My History Leading up to Funconference.me in 2024

As I’ve been conjuring up and creating Funconference.me I got to thinking about all my past experiences that have led to this point. The more I think about it, the more I come up with. Here are the ones that have come to mind.

Habonim Youth Movement – Chugim (interest groups) at Camp Galil 1973-1979

I was part of a youth movement and summer camp experience for many years. As campers, we had a chance to pick an interest group to join. I remember learning massage and guitar, but probably was part of lots of other groups over the years, too.

Breitenbush Summer Solstice Healing Retreat – 1995-present (29 years with one year missed!)

At this annual event, there are usually 3-4 periods during the day when attendees host classes for one another. These are posted the night before and part of the fun is wandering to the list and discussing what you’re going to do next. The classes/activities are all offered by the participants and I’ve learned so much good information from people over the years via these offerings. I’ve also taught regularly, as well (small business practices; Re-evaluation Counseling basics; public speaking).

Burning Man – Who, What, Where Guide 2000-2016 (14 years)

When one arrives at Burning Man you’re handed a half-inch thick booklet called the Who, What, Where Guide. This guide has daily repeating activities and one-time events, as well. All of the activities are offered by participants and one can spend the day just moving from yoga classes to talks to bike rides and more. I haven’t tended to use the guide very much, but I’ve enjoyed happening upon many activities as they were starting and jumped right in! I’ve also offered a few activities over the year such as training at the Black Rock City Post Office.

The City Repair Project: Village Building Convergence

The Village Building Convergence, or VBC as it’s known here, is this amazing collection of events and building/creating opportunities that have been happening annually in Portland for 15 or more years. It’s a project of The City Repair Project. People come together to build cob benches, paint intersections, and more. I’ve played various roles and participated in many projects over the years and it continues to move me to see all the great work this organization and the community create each year. It’s part of what makes Portland Portland.

Planting trees with Friends of Trees; Depave.org events; Other Community Events for 22 years in Portland and before that in Seattle…

Our Community University (Portland, Oregon) – 2 days of unconference that I created in 2013

This was 2 days with 4 classes per day that I instigated in 2013. You can learn more about these here and here.

World Domination Summit (WDS) 2018, 2019 and 2022

This conference took place in Portland, Oregon and happened 10 times. I lucked out and got to attend the last 3 of them. WDS helped me see how one can use the City as a canvas to create a series of events like what I’m hoping funconference.me will look like.  In the articles I link to above are many keys pointing out what I am trying to do here. With help!

The future: Funconference.me in Spring 2024!

Sign up here to be kept informed as this moves forward!