MENTOR NOTEBOOK: Media Literacy Workshop at Crenshaw High School
Emily Henry | 11-30-2009 | Comments |
GO TO: Ten Ways to Add to the Community Conversation 
Intersections mentors visited Mr David's US Government class at Crenshaw High School last week to discuss the inner-workings of the media industry and the social effects of news coverage. The small class of 11th graders were very receptive and energetic as they thought about why their school, and their community at large, suffers from predominantly negative media coverage. One student hit the nail on the head: "People are more interested in negative things," she said. "Honestly, if I saw a story about a Crenshaw student getting a scholarship, and another story about a Crenshaw student getting killed, I would want to read the second story."So, with demand favoring the more violent, tragic or "bad" stories, how do positive stories make their way into the limelight?
"What can you do to make a difference?" the mentors asked.
"Nothing," said a cluster of students throughout the room.
"Become a journalist," answered another.
Interestingly enough, added the mentors, there are many avenues for young people to make a difference by taking on the role of the "journalist" for themselves. Even posting updates on Twitter or MySpace is adding to the conversation. In an Internet age, there is no need to sit back and let one type of perspective rule the day.
Ten Ways to Add to the Conversation about Your Community:
1. Create a blog. Both Blogger and Wordpress are easy to use. Simply create an account, and start writing! Post pictures from your community and document personal experiences.
2. Hop on Twitter. This micro-blogging service allows you to jump into the community conversation, fast. Create an account and start sharing information about your neighborhood, news stories you've found, or updates on an issue your community is experiencing. Use the search bar to find people with similar interests and start "following" them.
3. Comment on News Stories. If you read a news story that seems one-sided or inaccurate, there is no need to stay quiet about it! Most news websites include a "comment" box at the bottom of their stories. Type in your name or remain anonymous, and tell them what you think. Let loose!
4. Go to a City Council Meeting. The biggest decisions in your community start inside City Hall at these weekly meetings. This is where council members discuss current issues and figure out the steps to take in response. Each meeting includes a "public comment" portion, which allows residents to vocalize their concerns directly to the politicians in charge. Get in line and make a stand. In Inglewood and Compton, City Council meetings are on Tuesday evenings. Check with city websites for times.
5. Get involved with a community forum. The biggest buzz on the Internet is happening inside community forums. Start a conversation, or join one. Topix is one of the most popular websites, and includes forums for all cities and areas in South Los Angeles. Simply type in your zip code.
6. Take a Walk. We're a city obsessed with our cars. But what are we missing while we're huddled up inside our metal bubbles? Take a walk around your neighborhood and see what's new. You'll notice a lot more on foot.
7. Change Your Routine. Always eating at the same restaurants, visiting the same park, shopping at the same mall? The quickest way to see another side of your community is to venture beyond the usual hang-out spots.
8. Digg It. Digg is a social bookmarking site that allows users to "vote up" stories. There is power in numbers, and Digg is a great way to bring attention to a story developing in your community. Submit news articles, or search for relevant news items, and Digg! The more Diggs a story receives, the more likely it is to get attention.
9. Get the word out. It may seem old fashioned in an age of computers and iphones, but the best way to get involved in the community conversation is good old face-to-face banter. At school, church or across the fence, engage your fellow residents in conversation about what's happening in the neighborhood. Let them know how to get involved, comment and tell their own stories.
10. Contribute to Intersections: the South Los Angeles Report. We accept all forms of community contributions. Got an idea for a story? We'll help you develop it. Had a personal experience you want to share? Send it our way. Want to show Los Angeles what your community is made of? Send us pictures. From book reviews to political opinion pieces... we accept all forms of community engagement, in all mediums, including text, video, audio and pictures.
Interested in having Intersections mentors run a workshop in your community or school? Contact us at southla@usc.edu
Tags: classroom crenshaw high school education media literacy mentor notebook mentoring
