Those of you who read my blog regularly know that I have mostly been focusing on my personal life lately, especially surrounding finding this new job and adjusting to the new routine.  I’m getting a bit settled in again, so I wanted to let you know about a couple of projects (one statewide, one local) in which I’ll soon be participating, and to invite you to take part as well.  I’ve mentioned these causes briefly in social media, but you’ll be hearing more about them in the coming weeks and months.

Giving patients safe access to medical cannabis has been a passion of mine for a few years, and Ohio is definitely closer than ever in 2013.  I’ve long decried the immaturity and animosity among various marijuana activist camps, and it is with great pleasure that I note how much has changed in the past two years.  I recently met the president of the Ohio Rights Group, John Pardee, and I was very impressed with the tone and the professionalism of the organization.  I’ve seen folks from disparate circles coming together to support and promote the ballot initiative which is their current focus.  In the near future, I will be helping this organization, and I’d like to invite all Ohioans to visit their website andlike them on Facebook to see how you can help as well.

I’m not sure what I’ll be doing with the group just yet.  I would love to help their web team with a site overhaul and add a dose of Twitter to their social media activity, but I’ll be awaiting instructions from John.  In the meantime, don’t be surprised to see this topic making a resurgence on my own social accounts while we progress toward making Ohio the 20th medical cannabis state.

The other group is more local and I’m still learning the ropes, but again, it’s something near and dear to me.  Invest Elyria is “a non-profit, non-partisan, grassroots group of good people with an intense desire to promote the entire Elyria community as a great place to live, to work and to raise a family.”  I’ve seen the group’s Facebook page promoting local restaurants and parks, participating in beautification projects, and generally singing the praises of our very underrated city.  In addition to correcting the misinformed views about Elyria, the group advocates for projects that could create a positive impact on the community.

Again, I’m not sure how I’ll be helping… but as the dust settles on my own challenges, I plan to spend some time helping my adopted hometown grow, and I invite all locals to come along for the ride.  It can be as easy as skipping the next lunch in Avon in favor of one of the many fine downtown eateries or joining the team on the next park cleanup.  I’m hoping to use the power of the pen (or keyboard) to help IE advocate via social media, their blog, newspaper editorials, and wherever else I can be used.  Keep an eye out for more information on my Facebook page.

Later this week, I hope to address the Manning verdict and the latest round of fast food strikes, so be sure to subscribe or follow me on Twitter or Facebook, all of which can be found on the homepage in the “About.Me” section by clicking here.