Media coalitions (and student roles) -- Providence Community Media Forum

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Subject: Media coalitions (and student roles)

Author:
Seth Pipkin

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Date Posted: 16:35:19 09/14/01 Fri

Although these things were examined by our community media group in our own meetings, I would really like to hear some candid responses from local professionals (though I'm not adverse to hearing comments from others as well).

First, what prospects are there for groups working on issues of media access and literacy in Providence to come together and reinforce each other? Can nonprofits who are stuggling to hold their own forts expend the resources necessary to cross over and link up with other groups? I find this question particularly interesting because while it is a significant investment to make that leap, once it is made, the collective strength it creates can yield very handsome dividends.

And secondly, given that local nonprofits are in such a struggle for resources, time, and man- (or woman-) power, how can they best integrate motivated college students who are on very limited limited schedules and transportation constraints? If a student commits to do something for an organization and eventually does not come through on his/her promises, is the inevitable result going to be an avoidance on the part of the community organization of working with students in the future? Where is the niche for these sorts of volunteers who are transplanted into the local environment for just nine months a year for four years?

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[> Subject: special events and learning relationships

Author:
Dmitri Seals
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Date Posted: 19:44:49 09/14/01 Fri

>And secondly, given that local nonprofits are in such
>a struggle for resources, time, and man- (or woman-)
>power, how can they best integrate motivated college
>students who are on very limited schedules and
>transportation constraints?

Speaking as a college student, I've found that the greatest draws for students in the organizations I work with have been special events (e.g., a computer set-up day, or a community fair to staff) and mentoring relationships (both being mentored and mentoring others).

The first is a good draw for quick manpower, but the second can create the deep bonds between students and community that will make for devoted long-term volunteers. Like many folks, students like to build personal connections with people they respect, people who are leaders in their community -- and as they build these connections they learn the whys and hows of serious community involvement.

When the time comes to mentor or help others, students are primed to practice the model of community involvement they observed from their mentor(s). They can spread this to fellow volunteers, members of the community, anyone -- the cycle builds on itself.

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