Dayton937

Things to do in Dayton | Restaurants, Theatre, Music and More

Lauren White

Local Couple Launches Streaming Platform

By

In response to a growing appetite for genuine local connection, the team behind IndigoLife TV has announced today that they are evolving their popular digital streaming platform into a collaborative, multi-faceted digital and in-person experience called Nearu TV.

Popular flagship programming including Decoding Dayton, I Am, The Voices Project, Behind the Drag and Revolutionist will become foundational programming on the new digital streaming platform, which will both replace the Indigo Life Network and evolve the experience into one that goes well beyond the traditional digital streaming experience.

“Nearu TV is more than a window into the stories of our community, it is an opportunity to come a little closer and be a part of it,” said co-founder Andrew White, who worked with his partner Lauren White to launch the new experience. “We wanted to create a platform that gives people a chance to celebrate what is near them, engage in content that captures the region, share stories, connect with neighbors and participate in events.”

Lauren and Andrew White

White said part of this transition is a vision to celebrate and support other local creators producing regional video content. Creators will be able to submit their finished works to be considered by a community advisory panel for syndication. Accepted content will then receive complimentary marketing via the channel, as well as a portion of subscription revenue.

“The true story of a community comes from including many different perspectives,” Lauren White said. “Nearu TV is a collaborative platform. We are actively engaging other producers, local filmmakers, documentarians and creatives to join the platform as a way to syndicate and share their content as well, and we have high hopes that this will evolve to be a way to access inclusive stories from all areas of the community.”

White said the launch of the new platform times perfectly with the addition of new programming like the FonDana Show and a spinoff of Decoding Dayton focused on Nature coming this summer.

Hosts of The FonDana Show

The FonDana Show, a collaboration with The Rubi Girls will launch on Nearu TV this spring. The premiere of the new series will be celebrated with a drive-in screening inviting members of the community to watch the first episode during a safe and social distanced in person event on April 13 at 8:00pm in the parking lot at Top of the Market.

These types of shows and experiences are just one example, White said, of the type of collaboration and connection Nearu TV is hoping to achieve in the future.

White said especially in the past year, there’s been a huge push for digital experiences that open the door for people to feel more deeply connected to both their communities and each other. Nearu TV is a platform that pulls that all together.

“One of the most exciting things about Nearu is the opportunity to connect digital experiences with in-person events,” Andrew White said. “It’s easy to become too attached to a screen and forget that these stories are windows into real life. One of the driving forces behind the evolution of Nearu TV is that ability to discover online and connect offline. We can’t wait to invite connections through real life experiences using the digital content as a catalyst.”

“We all have a story,” Lauren White said. “And that story can impact others around us. While the screen has the power to share that story to many viewers, it’s also an opportunity for us to connect on a human level. If we can use the screen as a catalyst to invite people to come a little closer, then we’ve achieved what we set out to do.”

For more information about Nearu TV, to start watching and engaging with content or for information about how to submit your own content for consideration for syndication, visit NearuTV.com

UpDayton Call For Community Input on Needs Assessment

By

UpDayton, an organization known as a launchpad for volunteer-powered community projects, is looking to determine how the organization could best serve the Dayton community. As part of this strategic planning process, UpDayton is launching a survey to collect input from the community and organizational stakeholders. If you’d like to provide your input, you can take the survey here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/QRPL273

 

Some of the core considerations for UpDayton over the coming year include: defining community needs that UpDayton is equipped to address, funding for the organization’s administrative costs, and sustainable transitions. UpDayton’s current director, Lauren White, will transition from her director position to a project support staff role, solely working with the 2019 summit project winners, effective March 13, 2020.  Lauren’s achievements as director include launching the UpDayton Incubator Program and improving organizational processes, as well as defining possibilities for the organization’s future.

“It has been incredibly rewarding to support such passionate, community change-makers in my capacity as director,” said Lauren White. “One thing is for sure, there’s a whole lot more happening in Dayton than in 2008 when UpDayton began, and that’s something we can all celebrate.”

UpDayton’s focus has gradually shifted over time as the issues Dayton faces, and the awareness around them, have evolved.

“In the early years of UpDayton, Summit winning projects included things like mural painting, highlighting points of interest and walkability in Downtown Dayton, and creating Dayton bucket lists. While they contributed positively to the city, we’ve seen a shift in the last four years, with winning projects geared towards tremendous social impact and change,” said Jason Benning, UpDayton board chair.

 

In response to the community’s interests, UpDayton recently has focused on grassroots projects that create social change. The Longest Table, held over 10 meals, inviting over 2,000 Daytonians to not only break bread with each other, but also break down racial and economic divides.  The Reading Park Project focused on eliminating book deserts along the Salem Avenue Corridor. Participatory Defense provides people facing charges, their families, and their communities with a deeper understanding of the justice process, and assists them in preparing for meetings with their attorney, court dates, etc.

Daytonians of today seem to feel more empowered than ever, and have more tools and programs at their disposal. Dayton is now home to new co-op programs, a growing start-up community, and new incubator programs.

With all of these changes in mind, UpDayton is re-evaluating how it fits into the Dayton community. One thing that has remained constant is that UpDayton provides a platform for anyone to share their idea to make Dayton a better place.

 

Join “Influencers for Action” Launch Party on October 5th

By

October 5, 2018 marks the launch of Influencers for Action, an Instagram Influencer-led register to vote project based in Dayton, Ohio. The organization features a team of 80 Influencers, of which approximately 2/3 are from the Dayton-area, who will use their platform on social media to relay useful information about the upcoming voter registration deadlines to their followers.
Cumulatively, the Influencer team possesses an audience of over 200,000 followers. Notable Dayton Influencers include Lauren White, the new executive director of UpDayton, and Libby Ballengee, co-host of Gem City Podcast. Other Influencers from outside of Dayton such as Julianna Van Golen, a high-fashion model who was featured in NYFW, have also joined the project.
To celebrate the start of this unique project, Influencers for Action is hosting a launch party at W.O Wright’s Pub on October 5th. Doors open at 9pm, and is a free event until 11pm. Entry is $5 after 11pm as live music will be provided from two Dayton Influencers, Ty Spacely and Tony Splvsh. Drink specials include $3 draft beers and $2 well shots. To RSVP or get more information, click here.
How to Go?
When: Friday October 5, 2018. 9pm. Live music starts at 11pm.
Where: W.O. Wrights at 3979 Colonel Glenn Hwy, Beavercreek.
Cost: Free 9-11pm. $5 at the door, after 11pm.
Who: 18+

UpDayton Announces New Executive Director

By

UpDayton is proud to announce its new Executive Director, Lauren White, who replaces former Director, AJ Ferguson. Lauren is a Dayton, Ohio native and the co-founder of Indigo Life Media, an entertainment network and media agency, and a founding member of Nucleus Co-share, a nonprofit co-working space located in the Oregon District.

 

“I’m excited to be part of awakening more people to their impact in the community. I believe when we create together we form a lasting bond that can withstand any challenge that may face our community.” – Lauren White

 

Lauren’s passion for giving back and her tiresome work creating video and film to share local stories of hope and recovery make her the perfect fit for UpDayton. “I am very excited to have Lauren on board as our new Executive Director” says Board Chair, Michelle Ton. “ We have full confidence in her ability to help drive our vision for UpDayton and to continue its growth into the next 10 years!”

 

Lauren hopes to see UpDayton become the go-to resource for unleashing young professional talent and continuing to be a network of support and excitement where former project leaders re-engage to support those up and coming.

 

Get to know Lauren and her passion for Dayton.

 

Tell us a little about yourself. How long have you lived in Dayton?

I grew up in the Dayton region and came back shortly after college. I live and breathe community and connection. I am also an entrepreneur.

 

Are you involved with other nonprofits or local organizations in Dayton?

 

I choose to be laser-focused in my commitments so I am effectively contributing. The main organization I give of my time and support is FOA Families of Addicts with marketing and occasional event planning.

 

What is it about Dayton that inspires you?

 

The people always make a place what it is. In Dayton the smallest idea is greeted with tons of enthusiastic energy. That to me is special. Everyone in Dayton can make a difference.

 

Why did you decide to take on this position?

 

I had recently moved back to Dayton and was the classic cynic who wanted to just leave for a big city that had more going on. Then I was invited to the 2013 summit. This guy kindly greeted me to ask what I wanted to be up to. After I told him my desire to move away from Dayton he kindly said, “Well we’re all here to create the Dayton we want. What would you change?” It was a pretty profound moment where I awoke to my potential in helping make the city what I wanted instead of thinking that was outside my control.

 

What support do you want to see from the community? How would you like to see them get involved?

 

Show up. Share your ideas, visions, needs. Support others in their endeavors with excitement. Embrace any risk or potential failure. Turn your complaint into solutions. Dare to try.

What are some of your favorite UpDayton projects? Present or past?

 

Dayton Inspires is my favorite because of how simple and effective it is. It’s a project that has an evergreen lifespan where people continuously feel part of it through the murals or hashtag. Even celebrities who visit take their photo at the mural!

 

What do you feel is the biggest misperception of Dayton and how would UpDayton change that perception?

 

People think Dayton doesn’t have anything going for itself. I hear people defend Dayton by talking about our rich history. While our history is great, I want to see us live into the future of Dayton through UpDayton projects. Dayton is a city where everyone can make a difference.

 

For more information on UpDayton and how you can get involved, visit our website at https://updayton.org/ and follow us on social media.