Netroots Nation - Day 1
The excitement at day one of the Netroots Nation 2008 in Austin, TX was borderline overwhelming. Rumors about which high-profile public figure was going to be where crackled and spread throughout the Austin Convention Center like a Texas lightening storm, energizing those lucky enough to be in its wake. Everywhere we turned people were championing their pet causes, passing out flyers, getting to know each other, and generally happy to be alive and in the company of new and old friends alike.
The ReGeneration team was no exception, and just about everyone we met had an interest in talking to us and our friends at Grist.org about every environmental issue and potential solution imaginable. I learned a ton about what new green energy technologies were on the horizon, and will definitely be sharing those with you as my reports from the event continue. While the event itself had a decidedly political bent, the ReGeneration eschewed the standard red vs. blue debate in favor of more Earthy tones. Our message to the attendees was that the future of our planet is far too important to be trivialized by politics, and that it is going to take people from all manner of beliefs and viewpoints coming together to truly bring positive, lasting change. Surprisingly, even amongst the more die-hard politicos, this message was well received, and the ReGeneration movement grew with new groups of passionate members joining our mission.
Tomorrow promises to maintain the same level of intensity, and we will be there to pass the days events on to you. We will be posting new pictures and video of the people we encounter who share our vision of a green future. As always, let us know your thoughts and questions in the comments section of this blog, or by following me on Twitter. We’re looking forward to hearing from you!
By the way, the buzz about the Grist/ReGeneration Party is growing exponentially, and should prove to be something you won’t want to miss. If you’re downtown between the hours of 5:30-8pm on Saturday, drop on by the Cedar Door. We’ll be the loud group in the back. First 150 people through the gate get a drink on us, and there will be a drawing for the door prize: a green Dell Inspiron 1525.
