Paula E. Kirman: freelance communications professional, digital content specialist, and social entrepreneur in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.
I found out today that my song “Summer” is a finalist in the International Songwriting Competition. The song is about a homeless woman, and I am beyond excited that my work is being recognized in this way. In addition to the judges’ decision, there is a People’s Voice award. Please vote for me – you can vote daily until April 3:
https://songwritingcompetition.com/peoplesvoice~category-14
I used to write for Alberta Sweetgrass on a regular basis, until the publication went completely online in 2015, merging with Windspeaker.com. So, I was quite enthusiastic to be contacted by the editor and assigned my first piece for the website, which went online yesterday.
Indigenous artists living in poverty “show and grow” their talents
Back in September, I was the keynote speaker for a workshop hosted by the John Humphrey Centre for Peace and Human Rights for the organization’s youth group. My topic was documenting activist events through photography and writing (particularly blogging and social media). Here is a video of my talk. You can also read my notes at my other blog, Sacred Social Justice.
Hello readers of my work blog. I attended the third annual Edmonton New Media Awards (better known as “The Yeggies”) on May 9. RadicalCitizenMedia.com was short-listed for the second year in a row in the category of “Best in Politics or Current Affairs.” Although I did not win, it was super to have my work recognized by Edmonton’s social media community. However, I am happy to say that I Heart Edmonton, the blog for which I write book reviews, won “Best in Edmonton!”
Another booklet in the series of historical/educational titles about the McCauley neighbourhood should be heading to print soon. This latest one is on Chinatown. I am also currently overseeing the next booklet, which will be on the Aboriginal aspects of McCauley. These booklets are being produced in partnership with McCauley Revitalization/City of Edmonton.
It’s been a busy new year. I just received my contributor’s copies of Toasts: The Perfect Words to Celebrate Every Occasion (Viva Editions, 2014). It was published back in the fall and features three toasts I wrote: for a new job, Passover, and Chanukah.
I created a short promotional video for Daughter’s Day, with interviews and photos. I interviewed Mayor Don Iveson, and I sing at the end of it. Here it is:
My community access program on Shaw TV, From the Ground Up: Activists and Activism in Edmonton, recently began it’s second season. The station informed me that they will be putting the show on their website, but in the meantime you can watch the web versions of the show here.
I became a contributor this past week with Digital Journal. I’ll be reporting on local news and events, and possibly some opinion articles. You can follow me at the site here.