"BY THE PEOPLE, FOR THE PEOPLE": STORIES OF CIVIC ENGAGEMENT
Ages 16-29
Fall 2020, Online
In this distance learning videography workshop, student fellows will find out who does what in city government and create features sharing their experiences. Often times, we see issues in our neighborhoods but are unsure how to address them. Who do I tell? What will they really do? Through research and interviews with city officials over Zoom, fellows will learn which offices are responsible for addressing which types of concerns, and what the process is for making themselves heard and getting things done. Fellows will identify issues that are personally meaningful to them, from community green spaces to voters' rights to police department funding, then pursue those interests, documenting their progress and discoveries. They'll learn how government works, or doesn't work, and they'll learn how to present complex issues and personal experience effectively to an audience through shaped and polished video features. They'll learn research techniques and interview protocols, and the basics of videography, including audio and editing. They'll consider community needs and ask hard questions of community leaders, City Council members, school officials, and others in power. Each fellow will finish with a short feature, and their work will be shared through a virtual screening and on the program website. Limited to 8 student fellows.
Terrence Nelson is the managing broadcast producer for the ESPN & Special Olympics broadcast and production partnership. The Morgan State University graduate has worked on projects with major media outlets such as TV One, CNN, NY Daily News, Netflix, NBC, and MTV.
Essence Smith is the Community Schools Coordinator at Green Street Academy. She has a passion for empowering today’s youth through education and leadership development. Essence believes you should be the change you want to see.
Ava Levine is a sophomore at Johns Hopkins University majoring in international studies. She enjoys embroidering and is looking forward to contributing to the work done at BYFA.
