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The California Arts Council is "Changing the Narrative"


We have great news! The California Arts Council has just announced they will fund 'Changing the Narrative,' our collaboration with The Social Justice Learning Institute with an "Arts and Public Media" grant.

Connectopod teaches kids in need to podcast as a means of self empowerment.

Together we are working with the youth of Inglewood in South LA on a project entitled 'Changing the Narrative.'

"Changing the Narrative" starts off with a 5 week program.

SJLI will go deep the first week exploring how people of color are portrayed in media: advertising, movies, tv, music, radio, social media. How does the present narrative affect people of color and outcomes in their communities? How does that affect our culture? How can we create a more accurate and nuanced narrative?

Then Connectopod will come in for four weeks and work with the participants on what it takes to craft your message, produce a podcast, and then utilize media venues to get that message out.

To help us in this endeavor, we've engaged guest speakers to add depth and complexity to the process of building a narrative. Dr. Safiya Umoji Noble will discuss her new book "Algorithms of Oppression: How Search Engines Reinforce Racism" (live from Ghana!). Professional designer Eduardo Salazar will talk about how design creates consistency in your message and how to understand your client ( in this case your audience) for maximum impact. Jessica Jewel Lanier will share how to reach a wide audience culled from her experience as a professional communications and social media manager.

The finished product of the program will be the first episode of a six part podcast entitled "Changing the Narrative" to be rolled out over the next year.

Thank you California Arts Council! Though we would have proceeded with our 5 week program no matter what, we now have gas in the tank.

SJLI instuction to be led by Daniel Castillo and interns from USC.

Connectopod Team will be Betsy Foldes Meiman, Andrea Lopez, assisted by interns Ana Perez (Cal State Nortridge) and Natalie Redington (USC)

Members of the California Arts Council include: Chair Nashormeh Lindo, Vice Chair Larry Baza, Phoebe Beasley, Christopher Coppola, Juan Devis, Kathleen Gallegos, Jaime Galli, Donn K. Harris, Louise McGuinness, Steven Oliver, and Rosalind Wyman. Learn more at www.arts.ca.gov.

Connectopod Learning is one of 16 grantees chosen for the Arts and Public Media program. The award was featured as part of a larger announcement from the California Arts Council.

For complete listing of all Arts and Public Media grantees visit here .

To see and hear what else we've been up to, listen here!

Connectopod is a 501c3 organization. To support our projects go here. Thank you to our many generous supporters who donate their treasure, time and talents!

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