AMC2009 was awesome!

Thank you for bringing so much incredible energy to Detroit for the 11th annual Allied Media Conference, July 16-19, 2009. With the collective brilliance of the 1,000 people that participated...

We built virtual bridges across militarized borders.

We practiced techniques for lobbying policy-makers.

Networks of radical women and trans people of color media makers converged to share skills and strategize.

We hosted a live radio broadcast.

We built a community radio station.

We built 10 computers using salvaged parts and open-source software.

We produced a zine of letters from AMC participants to people in prison.

Over 30 organizations and vendors showcased their work in the exhibition area.

We learned stop-motion animation.

Our music was as participatory as our media at the AMC Bowling/Karaoke Party, sponsored by Consumers Union.

We nurtured future generations of media activists through the Kids Track.

We threw four of the best parties of the summer including the Allied Funk Party, co-hosted by 5E Gallery and Leftist Lounge.

We celebrated the King of Pop.

With 1,000 media makers and organizers from across North America, we convened 100 workshops, panel discussions, caucus meetings, film screenings, Detroit tours, art exhibits and music events.

We learned about cell-phone journalism and investigative reporting. We strategized around how to capture federal stimulus funds to build community Internet infrastructure. We reflected on the decline of corporate media and realized that we are the journalists we've been waiting for.

We learned how to run live audio for music events, how to screenprint and make stencils, and how to use comedy and theater for organizing. We built a bike-powered generator to run a desktop computer. We did yoga and accupuncture.

We learned about publication and copyright issues for writers. We called policymakers and demanded expanded access to Low Power FM. We discussed how to analyze and re-mix pop culture.

Disability activists developed media projects to move from pity to pride and take action. Detroiters planned to take leadership in Michigan's new film industry. Transgender filmmakers strategized around fundraising, distribution and countering negative stereotypes. Kids learned how to make zines and designed their own radio shows.

We seeded new projects and made plans for how we're going to continue working together throughout the year.

Unless otherwise noted, all photos by AJ Manoulian.

Thank you to all of the AMC2009 volunteers, presenters, sponsors, donors and advisors for their generous contributions of time, energy and resources.

Thank you to all of the people who held spelling bees, happy hours, dance parties, slumber parties, SPEAK CD listening parties, pancake breakfasts, empanada bake sales, weekly brunches, art auctions, car washes, acupuncture benefits, and countless other grassroots fundraisers that made it possible for so many more people to participate in the AMC this year.

The AMC is organized by Allied Media Projects and is made possible through grants from Nathan Cummings Foundation, Media Justice Fund of the Funding Exchange, Surdna Foundation, Media Democracy Fund, and the sponsorship of Consumers Union, Oakland University Dept. of Communication & Journalism, Media & Democracy Coalition, Free Press, Center for Urban Innovation, INCITE!, Prometheus Radio Project, Young Women's Empowerment Project, Funders Collaborative on Youth Organizing, Media Action Grassroots Network, Great Lakes Urban Exchange, Progressive Communicators Network, Community Media Workshop, Womens Media Equity Collaborative and the National Writers Union.