There's just one day to go until the 2008 National Conference for Media Reform here in Minneapolis. But in case you thought the excitement doesn't start until Friday, just check out the amazing series of pre-conference events taking place today. There's a forum for academics, a teach-in on media literacy tools and techniques, a citizen-journalist training, a Consumers Union pre-conference and "Democracy Day" events.

After the pre-conferences, it's time to gear up for the Party for a Media Revolution, the official pre-party of NCMR 2008, at Trocaderos Nightclub in the Minneapolis Warehouse District. The event will showcase some of the Twin Cities' top musical talent, and all party proceeds will benefit Minneapolis' own KFAI Community Radio and the Twin Cities Daily Planet. Tickets are $10 in advance online, $15 at the door. The party starts at 8 p.m. Come celebrate the launch of NCMR!

Here's a rundown of today's pre-conference events
The "Academic Symposium for Scholars" is a forum for academics to present new research about reform movement issues and to promote dialogue between academics and media reform proponents. Academics and media reform activists should be sure to attend!

The "ACME Summit" is a one day teach-in on media literacy tools, techniques, and strategies. Discuss censorship and how to be a smart media consumer and educator. These folks have figured out how to make their work funny, engaging and incredibly effective. This will be a great learning opportunity, so don't miss out!

Citizen-journalist training: "Journalism That Matters" is about building local, literate, digital domains on the web where community and commerce flourish. Held at the University of Minnesota, the event features the best examples of local online news operations run/owned by citizen/journalists in a sleeves-rolled-up working session. This event is best for active citizen journalists and bloggers.

The Consumers Union pre-conference, "Communications, Media and Intellectual Property Around the World," explores opportunities and impediments to harness the potential of media to expand democratic, consumer and human rights around the world. Join top experts and advocates from around the world.

"Democracy Day" is an opportunity to map out a new road to a democratic future. Reform leaders from around the country will lead intensive workshops focusing on short and long-term strategies to build a sustainable movement focusing on ballot integrity, campaign finance reform, universal voter registration, instant runoff voting, and a host of other issues. Presenters include FairVote's Rob Richie, Liberty Tree's David Cobb and Public Campaign's Nick Nyhart.

"Claim Democracy: An Evening Celebration"is a FREE evening event, conveniently located at the Minneapolis Hilton Hotel following all of the NCMR pre-conferences, featuring speakers who are on the cutting edge of the fight for fair elections and improving democracy. Join journalists Amy Goodman and John Nichols, along with acclaimed novelist Walter Mosley, who will share their insights about moving toward a more perfect union in 2009. Other speakers include Minnesota Secretary of State Mark Ritchie, former Congressman Bob Edgar, The Gathering's Malia Lazu and author Joel Bleifuss.

Last but not least, there's the Party for Media Revolution. You are warmly invited to the official pre-party of the National Conference for Media Reform, co-hosted by two Twin Cities independent media institutions. All party proceeds will benefit KFAI Community Radio, now celebrating its 30th anniversary, and the Twin Cities Daily Planet. The event will showcase some of the Twin Cities' top musical talent, including local legend Willie Murphy and the Angel-Headed Hipsters, performing funky, political R&B. Music on the main stage will range from world music to rock, while upstairs, The Uncommon Voices Lounge will offer acoustic sounds and a lounge atmosphere. The welcome party will be held at Trocaderos Nightclub (107 Third Avenue North) in the Minneapolis Warehouse District. Tickets are $10 in advance online, $15 at the door. Visit www.kfai.org for advance tickets. Must be 18 or older or accompanied by a parent or guardian. 8 p.m. - 1:00 a.m.