Introduction The National Community Radio Forum (NCRF) identified as a key objective, the forging of greater unity of purpose amongst South Africa’s community radio stations as well as strengthening the sectors’ natural partnership with civil society in deepening democracy. South Africa’s community radio sector is well placed to facilitate the information and developmental needs of the poor and working class communities in which they are mostly located. The National Community Radio Forum (NCRF) with 105 members, is the strongest and most representative body in the sector and has consistently represented the interests of its’ member stations and the sector, as well as offering opportunities for stations to share their experiences and collaborate. The NCRF charter emphasizes the interdependence of community media and civil society. This conference is also an opportunity to look at the role the community media can play in providing a different channel of dialogue to communities involved in service delivery protests. About the Seminar Join the NCRF, MDDA and AIDC for a week long exploration and celebration of alternative and community media in Upington from 6 to 11 December 2009. The Popular Media Mindblast will coincide with the NCRF Biannual General Meeting (BGM) and bring together hundreds of community media practitioners and activists to share experiences, debate alternatives for the community media sector and learn new skills. The Popular Media Mindblast is designed for community media journalists, managers, and civil society activists responsible for media or communication in their organization. Seminar Objectives The objectives of the seminar are • A series of participatory plenary discussions about the communication environment in South Africa, our understanding the purpose of (and threats and opportunities facing) community and alternative media; • The Conference seeks to cement the natural partnerships between civil society organizations, communities, community radio stations and stakeholders such as government. • A series of workshops exploring how best to communicate various Community Issues; • The closed sessions of the NCRF Bi-Annual General Meeting will attend to the organisational matters of the NCRF as well as adopting a new programme for 2010-2011 and electing a new leadership; • In the late afternoon there will be a series of practical media skill trainings to develop the communication skills of participants; • In the evenings we celebrate community and alternative media with music, poetry, and dancing. Target Audiences • Community media journalists, managers, • Civil society activists responsible for media or communication in their organization • Development and C4D NGOs; • Government Departments Outcomes The outcomes of the seminar will be:  Reaffirming the social impact of community media  Communicating inequality in South Africa  Skill and tactic sharing, practical training  Building media/civil society partnerships for participatory democracy  Incorporating the NCRF Bi-Annual General Meeting