This weeks conversation at GlobeHopper, hosted by the folks from Back Porch Energy Initiative:

Monday, October 6th — Black Gold: An in-depth look at the world of coffee and global trade. As westerners sip on designer lattes and cappuccinos, impoverished Ethiopian coffee growers suffer the bitter taste of injustice. Black Gold is an eye-opening documentary exploring one man’s fight for a fair price in the multi-billion dollar coffee industry. Join us at our favorite Richmond coffee shop as we discuss the environmental and economic implications of coffee production, consumption and fair trade. Together we will learn what it means to truly be a sustainable and socially responsible producer and consumer of the world’s most popular beverage.

You are cordially invited to join us for conversations on the Back Porch, Monday evenings at GlobeHopper coffee house. GlobeHopper, located at 2100 E Main Street, is home to a weekly forum of open issue-based community discussions. Back Porch moderates multi-media discussions based on social topics of social-interest. Gathering begins at 6:30pm, multi-media discussion begins promptly at 7:00pm.

Also on the calendar:

Tuesday, October 7th — How Do You Envision Richmond?
A Seminar at Capital Ale House on the Downtown Master Plan and your role in developing a more vibrant River City. From 5:30pm to 7:15pm, Back Porch and the Partnership for Smarter growth invite you to join Brooke Hardin, Principle Planner, Dept. of Community Development, and Richard Taylor, Government Relations Manager of the Virginia Housing Development Authority, in gaining a deeper understanding of the Downtown Master Plan the tools and skills to most effectively advocate for it. For more information, see www.psgrichmond.org.

Saturday, October 18th — Hands On Greater Richmond Day!
Imagine how much better Richmond could be if we all spent just 5 hours doing something together for the community. Join 500 other volunteers to make a difference for greater Richmond on Saturday, October 18, 2008. You, your friends, neighbors, and family are invited to get involved with one of over 30 organized projects. Join us for this community transforming event. More information at http://www.handsongr.org/AboutUs/index.php/HOGRday.html.