We propose that these workshops be offered to the community and the local committee decides which components to choose. It is suggested that one youth be responsible for followup peer teaching of each module.
The workshops are designed to be delivered on a weekend. They are typically accompanied by a live community media event.
Workshop # 1 - Community Reporting
Workshop leadin components for local facilitators include completion of a Community Communication Needs, Skills and Resources Assessment Map.
The second step is to familiarize the community media volunteers with the concept of community reporting. Basically, think community - where you're from.
If they have time, they could facilitate some of the interview exercises with the volunteers.
Interviews need to be scheduled in the community and in the studio on the second day of the workshop. This can include musicians as well.
On the morning of the second day we can meet to debrief the experience and set goals until our next volunteers workshop.
Outcomes of the workshop should include new ideas for community interviews; interviewing people in the community; cataloging the tapes already shot, and identifying community issues and cultural events.
The next workshop focuses on the role of the Community Communications Facilitator; Networking; Public Awareness; Income Generation Potential, and Popular Education Methodology.
Workshop # 2 - Community Media Facilitator
The second community media workshop is designed for the facilitators; the intent is it will be an opportunity for the facilitators to discuss issues after several months on the job.
Technical: A brief introduction to the new digital camcorders as electronic news gathering tools and suggestions for editing interviews.
Workshop leadin components include revisiting the Community Communication Needs, Skills and Resources Assessment Map, and reviewing the Community Media Facilitator job description, as well as the community and facilitator assessments.
We will also focus on the practical implementation of the development of public awareness; gaining support through networking, and a popular education learning methodology.
Outcomes of the workshop should include preparation for a community television event; preparing tapes; completing the workshop forms as hard copies; completing an inventory of the new equipment (serial numbers), and networking with other communication faciliators.
The next volunteers workshop focuses on on-camera performance in the studio and facilitating a community television event.
Workshop #3 - Inside the Community Television Studio
The third community media workshop activities include setting up the new television studio; in studio practice on the new equipment; preparing and implementing a community television event.
Leadin activities were selecting and dubbing previously recorded 8 mm tape to VHS; reviewing the diagrams on framing a shot; reading the guide to community television (see the link in the list at the bottom of this page); and arranging for live participation from the community for the live media event.
Workshop leadout components were practice editing of tape using the analog video editor loaned by Ryakuga and implementing a community television program before the next workshop.
The next workshop introduces the computer and digital editing.
Workshop #4 - The Computer as a Communication Tool
The fourth workshop introduces the computer as a communication tool in a community media studio. We focus on digital video editing and digital photography. Activities will also include community interviews as well as preparing and implementing a community event.
Leadin activities included editing taped components for the show using camcorder to VCR editing; reviewing the online tutorials on video editing, and producing a TV show.
Leadout components included preparing a two day schedule for the next workshop/community radio broadcast, conceptualizing cultural celebration and editing taped programs for the broadcast.
The next volunteers' workshop focuses on community radio as a tool for community discussion and cultural celebration.
Workshop #5 - Community Radio
The fifth workshop introduces FM radio as a community development tool. It also relates to the continuation of community television in the community. The prime focus is the importance of community communications to community groups. The main activities are preparing and publicizing a three day program while concentrating on the importance of audio production values.
Leadin activities include publicity and contacting people to develop a program featuring community groups and cultural celebration.
Leadout activities include editing an audio summary of the program and reporting on the website.
The next workshop focuses on website production and desktop publishing of newsletters and brochures.
Workshop #6 - Desktop Publishing
The sixth workshop introduces design and production of websites, newsletters, posters and brochures. The underlying concept is to demonstrate implementation of design without using specialized or expensive software.
The website component focuses on handcoding simple html and shareware processing of digital photos. FTP utilizes "drag and drop" shareware. There is an emphasis on updating websites at least once a week.
The focus of desktop publishing is using simple templates in word processing software and, again, shareware processing of digital photos.
Leadin activities include updating the intro page of the Burnt Islands site and producing newsletters for Burnt Islands.
Leadout activities include weekly updating of the Burnt Islands website and monthly production of the newsletter.
Online Ryakuga Resources include:
1. A Guide to producing a community television event
2. Some studio tips
3. Community television jobs
4. Video editing
5. An introduction to community media and community news
6. A sample assignment sheet
7. Gathering news and writing for community television
8. Interviewing for community television
9. Framing: previsualizing what the camera sees.
10. A really quick guide to video
11. An introduction to iMovie
12. Digital cameras and iMacs
13. Writing a press release
14. A Guide to Grassroots Community Radio
15. Posters and Brochures:
16. Communication Tools for Community Groups
17. Simple Web Page Production
Additional information:
1. Ryakuga Community Communications Needs, Skills and Resources Mapping Assessments
2. Community Media Facilitator: job description and assessments
3. Networking
4. Developing Community Awareness
5. A Guide for Participatory Evaluation
6. Developing a learning-focused popular education environment