With our sophisticated fast moving communication, to engage others is something only the talented, authentic and creative do well.

In the past few weeks I have been to several events where I assumed I would learn something or be engaged in new possibilities. Most of these experiences were very HO HUM – nothing interesting that I felt compelled to share with others.

Two events did stand out that I have told lots of people about and are now including in a blog.

1.Johanna Featherstone from THE REDROOM COMPANY (poetry and poets) held an event at KPMG as a fundraiser to take poets and poetry experiences into schools. She and her team set up an old fashioned classroom where we all sat at old desks with lunch boxes and other desk paraphernalia- there was a role call- she certainly had our attention. She then took us through a series of experiences illustrating the power of language. It was lovely and I told masses of people about her vision and what she is trying to achieve. www.redroomcompany.org

2.Michelle Leonard and her team from MOORAMBILLA VOICES (regional choirs for young people) held an auction of hand made chooks (made by a friend) gorgeous, unique and colourful. Michelle and some of the students told stories of singing in regional Australia, and the power of music to change and inspire their lives. www.moorambilla.com

They both created memorable experiences with little money, but with loads of passion, authenticity, good will and generosity using every contact and many creative communication devices to inspire their audiences. They achieved engagement on a personal level and to their causes.

Congratulations.

Poems to Share is a pack of cards featuring poems by Australian poets of all generations. Included are lines of verse along with activities to explore the poems for more enjoyment. There are 40 colourful cards to choose from. They can be read silently or explored by using the activities on each card.

The cards could be used at home, work, schools, training or universities.

We have plans to create a similar set using the poems and artwork of school children. We are always interested in contributions from others. If you have and ideas please contact Gillian at Corban & Blair or Johanna at The Red Room Company www.redroomcompany.org