From our blog: Meet some of the Community Voices team

Most of the team working on Community Voices has now been confirmed, so without further ado…

Jessica Medling has joined us on a permanent basis as Head of Content and Digital Projects. Jessica has more than 10 years experience in strategic marketing management for large brands, lots of experience working with Media Trust and will be responsible for the rollout of the Community Voices project. Jessica is passionate about the role that digital media can play in helping communities and nonprofit organisations to communicate with their various audiences and the global online community.
 
Sam Gillett, who has joined us as Grants and Administration Assistant. Sam has a strong grants administration background and is already settling in well as part of the team.
 
Also joining us soon is Kim Townsend will be joining us soon as Community Voices Community Outreach Manager. Kim has previously run the award-winning Brixton Prison Radio Station and will be working closely with the 26 digital media projects that will be funded through the programme.

A Project Co-ordinator will be appointed soon as well.

 

From our blog: 3 things that are more important than technology

The Community Voices team at Media Trust will be a running a workshop-style seminar at the Digital Engagement Event on October 6:  ’3 things that are more important than technology’.

The workshop will enable delegates to engage with and understand more about the Community Voices project, and have their own voices heard.

Through our experience of working with disadvantaged and isolated communities, we will discuss some of the key issues that are often relegated in attempts to digitally engage excluded groups, and showcase a range of digital technology (beyond computers) that is accessible to inspire community engagement

Interesting quick link: 4

From desktop computers to mobile apps for social change – a study of UK digital inclusion and our vision for the future. Presented by CDI (Centre for Digital Inclusion), 18 September – the event is open and free to all, but you need to register your attendance.

 

From our blog: Case study: Ivy Bean

This is a great example of how digital media can engage a potentially isolated group; at 104 years old, Ivy Bean is one of Twitter’s most elderly – and regular – users.

More than 27,000 people follow Bean as she tweets about her day-to-day life. Bean is so active online because the care home she lives in makes activities for its residents a priority.

The residents have people around them who can help, teach and encourage them once they are engaged with digital media, whether this be with Twitter, the Internet in general or photography courses. The home’s manager, Pat Wright, told CNN: “”We’re trying to do something different than knitting or crochet.”

 

From our blog: Mediabox grants open

Mediabox offers funds for youth-led media projects and has launched Mini Mediabox – a new strand designed especially to help support small and grassroots organisations.

It’s an entry-level grant, giving organisations with turnovers below £100,000 access to funding of up to £5,000. Visit the Mediabox website to find out more, full details on how to apply and to see some examples of other Mediabox projects.

 

From our blog: Follow us on twitter

Add us on Twitter for news snippets and info: http://twitter.com/CommVoices

 

 

 

 

 

From our blog: Interesting quick link: 3

Online community of members of the public, private and third sector, exploring how communities can use social technology for local social, economic and environmental benefit – join the network and have your say: http://localcommunities.ning.com/

Note particularly the Social Reports group and comments from CV’s Jess Medling. We’re planning on using social reporting on this project – it’s a great way of sharing stories, ideas and case studies using digital media as the tool.

 

From our blog: New additions to the CV team

Following the announcement of the roles available in the Community Voices team, we had a great response from people looking to be a part of this. Recruitment is going well so far, we have already appointed the Grants & Administration Assistant and we’re looking forward to them starting very soon.

We’re currently interviewing for all the remaining positions – Community Outreach Manager and Project Coordinator -  so we should be able to introduce you to the whole team soon!

 

From our blog: Interesting quick link: 2

Charity Hack Weekend brings together charities and developers with the aim of revolutionising online fundraising.

It takes places 19-20 September 2009 in Richmond, Surrey – tickets are free, but on a first-come-first-served basis. You can follow them on Twitter too to find out the latest updates.

 

From our blog: Bright idea - big prize

Community Channel and photographer Fran Monks have joined forces to launch a competition to find the best, innovative, small project that is making an impact on its local community. The prize for the winning project is a film custom-made by Fran Monks to promote their project. 

Take a look at How to Make a Difference which profiles four inspiring people and their projects.  Enter a project you know about, or nominate yourself! Closing date is 14 October 2009.

This competition isn’t necessarily digital focused, but is running as part of Media Trust’s ongoing commitment to rewarding innovation and success stories.  Community Voices will also be looking for stories from grassroots organisations – more on this coming soon…

 

From our blog: Interesting quick link: 1

Microsoft Unlimited Potential – Community Technology Skills Program:  support for technology skill training.

Application for funding ends 22 September 2009

 

From our blog: Update on grants and applications

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