“If we see only the worst, it destroys our capacity to do something. If we remember those times and places–and there are so many–where people have behaved magnificently, this gives us the energy to act, and at least the possibility of sending this spinning top of a world in a different direction. And if we do act, in however small a way, we don’t have to wait for some grand utopian future. The future is an infinite succession of presents, and to live now as we think human beings should live, in defiance of all that is bad around us, is itself a marvelous victory.” – Howard Zinn

Yesterday officially kicked off the 2nd Annual Global #MapJam and we are so excited to see how many cities, groups and members of the Sharing Cities Network are cultivating a new economic paradigm simply by making it visible. With 50 events confirmed and many more in the works across Africa, Australia, the Caribbean, Europe, North and South America and South East Asia, this truly is a global collaboration.

For more information about the #MapJam, to find an already scheduled event or to host your own click here. And check out our extensive resources for #MapJam hosts.

We’re already off to a running start with MapJams in Bordeaux, France and Portland, Oregon this weekend followed by Oslo, Norway and Rochester, New York yesterday. We’re on pace to meet and possibly exceed the breakout success of last years #MapJam when 50 maps were made!

Map jams aren’t just about making maps, they help us visualize the possible and shift our mindset from an attitude of lacking resources to an empowering assessment of collective resources to build a foundation on. Seize the opportunity to ignite a conversation about your participants’ ideas for projects they’d like to see birthed, their vision for the community, and discuss opportunities for collaboration.

It’s not too late to schedule a #MapJam for your community – don’t have to worry if you can’t do it in the next 2 weeks. Some groups have already begun to schedule their events after the official window and will be riding the wave into November. Other organizers have identified existing events in their community to tag a map jam onto in order to get more participants. You could even just invite over a few friends and do it over dinner or a few beers.

Groups hosting #MapJams are already posting pictures and from their discussions, interesting projects and ideas to share on social media during their events. Use the #MapJam ‘hash tag’ on the Sharing Cities Network facebook group and twitter to follow along and create a buzz throughout the next 2 weeks. You may feel like you’re the only one doing this work in your city or maybe just one of 10 people in Salt Lake City or 15 in Dublin, but when all us are pooled together we make a movement!

Howard Zinn, a noted historian, author, playwright, and social activist, would be encouraged to see all of us digging in and uncovering all the magnificent things our communities have to offer.

2nd Annual Global #MapJam (confirmed events)