This document summarizes Marcus Turner's involvement in a community building project organized by Dogtrot Studios founder LK Whitney. Marcus was invited to participate in a weekend-long mastermind group with other passionate Birmingham citizens. Their goal was to develop strategic directions for Birmingham's future. Over 20 talented individuals from different fields gathered at a historic Avondale home transformed into an "Idea Factory." Stocked with food, drinks and inspiration, the group brainstormed for two days to generate ideas that could change their community.

1. MARCUS TURNER // COMMUNITY BUILDING PROJECT PORTFOLIO: dLAB>>
“Never underestimate the power of a small group of committed people to change the world.
In fact, it is the only thing that ever has.” -Margaret Mead

2. MARCUS TURNER // COMMUNITY BUILDING PROJECT PORTFOLIO :dLAB>>
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Project Timeline
May 20th, 2014: I received an
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Email invitation from Dogtrot
Studios founder LK Whitney.
The invitation vaguely
hinted at the events purpose :
Create a mastermind group
Of extremely passionate and
creative citizens with the goal
Of developing a strategic
Direction for the future of
Birmingham.
I've always been very
intrigued by the idea of
an organized Design Think
Tank featuring the brightest
minds in Birmingham. I
jumped at the chance to
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take part in the experiment. 3 June 5th,2014 : An email was
received from Dogtrot which
described the experiment and
explained our role as
Participants.
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Later the same day,
I received a facebook Invite
to the event,as well as an
invitation to join a private
online group.

3. MARCUS TURNER // COMMUNITY BUILDING PROJECT PORTFOLIO :dLAB>>
June 24,2014 : Invitations arrive providing
us with more specific information regarding
The Weekend's events.
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5 June 26,2014 : The last email is sent out and
confirmation is made regarding attendance.
Introductions are being made on the
facebook group.

4. MARCUS TURNER // COMMUNITY BUILDING PROJECT PORTFOLIO :dLAB>>
The Idea Factory
Dogtrot rented a historic home in Avondale.
This is where we gathered to brainstorm
and create from June 28th,2014 at 12p.m.
Til 12p.m. Sunday. They stocked the house
with plenty of coffee, Red Bull, candy,
peanut butter, pizza and beer. A Design
magazine was never too far from
reach and motivational quotes were
pasted all over the basement walls. The
house had been transformed into an Idea
Factory. The creative energy was seen and
felt throughout, and inspired all
who entered.

5. Standing : L-R
Josh Vasa, Head of Operations and Production, Sidewalk Film Festival
Antwon Ervin, Founder, Discover Birmingham
Karla Khodanian, Social Media Marketing/PR, Dogtrot Studios
Marcus Turner, Business Development/Marketing, Ticketbiscuit
Chris Izor, Special Projects / Fundraising, Jones Valley Urban Farm
Max Rykov, Game Show Host, Figure 2
Carrie Fagan Montgomery, Events Coordinator, Birmingham Museum of Art
Bryna LaShae, Communications Specialist, REV Birmingham
Mathew Hamilton, Organizer, TEDx Birmingham
Tyler Jones, Filmmaker, 1504 Pictures
2014
Sitting : L-R
Kenwyn Alexander, Photographer, A Birmingham 100
Marty Swant, Copywriter, Big Communications
Sydney Blackwell Newsom, Co-Founder / Chief Creative, Dogtrot
Anna Lea Jenkins, Graphic Designer, Dogtrot Studios
Laura Kate Whitney, Founder, Dogtrot Studios