Imagine Better This Saturday With the Harry Potter Alliance at Plantory

Real talk time: the world is kind of a mess right now, but there are definitely things that restore my faith in humanity. Case in point, the Harry Potter Alliance.  I must confess that I haven't even finished the book series, but I did see all of the movies, and have been a huge Harry Potter fan for almost 15 years. I am so excited by the work that this group is doing. Since 2005, the Harry Potter Alliance has engaged millions of fans through work for social justice, equality, and literacy. The best part, though, is that the organization is making activism accessible. They've succeeded, with nearly 100 chapters and a network that reaches nearly one million people.

The good news of the work that they're doing is spreading like wildfire. Just this week, HPA succeeded in a four year long campaign for Warner Bros to use all fair trade chocolate for their Harry Potter licensed candies. This victory has gone viral and has been featured by a large number of online publications including People. This is certainly some great PR for the Alliance and should show the world the great work that they're doing. And their work spreads beyond the Harry Potter fandom, they're also energizing Hunger Games fans, launching the Odds In Our Favor campaign to fight income inequality and hunger.

If you're in the Bluegrass Region and you're interested in getting involved with activism, but are unsure how, please join us at The Plantory on Saturday, January 17 at 1:30 PM for the  Lexington Harry Potter Alliance Formation Meeting. Anyone ages 12 and older are welcome to attend. The WC Wizengamot, an official chapter based out of Woodford County, will be on hand to share how they use fandom based activism to enact change. This is a very exciting organization to be involved with and I just know that it's going to make a huge impact on Lexington!

Oh, and be sure to bring $1 to the meeting if you can, to help benefit the Huffleruffs, for care of magical creatures throughout Central Kentucky. Everyone at the meeting can use their dollar to vote for their favorite team name with proceeds to benefit Homeward Bound Canine Rescue and Rehabilitation.

For more information about the Harry Potter Alliance, check out their website. If you're unable to attend, keep an eye on the Lexington United page for more information about meetings. And if you're not in the Lexington area, fear not, because there is a Northern Kentucky chapter!


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Dare to Be Bold Next Saturday

I've made it a mission of mine since returning to Lexington to become connected with as many people as I can be. Getting out into the community, talking to people, and finding out what I can do to help make Lexington a better place just comes second nature to me now and I find myself becoming involved with more and more all the time. From food festivals, to local workshops, and of course historical organizations, I am busier than ever before. It's awesome.

When I was working for a local after-school program a few years ago, I learned of Girls on the Run and other after-school programs which work to empower girls and promote self-esteem. I was in Girl Scouts and was super involved in many clubs and activities which gave me leadership positions. And now, as an adult, it makes me very glad to see so many stepping up to make sure that no girls are left behind in this media-driven, male-dominated world, especially in light of controversies like Gamer Gate, #notallmen, and the like. It's imperative to teach the next generation of women that they are strong, that they are equal, and that they deserve respect.

The founders of Be Bold, Inc. have a mission to achieve just that, "to empower girls by partnering with them to set and achieve tangible goals for themselves through entertainment, education, and above all inspiration." For just $5, girls will be able to attend the workshop which will feature a number of inspirational speakers talking on topics such as self-esteem, empowerment, and entrepreneurship. A step team performance, a fashion show, and art projects are just a few of the activities that girls 9-18 will be able to take part in.

By instilling in them the ability to dream, to think of something greater than their poverty-stricken neighborhoods (or better yet, come back and do something to help them), and to share their goals with others, Be Bold is a program which will help young girls find their strength and bring to light the necessity to nurture those growing up in areas of Lexington like the East End, which are rich in history and tradition, but lose the attention to the more affluent neighborhoods.

Sponsors for Be Bold include University of Kentucky, Partners for Youth, and Third Street Stuff. There is still time to show your support for this initiative. Volunteer your time, make a donation, or just spread the word about the amazing work that is being done in Lexington.

If you know of a girl who would benefit from Dare to be Bold, registration has been extended to October 29. I'm excited to volunteer for Dare to Be Bold!

Dare to Be Bold
University of Kentucky, Student Center
November 1, 2014
10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
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Be sure to like Kentucky Geek Girl on Facebook and follow my daily updates on Twitter! If you have any questions or want to discuss partnership opportunities, be sure to send me an email.