Since early 2010, May First/People Link has answered multiple calls to provide support for audio and video streaming for social movement events such as the World and US Social Forums and the Cochabamba Climate Conference. We show up, fully-prepared or just-in-time, to stream or support streaming in vastly different circumstances all over the world. From Bolivia to Senegal, Palestine to Mexico, we have provided some form of virtual interactivity through broadcasting. No two situations have ever been the same and we have learned a lot about what works and what doesn't; and all using Free and Open Source Software.

May First/People Link wants to make it a priority to partner with organizations that are committed to opening participation to their events with live streaming with the use of Free and Open Source Software. Especially, we encourage our members to take advantage of this opportunity to learn more about FOSS alternatives to live streaming video. This partnership will begin with a workshop, but we hope will continue in the form of membership with MF/PL and ongoing collaborative opportunities.

A two-day workshop will cover the landscape of available free tools for streaming, what we think works best and why. We will also go over on-the-ground logistical planning and equipment use such that workshop attendees will be fully able to stream and archive live video from any location with sufficient network connectivity.

The costs for a 2-day workshop include:

• Trainer travel costs (trainers are based in New York City)
• Trainer reimbursement for two-day workshop

Equipment that should be purchased in preparation for the workshop:

• Network connectivity (broadband ideally)
• Laptop with DV input running Linux operating system
• DV camera
• bits and pieces (microphones, headphones, cables)

Ongoing costs; other infrastructure:

• Website (to display the video)
• Server space (to "stream" the video)
• ongoing support, upgrades, etc.

At minimum, travel reimbursement is necessary for our technologists. Many of the equipment items listed can be found, rented, or purchased with help of the MF/PL technologists and trainers. The ongoing costs associated with the partnership are specifically for organizations that want to continue to use the live streaming set-up for future events. The costs of server space and ongoing support can be determined on a case-by-case basis.