Community groups in Owen Sound will mix good cheer with social change at the upcoming ChangeMaker Pub Night at the Harmony Centre.
The evening offers a mix of live entertainment and brief presentations by local community groups, along with a cash bar and light snacks.
Organizer Barry Randall said local groups will summarize their work, opportunities and current needs to spark conversation about social change
"The idea is to learn about what's going on in our community. And most of these groups are Owen Sound focused," Randall explained. "And the objective is to learn about these other organizations to see what you might have in common and where you might find some efficiencies as far as everything from workforce to buying things that you need to sharing space. And bottom line is, it's a fun evening."
According to Randall, ChangeMaker Pub Night is meant to encourage groups and individuals to share resources, experiences, and assets.
"It's a fun evening, but it's also learning how to how to very succinctly tell people what your organization is, and that's a big thing, especially when you're trying to raise funds or support for your organization," explained Randall. "Usually people don't have a lot of time these days. So you got to be very succinct and clear about your message."
Changemakers presenting their three-minute pitches are: Rebound Owen Sound; Glassworks; Art Banner Project; OSHARE/Grey Bruce Food Share; REACH; Roselawn Bowling Club; Poverty Task Force; Beyond Reach Productions; and, the Sydenham Bruce Trail Club.
Randall added that the “three-minute elevator pitches” by local groups will summarize their work, opportunities and current needs to spark progress on social issues.
"So we've got, I think, nine different groups represented, and they come prepared to do three minute elevator pitches." he revealed. "Some people have a hard time getting their message across in three minutes, but the whole idea is if you're getting on the elevator, and you got to make your pitch before the person gets off, you only got three minutes."
It will take place at Harmony Centre, at 7:00 pm on March 22.
This year’s entertainment will feature: Olivia and Paul Williamson, the popular father-daughter country music entertainers; 16-year-old singer-songwriter Charlie Taylor-Gillespie, who won the Youth Discoveries competition and performed at Summerfolk 48; and, singer-songwriter Joanna Mackie, who brings her original music and soulful voice to the lineup.
Tickets for are available now at https://harmonycentre.ca/event/changemaker-pub-night. They are $20 each or pay what you can at the door.
