Getting Started

Under two weeks working at the Grand Rapids Community Media Center and things have been busy. I am jumping in and helping out with a summer program that is already in existence called ArtWorks. I ride around in a production van filled with high school kids and equipment, and we have been filming interviews at the Urban Institiute for Contemporary Arts, to make a project for their capitol campaign. So far so good, they need my help and I am glad to give it. I have contacted local youth GLBT groups and explained that I want to teach the kids how to create their own digital stories. I have had good responses but it looks like things won't start until the school year. I am making my own digital story this week and will spend some time trying to figure out the best way to exhibit it. Meanwhile, I am working with inner city kids on a new project. They are 16-19 year old males who have are on the fence between jail and a job. We plan to teach them video basics; production, planning, how to do an interview, how to use equipment, etc. The challenge here is forming a relationship with them, gaining their trust, finding common ground to start from. It will take time, and I am working with amazing people who luckily have been doing this for a while. I know that this year I will constantly be learning, and I am really excited about that. My supervisor is awesome, and we get along great. My organization is broke, and financial support for a conference is out of the question...boo. Happy 4th to all...

Comment from Ben Sheldon on July 6, 2007 - 5:09pm

Sounds like a lot of fun driving around in the Van. Mobile operations are always better than sitting around the office (take it from me, I don't even have windows).

I used to work with Danielle Krawczyk, who started the MOLLIE Project at Grand Rapids many years ago as a CTC VISTA. He posted a great video about it.

Also, I hope you are talking with Danielle Martin, who has more digital storytelling experience than you can shake a stick at.

Keep on trucking!

Comment from Meegan Kelly on July 9, 2007 - 10:59am

Hi Sarah!!!

Glad to hear you're having fun. I bet you miss your roommates. I just wanted to say hey.

Meegan

Comment from danielle martin on July 11, 2007 - 5:18pm

Hey Sarah,

Oh man I can't wait to see your story! Is it the same one from the GRUT workshop? Let me know if you need any feedback on your script and such. You're going to post it StoriesforChange.net right? And you could also connect with Jessica McCoy, a current CTC VISTA at the Center for Digital Storytelling who actually helped Naomi out with the story we showed at the PSO.

You should take a look at this great event that I'm going to post soon about this ds workshop a friend of mine is doing in Africa around getting women to share their stories around violence (a different but still sensitive subject, especially down there).

Say hi to Richard!

-Danielle