When our elderberry leafs out and begins to block the path through the yard, it isn’t just time to sharpen the pruning shears; it also means summer is right around the corner, and with it, Netroots Nation! This year, the progressive community will descend on Pittsburgh for the fourth annual Netroots Nation conference, taking place August 13-16, 2009.

Not everyone can travel to Pittsburgh, but you don’t have to miss out on the party. Netroots Nation also occurs in Second Life, running concurrent with the conference in Pittsburgh. You don’t even have to leave the house, and you can still connect with like-minded folks from around the globe. In addition to live streaming sessions from Pittsburgh, there will be Second Life-only events and interactive events between the two gatherings. Bring your avatar to Netroots Nation Island, participate in the discussions, dance to the spinnings of DJs Dano Bookmite and Zathras Afarensis, and visit the booths of Etopia and Jackson Street Books.

Don’t have an avatar? Join Second Life, then join the Second Life group Netroots Nation. If you get started now you’ll have time to get up to speed on the unique opportunities in Second Life before the conference. Check out the schedules at Cafe Wellstone and Virtually Speaking and choose some events to attend. You’ll find lots of friendly folks ready to help with avatar customization, places to visit, and how to get around in the virtual world.

Netroots Nation in Second Life is organized by a dedicated team of volunteers, and is supported by contributions. To donate, click the link on this website or drop by Netroots Nation Arena in world and add some lindens to one of the donation jugs. We’re in the throes of planning right now and welcome additional volunteers, too!

And if that isn’t enough, you can follow us on Twitter and join our Facebook group! See you in Second Life!