Story Melodies Vol. 1: Coming of Age in the City from Media Make Change on Vimeo.
On the second day of Christmakwanzakah, my true love gave to me...media lit-er-acy. Yeah, that's the remix.
On day 2 of this series, I'd like to profile a different type of gift-giving, one that's not as concrete as a pair of gloves, some new lipstick or an iPad. Instead, it's the kind of gift that will last longer than all 3 of said items (yes, even the iPad): the gift of media literacy, technology and advocacy for people in underserved communities. By now, most of us know about the "digital divide" and that many low-income communities, communities of color, along with immigrant, youth and senior populations are often behind the technology curve.
Media Make Change, a non-profit organization started by the brilliant Tara L. Conley, is working to even out the playing field. Because of her dedication to "snew media" (a term she has coined bridging "social media" + "new media"), her organization is working with these underserved communities to provide and train people to use technology, in addition to teaching media literacy. The organization conducts programs that teach blogging, social media usage, digital film making/editing, and importantly how to use these tools to advocate for justice issues they believe in.
As someone who studied media for many years in school and who works in public relations, I am really connected to their mission. One of the major blessings of the Internet is that it's a portal where essentially we can all create our own media and tell our own stories without the lens and filter of mainstream, commercially funded, monopolized media. MSNBC.com is gonna get a lot more play than say this blog, but the Internet theoretically gives all of us our own outlets and distribution channels. The division is about access and that's what Media Make Change is focusing on: allowing for more voices to speak their truths, and also helping underserved communities understand and analyze media messages. If media is only expanding and we are constantly being exposed to conflicting and confusing images, then we need to provide all people with the means and context to understand the way media functions (especially corporate media); and the ability to create their own counter messages.
*jumps off soapbox*
Point being, non-profits like Media Make Change need community support, i.e. the regular folks like you and me who want to see our money directly help others. Though monetary donations are always appreciated, they are also looking for tech devices, such as laptops, cameras, and microphones; they also could use counsel (legal, financial, fundraising) and volunteers for their workshops. So as you're replacing and upgrading your MacBooks and Flipcams, put your old ones to good use by donating them to Media Make Change. Give the gift of education, literacy and voice!
Above you can see some of the work in action...a short film created by founder, Tara L. Conley, entitled "Story Melodies Vol 1: Coming of Age in the City." Imagine if everyone had access to equipment to tell their stories...
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