Free Media Literacy Summit aims to increase community knowledge and experiences

Members of the community and attendees are invited to come out for a day of hands-on, educational workshops about the media creation process, from podcasting to video production, just a couple of examples of ways that showcase the changing media landscape.

Offering fun, engaging options

“All of the workshops will be incredibly hands-on and interactive,” says Ted Diedrich, station manager at GRTV, adding that this speaks to the mission of the summit, which is for attendees to “have the inspiration to create media as well.”

Panels will provide a fun experience, says Diedrich, helping participants to take what they’ve learned and exercise their critical thinking to figure out a way to use their voices through various media tools.

Sam Easter, a library assistant at GRPL, as well as one of freelance reporters moderating the News Deserts and Importance of Local News panel, considers it a fulfilling experience to participate in the Summit, with the hopes that attendees will engage with the journalists around them. “You’re surrounded by a lot of smart journalists who really care about the civic life in your community and [are] worth engaging with.” 

Linda Otterbridge, representing Hook A Sista Up (HASU) and a panelist for the Grassroots and DIY Media panel, feels that the information provided to attendees will be important for creatives, particularly when it comes to using the media tools for visibility.

“You must be visible and relevant to drive people to your business,” says Otterbridge. To her, exposure and relevance are what allow you to “move the needle in your business.” 

Panel workshops and topics

The four panels are as follows —

• The first panel will feature Elizabeth Drouillard, Candor Media, Grand Rapids reporter; Sam Easter, freelance reporter; John Hair, former CNN producer and Denavvia Mojet, local political reporter; who will speak on News Deserts and the Importance of Local News at 10 a.m.
• The second panel will feature keynote speaker Sue Ellen Christian, a professor of communication at Western Michigan University and author of “Everyday Media Literacy: An Analog Guide for Your Digital Life,” who will speak on “Don't Be Fooled: How You Can Master Media Literacy in the Digital Age."at 11:30 a.m.
• The third panel will feature Tommy Allen, Rapid Growth Media lifestyle editor; Kylie Ambu, WGVU, inclusion reporter; Phil Tower, WYCE, director and Victor Williams, GR MiFi, CEO, who will speak on Diversity and Representation in the Media at 2:30 p.m.
• The final panel will feature Sean Kenny, Pickle Fort Film Collective; Linda Otterbridge, Hook A Sista Up, podcast creator; Joshua Sikkema, Black Pigeon Studios, owner and George Wietor, printmaker, who will speak on Grassroots and DIY Media at 4 p.m.

In addition, the documentary “Trust Me” will be shown at 1 p.m. in the Theatre’s micro cinema.

Both GRTV and GRPL have focused on media literacy for years, says Diedrich, who says that both organizations have implemented programs to teach and educate members of the community about the evolving media outlets that will be showcased at the summit.

Wealthy Theatre is located at 1130 Wealthy St. SE.

Funding for this event was provided by the Grand Rapids Public Library Foundation.

Visit grpl.org for more information.