The Secret Handshake
====================
(A newsletter from Handshake)
####Exciting new things cooking in the Handshake kitchen!
- Apply to our Creative Grant and receive $500!
- Launching our generative AI service at mesopotamia.ai any day now
- Working on a Handshake Podcast (coming soon), reach out if have suggestions for speakers (including yourself!)
- Preparing content for an Innovation Bootcamp (coming in September)
Creative Grants
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We recognize that it can be challenging to get a project off the ground - projects that, if funded, could help change and improve the communities we are a part of. Through our creative grants, we hope to provide some monetary support to initiatives that reflect our mission of resilient transformation. Each grant recipient will be awarded $500 to put towards what they're working on. Our goal is to identify projects that align with our Resilient Transformation framework, so that we are able to learn from them and support however we can.
[Apply Here!](https://8czqw.r.ag.d.sendibm3.com/mk/cl/f/D5HtTL4GI6W399n_LapT_SFdro…
Mesopotamia.ai
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See that dog drawn in style of Monet below? It wasn't drawn by Monet. In fact, it wasn't drawn by a human. It was drawn by an artificial intelligence developed by Handshake, following the instruction: “Draw a dog in style of Monet.” Next week we're releasing our first product, a tool for creative text and image generation we're calling Mesopotamia! If you want an invite code to the private alpha, let us know at jeremy(a)handshake.fyi.
The Resilient Minds podcast
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When we hear of another successful business or community program, its success story always sounds like magic. The people behind the work seem super-human. How could they have touched so many lives? The Handshake Podcast “Resilient Minds” is all about peeping into the heads of these entrepreneurs. What was their thought process? How did they reason their way to success? Soon, we will offer that window. You can read more about the subject matter in our [discord post.](https://8czqw.r.ag.d.sendibm3.com/mk/cl/f/UCKq8LpsTLC7aomVihpa3gS35Y… If you'd like to suggest someone to interview, or you are running a venture of your own and would like to star on the podcast, please don't hesitate to reach out to us at info(a)handshake.fyi.
The Innovation Bootcamp
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A couple months ago we realized that the skills and knowledge we possess in emerging tech is something we could teach others to jump-start their careers or multiplying the impact of their existing efforts. Thus was born the Innovation Bootcamp. In September, we are thrilled to share with you what we know about:
1. Web 3 and cryptocurrency
2. VR and metaverse
3. AI and natural langauge processors (NLP, a.k.a. AI text-generators)
We will not just teach you how to create these tools without being a coder, we will also instruct on how to make a portfolio from what you build and pitch it to potential investors. Curious how to participate in the bootcamp, or wondering how innovation training could benefit your organization? Don't hesitate to email us at [jeremy@handshake.fyi](mailto:jeremy@handshake.fyi) or come say hello in our [Discord](https://8czqw.r.ag.d.sendibm3.com/mk/cl/f/MZrkRhRE_grUkK9s7D_MXona….
Cool things happening in our community
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Alana has been with us since day 1 of Handshake – she is someone we often look to for advice and provocation! She is now providing Shamanic Healing Services for individuals and small groups. Alana is offering members of the Handshake community a free session for anyone wanting to explore their spiritual side with her and heal what shows up along the way. She lives in Davis, and you can reach her at +1 530-613-8929.
Provocations and Meditations
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Click on the images to read the full articles or visit referenced site
###Systems
Landfill and its Discontent
A landfill (eco-terrible) is closed and turns into a city money guzzler (it costs $400K/yr to maintain a closed landfill). Then it turns into a golf course (eco - pretty bad), then is considered for a park (eco - ok?) and then turns into a solar farm (eco - you tell me). We are at a loss as to what to do with our dumps. Have any ideas? [Share on our discord!](https://8czqw.r.ag.d.sendibm3.com/mk/cl/f/IQzI_5f4k7IX_cqExPzR-oq…
[(You can see all the landfills in US here)](https://8czqw.r.ag.d.sendibm3.com/mk/cl/f/Txj3oKt8WGJqQM0sqQ65cLhl5x…)
###Communities
All metal bands unite!
The heavy metal community was always good at sticking together. No frills, no cajoling. If you're in, the door is open. The online community Metalabel is doing a great job making a digital version of the inclusivity. They ask you to name your purpose, squad, your works and participation, and then connect you with those of kindred spirit. Even if you're not into cheap beer and houling, there is something to learn from here.
###Learning
Glue worker - hero in the dark
There is an imperative role in teams which is often neglected. The senior staff is too busy aligning goals, the grunt workers are too busy meeting deadlines. The role missing is the one who makes sure attention is directed where needed, people who need to connect are sharing, and generally things are flowing. If we don't give a name to these heroes, they wouldn't stick around.
###Economies
Is buying nice things for the rich?
An article on TMP makes a great point that buying nice things is not a way to spend extra cash for the well-to-do. For those less fortunate, it is a way to make gatekeepers of the social ladder pay attention, let a person in, treat them with respect. It's a very real return for the investment. The author puts it perfectly: “one person’s illogical belief is another person’s survival skill. And nothing is more logical than trying to survive.”
Systems: “Solarjunk” by Taylor Dorrell 07.07.22, on a highly recommended newsletter *The Preparer*
Learning: “Talk Abstract” by Tanya Reilly, see more on her blog “No Idea Post”
Communities: *Metalabel* was developed by A.Bulbrook, L.Dorman, R.Kalin, A.Robey, Y.Strickler, B.Valosek & I.Yudanov
Economies: “Why Do Poor People ‘Waste’ Money On Luxury Goods?” by Tressie Mcmillan Cottom 11.1.13, on *TPM*
Join our Discord channel to hear and share with the beautiful minds of the Handshake community
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[Visit Handshake Discord Channel](https://8czqw.r.ag.d.sendibm3.com/mk/cl/f/NkB2tiWrqbvkpIhrxugJQg-w…
**Handshake**
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