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Making Your Media Matter
Conference 2008
Making Your Media Matter 2008 Rapporteur’s Report[PDF]
by Kate Schuler
Making Your Media Matter ‘08 Podcast and Discussion Forum
Audio podcasts and takeaways from the 2008 Making Your Media Matter conference are now available!
We welcome your comments and thoughts about the conference in our discussion forum at the bottom of the page.
More Information
Conference 2008 Basic Info
Join filmmakers, distributors, outreach specialists and an impressive cast of media pioneers for a rich day of panels, discussions, networking and keynote speakers on the latest tools and trends in creating and distributing social issue media.
Making Your Documentary Matter 2007: Rapporteur’s Report
By Kate Schuler
Making Your Documentary Matter: Public Engagement Strategies that Work January 31 – February 1, 2007
Making Your Documentary Matter 2007 Podcast & Discussion Forum
Audio podcasts and power points from the 2007 Making Your Documentary Matter conference are now available!
We welcome your comments and thoughts about the conference in our discussion forum at the bottom of the page. And please let us know what you think about our new adventure in podcasting! We especially want to know how this page can be as easy as possible for you to use!
Big Dreams, Small Screens: Online Video for Public Knowledge and Action[PDF]
Learn how popular commercial online digital video platforms, such as YouTube, GoogleVideo and MySpace, are being used to create, exchange, and comment upon information for public knowledge and action—and what their limitations are!
Documentaries on a Mission: How Nonprofits Are Making Movies for Public Engagement[PDF]
Read about how the Sierra Club, The American Civil Liberties Union and local environmental groups use documentaries for high-impact and action
2007 Making Your Documentary Matter Conference Participant Biographies
Read the bios of our list of participants in the 2007 Making Your Documentary Matter Conference.
Mimi Pickering Participatory Media Speech
Our good friend Mimi Pickering from Appalshop sent us a recent speech that shows how the participatory media movement has deep roots.
MYDM Related Links
Want to learn more about making your media matter? Here are some additional resources from our partners in the field. Click here!
Related Articles
MYMM Travel Information
February 7-8, 2008, Katzen Arts Center Recital Hall, American University.
Making Your Documentary Matter 2006: Report
Barbara Abrash reports from the 2006 Making Your Documentary Matter conference- see clips highlighting the powerful points made by guest speakers and panelists.
Making Your Documentary Matter 2006[PDF]
Barbara Abrash reports from the 2006 workshops on the latest in public engagement strategies for social issue media makers.
Making Your Documentary Matter 2005[PDF]
By Barbara Abrash
If you missed the February 7, 2005 workshop “Making Your Documentary Matter: Outreach and Impact Strategies That Work,” or if you just need a reminder, read this summary document of the discussion for key points.
Related Videos
February 8 browse
Making Your Documentary Matter 2005 part 1
The first of an annual producer's workshop was held at the Center for Social Media at American University on February 7, 2005. The workshop was designed to showcase strategies and resources on audience engagement using media. It served to highlight the dynamic and growing use of media as a tool for social outreach.
February 7 browse
Making Your Documentary Matter 2005 part 2
Cara Mertes, P.O.V. Executive Director, discusses the power of a well-crafted human story that treats people fairly; strong support materials; and feedback in the creation of an effective documentary. She uses Tami Gold and Kelly Anderson’s Every Mother’s Son
to illustrate her points.
Ellen Schneider, Executive Director of Active Voice, uses Carlos Sandoval and Catherine Tambini’s Farmingville to demonstrate how filmmakers can provide guidance to advocates on the power of media use.
Melissa Hook, Deputy Executive Director of the Victim Assistance Legal Organization, discusses her role as National Outreach Coordinator for Sentencing the Victim. She stresses the importance of being aware of turf issues among partner organizations; as well as recognizing opposition.