Yes, it’s true: after a one-year adventure and exploration of living and working in South America, we are back in Canada (more specifically, Toronto). So, now that we’ve had a chance to settle in and surprise a few friends here and there, I thought I should probably post an “official” update.

As a follow-up to my last post about where Community Bandwidth is going for 2009, I've posted a longer update on my personal blog. The full text follows...

I’m going to guess that I’m not the only person who’s ever taken a nine-month hiatus from their blog. (Though you can correct me, or chastise me, if I’m wrong.) And, today — November 5th — I’m happy to report that I’m back from said hiatus, and excited to have more than nine-months worth of experiences to blog about. Read on for the highlights, sad moments, and the lowdown on what’s next…

Two exciting and not-to-be-missed events are approaching in June: Social Tech Training and MagNet.

The first — from the people behind Web of Change — is Toronto’s very first Social Tech Training at MaRS.

In case you missed the note in my last newsletter (hint, hint — you should sign-up!), Magazines Canada and Centennial College are putting together a “Web Weekend” on Saturday, November 24 and Sunday, November 25 at Centennial College in downtown Toronto.

Freshly back from the biggest Web of Change event ever, I’m excited to get some thoughts out of my head and into the noosphere.

This year it was my great pleasure to facilitate the ever-popular “speed geek” (think speed dating). With almost 100 people in the room, the energy and excitement was palpable. And ten passionate presenters managed to deliver their four-minute demos to ten small groups that rotated around the room. Undoubtedly, it was the most information packed 55 minutes of the entire event.

Have you ever asked yourself the question: Just how portable is my work? Before heading out last week — the first leg of a four-week, west-coast journey with Melanie — I asked that question repeatedly with increasing anxiety and trepidation. Now that I’ve safely landed in a workers’ paradise in downtown Vancouver, I can honesty answer that question and say: yep, my work is pretty portable.

Every year I’m still amazed to see that first Web of Change announcement in my inbox. Why? I just can’t believe that is has been almost nine months since the last gathering; it feels like I was there just last week.

Well, Web of Change is here again. This year the dates are September 19th - 23rd and, as always, it will be held at the Hollyhock Retreat Centre. If you’ve already been in touch with one of the organizers, feel free to get in touch with Hollyhock and have the first pick of available lodgings. If you haven’t been in touch yet and would like to attend, please drop a quick note to Sarah Pullman with a short introduction.

Not one to mess around with all-things revolutionary, I decided to spend May 1st — a date that symbolizes solidarity between workers around the world — on a pilgrimage that thousands of Cuban workers make from places like La Habana Vieja to Plaza de la Revolución. It’s a journey that I would recommend to anyone with an interest in experiencing the passionate connection that Cuba has with its revolutionary history.

But May 1st, 2007 wasn’t just about an international day of solidarity with workers…

In the the last newsletter, I announced an upcoming series of Lunch-and-learn technology presentations for non-profit leaders. The debut session will be on April 27th, with others planned for June, July, October, and November. I’ll be announcing when registration opens for the rest of the events on this list: so if you have a colleague that might benefit from these sessions, please consider sending them a note about it.