experience the Tweetup in 43 seconds!

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She’s the First Tweetup in NYC on Wednesday!

She’s the First is hosting our first tweetup in NYC on Wednesday, July 21st, 6:30-8pm!

RSVP for free here!

She's the First Summer Tweetup is July 21st at Celebrate Cafe in Lower East Side!

What’s a Tweetup, you ask? It’s essentially a meet-up of smart, savvy people who want to change the world and believe girls’ education is a solution (that’s you, right?) We promote it online (via Twitter, Facebook, Eventbrite) but we gather face-to-face offline. We build an online dialogue around the offline action by using a hash tag, #CelebrateSTF. This lets you view all tweets pertaining to the Tweetup on this search page, so you can participate even if you aren’t in NYC. We’ll have a laptop hooked up to wireless Internet so we can tweet back!

What do we do at a Tweetup? We have FUN! This is NOT a meeting. No agenda. We just hang out, like you would at a bar — make friends, talk about your interests, ask us questions. We’re eager to meet you!

meet us at the Celebrate Cafe inside!

Meet us at the Celebrate Cafe inside!

Where do we meet? We selected a very special location for our first Tweetup! It’s the brand-new Celebrate Cafe, founded by the Lower East Side Girls Club, and it’s located inside the Bowery Poetry Club. Here are 3 reasons why it rocks:

1. The server is a teenager from the Girls Club who has gone through leadership and career training programs — this is her first job! This is a terrific chance for us to support girls locally in NYC!

2. The food is affordable (coffee for a buck and a meal for under $10!) and sourced locally. Try a deviled egg for 50 cents, fruits from the local greenmarket, breads from the Parisi’s Bakery around the corner, popcorn from Farmer Steve in NJ, and more.

3. There’s a Poetry Pushcart that sells handmade and small press editions of some of today’s best established and emerging poets, as well as greeting cards, arts, and crafts made by members of the Girls Club and their sister clubs in Mexico and Nepal.

RSVP for free here!

BONUS: If you bring a bottle of children’s chewable vitamins, then we’ll enter you into a raffle to win a cool prize on the spot! We’ll bring the vitamins to children in Peru on our STF voluntourism trip this August. (Tell you about it at the Tweetup!)

 

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