SF Bay Area Multimedia gathering, May 5, 7-9pm

Hey all. This is perfect for many west coast FC members, organized and run by a radio colleague. Check it out! -Mia

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Fotovision Multimedia Salon first Wednesday of each month, 7-9PM at Fotovision

5515 Doyle St, #11, Emeryville, CA 94608 Map: http://tinyurl.com/yc884fn

o Fotovision: That hip ever-growing photo-sound-video fanatic’s group o Multimedia: Mixing sound, stills, video, (smells? tastes?), to tell drop-dead stories, commonly for the web. o Salon: Usually a bunch of pretentious intellectuals in a gilded room getting all snooty about their work. But in this case we mean a group of motivated, experienced media folks sharing knowledge and work.

The group welcomes skilled still photographers, video photographers, journalists, radio and other sound people, editors and storytellers of various stripes working with multimedia.

Join us if you are: o Actively working with multimedia. o Just starting to work with multimedia as an addition to the work you already do. o A professional on fire about the story-telling potential of multimedia, and serious about sharing and expanding your skills with a group of peers.

We gather monthly to show works-in-progress for feedback, support, and discussion. We talk about everything from our work to our gear, from getting jobs to wailing about not getting jobs — and just about anything else that comes to mind. Mostly, we show our multimedia works and figure out ways to make them tighter, more informative and more interesting.

Think of it as a writers’ group for digital storytellers — a group of people with a wide range of skills and styles in the various aspects of multimedia who meet to exchange our hard-found expertise in this new field.

Cost: A sliding scale contribution of up to $15, depending on how well you’re doing in today’s media economy. The contribution goes to Fotovision ( http: www.fotovision.org ) for their expenses and support of the group.

Hope to see you there!

Lonny

Lonny Shavelson http://www.photowords.com

Berkeley, California Office/studio: 510 343 6939 Home: 510 849 9382 Cell: 510 847 5223 e-mail: lonny@photowords.com

National Radio Project’s Making Contact Internship

If you have a couple days a week to spare and want to learn radio, this is a great place to do it. Some long-time FC members work at NRP so drop a line if you want the inside scoop. – Mia

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National Radio Project’s *Making Contact* Internship www.radioproject.org

Making Contact is weekly, internationally syndicated, public affairs program, heard on on over 150 radio stations. The staff of Making Contact is small, but extremely talented and committed. We are seeking hard-working team players to help us produce segments for Making Contact.

*The intern will learn audio editing, researching, voicing, script writing, interviewing and field reporting. This internship is unpaid, but transportation stipend provided and honorariums for completed segments can be negotiated. We ask interns to commit 16-24 hours a week for a 4-month minimum.*

Skills and Responsibilities:

* Must have excellent research skills. As a progressive media outlet, our mission is to interview and tap into the expertise of people who span the political and social spectrum, not just the conventional “experts” or “officials.” The qualified intern is responsible for helping us identify who those lesser-known yet valuable people and community groups are.

* Ability to book and conduct interviews (in-person and phone interviews) and assist in script writing

* Qualified individuals should have a basic knowledge of how to use a microphone, minidisc recorder, headphones, and how to plug into a multbox. If the candidate does not have these general experiences, he/she must be willing to be trained.

* Some knowledge of Cool Edit Pro/Pro Tools/Sound Forge or any other applicable editing software is preferred.

* Additional responsibilities include: transcription, audio editing, selecting soundbites/clips, participating in listening/critique sessions and attending meetings, as needed.

Additionals:

* Should be familiar with community and public radio

* Knowledgeable and passionate about current events. Includes some knowledge of human rights issues and cause-related advocacy groups.

* Some journalistic experience a plus

* Women and people of color are encouraged to apply. National Radio Project is an Equal Opportunity Organization and does not discriminate on the basis of gender, color, sexual preference, disability, national origin, religion, or economic status.

If you’re interested, first please check out the rest of our website to see what we’re all about. Then if you’re really interested, please fill out and return our (printer-friendly) Production Intern Application and send to us with your cover letter and resume. If you have print work samples and/or a demo reel (CD), include that as well.

http://www.radioproject.org/production/prodintern.html

Thank you for your interest in National Radio Project’s *Making Contact *Internship. lrudman@radioproject.org

*THIS ROUND OF APPLICATIONS are due by May 15th for summer internships. *

*Applicants are also considered on a rolling basis, so please get in touch. *

NAISA Radio Without Boundaries conference May 27

Very cool (and affordable) audio conference out of Toronto. More details at http://www.naisa.ca/RWB/. Check it out! -Mia PS: BIG discounts if you apply today.

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April 30th is the last chance to get the early bird discount to the Radio Without Boundaries conference! NAISA is also offering a discount to AIR http://airmedia.org members – this is over and above both the early bird and community radio discounts!

So for AIR members, this could mean as much as $60 off the $150 conference pass. To register go to www.naisa.ca/eshops/RWB_registration.php

Here’s a snap shot of what’s included in the conference. We are very excited to include AIR’s Sue Schardt, Third Coast Festival’s Julie Shapiro, award-winning radio producer Scott Carrier and CBC radio’s DNTO host/producer Sook-Yin Lee amongst the many talented artists and radio producers included in this year’s conference. ___________

NEW ADVENTURES IN SOUND ART is pleased to launch the 8th edition of the RADIO WITHOUT BOUNDARIES CONFERENCE May 27 – 29, 2010 as part of NAISA’s annual month-long Deep Wireless Festival of Radio & Transmission Art in May. The Radio Without Boundaries conference explores the many potentials, boundaries and artist perspectives of radio.

Conference speakers/topics include:

– Two Tin Cans and a String by Sook-Yin Lee (Canada – CBC’s DNTO) about how communication, storytelling and first person expression connect with her DIY practice that was born through music, film and TV and which she continues to explore in radio – The Neighborhood by Scott Carrier (USA – This American Life, the Savvy Traveler, All things considered & Hearing Voices). Scott will discuss and play examples of radio stories he produced that are cultural histories of his home, Salt Lake City and composed of interviews with “average” citizens – The DEW Project and Electromagnetic Boundaries in the Arctic by Charles Stankievech (Canada), is about the history of the electromagnetic in the Arctic – Don’t Tell My Ears Where To Go by Frank Kaspar (Germany, co- presented by the Goethe Institute Toronto), about new Hörspiel and Documentary approaches in the spirit of Glenn Gould’s “Contrapuntal Radio” CBC documentaries – Radio Documentary-Feature as Poetry, Drama and Sound Art by Andrea Dancer (Canada) – Visual Radio with Anna Friz, Emmanuel Madan, Kathy Kennedy and Andreas Kahre – Neighbourhood Transmissions: Radio Jean-Talon (Kathy Kennedy) and The Neighbourhood Stories Project (Reena Katz and Emmy Pantin) – Radio Transformed: a Web of Possibilities with Julie Shapiro (Third Coast Festival), Sue Schardt (Association of Independents in Radio), Ian Pringle (Commonwealth of Learning) & Christof Migone (Audio Artist and Director of Blackwood Gallery).

Workshops include: – Listening Sessions with Götz Naleppa (Germany – co-presented by the Goethe Institute Toronto) and Gregory Whitehead (USA) – Transmitter Workshop with Hector Centeno – Talking It Up (an interview workshop) with Victoria Fenner

Your conference registration fee also gets you into all Deep Wireless festival events and performances for free. ___________________________________________________________ Help NAISA celebrate Radio Art during May at the Artscape Wychwood Barns

NAISA Inquiries & general information:

Nadene Thériault-Copeland Managing Director New Adventures in Sound Art Address: Artscape Wychwood Barns, 601 Christie St #252, Toronto, ON M6G 4C7 Tel 416 652 5115 www.naisa.ca

Freelancer Tax Workshop 11:50 am Sat, May 1 @ USF

Part of the Journalism Innovations III conference happening this weekend. Good stuff going on. -mia

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Sending along from SPJ NorCal. It’s part of the SPJ NorCal Regional Conference/Journalism Innovations III. It’s sliding scale but no one will be turned away. Workshop details below. Conference info below that.

*Tax and legal issues for freelance journalists UC 419 *

-*CPA and financial adviser Bob Jersin will lead a workshop on the tax pitfalls of going into business for yourself, whether you’re a freelancer, an independent contractor or small business owner. Jersin specializes in start-ups and is a small business consultant. Co-presenter and artist Don McCartney, a former long-time San Francisco Examiner and San Francisco Chronicle designer, will share his experience in starting his own design company, Diablo Graphic Design. The 60-minute workshop will cover the top 10 tax mistakes of being your own boss, with supplemental materials, Excel presentation and a Q&A discussion after the workshop. *

– *BOB JERSIN (CPA)* – *DON MCCARTNEY (**Diablo Graphic Design, SF Chronicle)*

*11:50 am-1pm SATURDAY, MAY 1, USF, 2130 Fulton St., Room UC 419, Fromm Hall*.

*GOOGLE MAP DIRECTIONS:* http://sites.google.com/site/journalisminnovationsexpo/location-and-directions

*Just 1 more day until the conference! *

The sessions are ready, the schedule is set, speakers and presenters are flying in to get ready for Friday’s program. The doors open in 24 hours!

For full conference details go here: http://journalisminnovations.org

If you haven’t registered yet, now is the time: http://journalisminnovations.eventbrite.com/

Join hundreds of media makers, academics, advocates and community organizers as we help shape the future of media.

*Program highlights:*

– Plenary *Discussion on the Future of Journalism* featuring JOAN WALSH (Salon.com), DAVEY D (Hard Knock Radio/Southern Shift), TRACY VAN SLYKE (Director The Media Consortium, author “Beyond the Echo Chamber”) and IVAN ROMAN (Executive Director, National Association of Hispanic Journalists)

– A *FREE Career Speed Coaching* event. Register for your 15-20 minute long caching session with a professional career counselor.

– Trainings on *Social Media, Media Collaboration, Branding and Low Cost Technology* tools.

– Special sessions for *youth and student journalists*.

– A film preview of “*A FRAGILE TRUST: Jayson Blair and the New York Times*” with a panel on journalism ethics.

– A special Sunday partnership with RemakeCamp< http://sites.google.com/site/journalisminnovationsexpo/remakecamp for more tech and media workshops.

*Attendees and presenters include:*

The Center for Investigative Reporting, the Center for Public Integrity, IRE, Spot.Us, the Bay Citizen, University of San Francisco, San Francisco State, UC Berkeley, The San Francisco Chronicle, The Sacramento Bee, The San Francisco Bay Guardian, The Examiner,KALW, KPFA, KCET, Oaklandlocal.com, Missionlocal.org, 38thnotes.com, abetteroakland.com, and many more.

*There is something for everyone!*

*Click here< http://sites.google.com/site/journalisminnovationsexpo/conference-schedule-2 > for the full conference schedule.*

For more conference information see the Journalism Innovations/Conference website http://sites.google.com/site/journalisminnovationsexpo/home.

Thanks! Looking forward to seeing you all! Kwan Booth Conference Organizer

*Journalism Innovations and SPJ Region 11 Spring Conference*

Produced by: Independent Arts and Media, The Society of Professional Journalists, NorCal, University of San Francisco, G.W. Williams Center for Independent Journalism.

Maynard Institute’s Multimedia Editing Program – Application Deadline Extended

Spend a month in the desert learning multimedia. Details below (“Deadline Extended” screams good odds for getting in.) -Mia

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Fellowship Application Deadline: May 7, 2010

Twelve fellowships — including lodging, tuition and some meals — to attend the Maynard Institute’s Multimedia Editing Program in Reno, Nev. during June are available to journalists from small- and medium-sized publications.

The fellowships are made possible by a three-year grant from the Donald W. Reynolds Foundation. The program is hosted by the Reynolds School of Journalism at University of Nevada, Reno from May 31 through June 30.

Fellowship applications are invited from journalists who work at U.S.-based newspapers with circulation of 50,000 and below. Journalists who work for online operations of such newspapers are welcome to apply. The Multimedia Editing Program runs from May 31 – June 30, 2010 at the Reynolds School of Journalism at the University of Nevada, Reno.

The program will equip participants to help their news organizations strengthen the print product and build a robust online presence. The Reynolds fellowships cover tuition, housing and some group meals during the program. It includes a travel stipend of up to $500.

With a faculty that includes top editors from the print and online world, the curriculum will cover writing and editing for print, online, wire and broadcast. Instruction will be in-depth and hands-on and cover the breadth of digital media tools: video, audio, blogging, slideshows, tagging, databases, basic HTML, analyzing the success of your Web strategy, using social networking to draw more people to your site and an overview of content management systems.

Skills will be taught in segments that build upon each other. The length of the program will allow participants to do more than simply touch upon each skill. At the Multimedia Editing program, participants will have time for practice, critique and improvement, giving them a working knowledge that can be applied immediately.

As always, strong copy editing skills, including headline writing for print and online, and design will be emphasized throughout the program. The program is ideal for copy editors who want more training, reporters who want to acquire new, hone their existing multimedia skills, editors who work on Web sites, and design and graphics editors who want copy editing training.

Since 1979, the Maynard Institute has trained journalists of color to become copy editors and Web site editors, helped assignment editors improve their copy editing skills, and prepared news professionals for supervisory roles. The program has produced effective newsroom leaders of all races who can promote team work, introduce and manage change, and improve the quality of journalism. Like all Maynard programs, the Multimedia Editing Program is open to people of all races. Apply today at

http://www.mije.org/multimedia-editing-program-online-application

The Census & Demographics panel at UCB, 5/3, 10am

Hey all. Interesting event/panel this Monday at UC Berkeley. Plus free lunch! Details below.

+++++++++++++++++++++ [image: PPIC Special Event] [image: spacer] *The Public Policy Institute of California and the UC Berkeley, Graduate School of Journalism invite you to a panel discussion and lunch*

*The Census and Demographics: Telling California’s Story*

Speakers:

– *Chase Davis*, Investigative Reporter California Watch – *Mary Heim*, Chief, Demographic Research Unit State of California – *Richard Koci Hernandez* Ford Foundation Multimedia Fellow UC Berkeley Graduate School of Journalism – *Hans Johnson*, Senior Fellow Public Policy Institute of California

The 2010 Census is different from any in history. It is designed to provide valuable information about who we are—as a state and as a nation—at the beginning of the 21st century. But it’s based on the answers to just 10 questions. In California, the stakes are high: seats in Congress and millions of dollars for health care, transportation, schools, and social services.

*EVENT DETAILS

* [image: spacer]

*Monday, May 3, 2010* 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

*UC Berkeley* Sutardja Dia Hall Banatao Auditorium University of California, Berkeley (map) (directions )

*RSVP TO* *Kelly Holt* (415) 291-4498 events@ppic.org

The challenge for journalists will be to find the stories in the data and provide a picture of the new California, in new ways and using new tools.

This forum brings together experts on demography and multimedia journalists to talk about what the 2010 Census will—and will not—tell us, what alternative data sources are available, and how demographic data can be used in everyday reporting.

This event will be held on *Monday, May 3, 2010, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.* in the Banatao Auditorium of Sutardja Dai Hall at the University of California, Berkeley.

Lunch will be provided.

Pre-registration is requested. There is no charge to attend.[image: RSVP TO] *To register, please contact Kelly Holt at events@ppic.org or (415) 291-4498.* [image: spacer]

FOLLOW PPIC: [image: icon_email] [image: icon_facebook] [image: icon_twitter] [image: icon_youtube] [image: RSS Icon] [image: Visit PPIC:] Public Policy Institute of California 500 Washington Street, Suite 600 San Francisco, CA 94111 Phone: 415-291-4400, Fax: 415-291-4401 Website: www.ppic.org

PPIC Sacramento Center Senator Office Building 1121 L Street, Suite 801 Sacramento, California 95814 Phone: 916-440-1120

Please direct any questions or concerns about this email to Kelly Holt at holt@ppic.org. [image: bottom rule]

freelancer gatherings happening on both coasts TONIGHT, Thursday 4/29

Hello freelancers east and west. Just a reminder that gatherings are happening in both Oakland, CA and Tivoli, NY tonight. I’ll be hanging out at the Black Swan in Tivoli starting at 8pm, and Jen Ward and Rori Gallagher will be hosting the Bay Area folks at Zza’s Enoteca starting at 7pm. (I’ll be texting you CA folks to make sure you’re behaving.)

Hope you can make it out! Best, mia

OAKLAND ZZa’s Enoteca 550 Grand Ave 7pm – 10pm

TIVOLI The Black Swan 66 Broadway 8pm – 11pm

+++++++++++++++++ on the web: freelancecafe.org on facebook: facebook.com/freelancecafe on twitter: twitter.com/freelancecafe

Storyquest.us looking for multi-language audio producers

Corporate audio gigs tend to pay pretty well and these guys seem legit. Details and link to their site below. Check it out! -Mia PS: Drop me a line if you get in touch with these folks and want to talk pricing. You should be paid CORPORATE rates for this work, not public radio rates. That said, I don’t know these guys so you should do some research first.

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StoryQuest is a Chicago based firm that produces multimedia business stories. We produce stories in many languages and we are seeking experienced freelance producers fluent in both English and one or more of the following languages: Russian, Portuguese, Mandarin, Japanese, Korean, Swedish, Flemish, French, Italian, or Danish. Producers can live an work remotely.

*Skills and Qualifications:*

– Minimum of 4 years experience in radio journalism, audio documentary work. Ideally some experience with NPR, BBC or similar. – Fluent in English and one or more of languages listed above. – High level of professionalism and ability to meet deadlines. – Proficient in ProTools, Audacity, or similar package. – Willing and excited to apply skill set to corporate communications

*Independent producers would be expected to*:

– Review background information provided and follow established processes. – Conduct phone interviews in designated language with corporate executives. – Edit content into final product with compelling storyline. – Provide transcripts and other review support materials in English and other language. – Scope of work requires individuals who are good at following directions, but excited to apply their creativity and storytelling skills to the business world.

Producer base location unimportant, as *work may be carried out remotely.*

*About us:* StoryQuest is a leading edge learning, marketing and business communications firm. We are based in Chicago but work with clients all over the world. We turn real world business stories, voices, and imagery into compelling learning, marketing and communication tools. Using digital story telling and digital “postcards” we help our clients leverage their passion, voice and stories in very practical and mobile tools. Our products are driven by a deep commitment to story-arc, authenticity, and creativity.

Compensation: Paid on per-project basis.

Contact: For immediate consideration, please submit personal introduction and resume to jobs@storyquest.us Qualified candidates can live and work remotely. No recruiters and no phone calls, please. More information is here: http://www.storyquest.us/resources/jobs/multi-language-audio-producer/

Thanks in advance

Tim Keelan StoryQuest Inc. www.storyquest.com tkeelan@storyquest.com o: 312-258-0111 x101 m: 708-404-6707

Upcoming events at the UC Berkeley J-School

These events are free and open to the public. Some good stuff here. Details follow. -mia

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*Matt Winkler, Editor-in-Chief, Bloomberg News* * The Federal Reserve and the Public’s Right to Know*

*When:* Thursday, April 29, 2010, 3:30 PM

*Where: * North Gate Hall http://www.berkeley.edu/map/maps/AB45.htmlLibrary

One of America’s most influential editors discusses the court fight Bloomberg is waging on behalf of all news organizations for access to public records in connection with the Fed’s financial bailout of American banks.

*Leaping Tigers, Hidden Dragons: A Wide Angle on India-China *

*When:* Thursday, April 29, 2010

Reception: 5:00 PM Discussion: 5:30 PM

*Where:* North Gate Hall http://www.berkeley.edu/map/maps/AB45.htmlLibrary

China and India, two of the biggest developing countries and euphemistically referred to as the Asian Tigers, are poised to dominate the 21st century. Their economic growth continues to surprise the developed world even after the financial meltdown of 2009. Both countries have tremendous potential amid significant social problems.

The two countries account for 40 percent of the world’s population and 9 percent of the world GDP. They vie as rivals for western markets on the ground and for business in space. The two countries whose bilateral trade exceeds 52 billion US dollars are also geo-political rivals.

Both India and China are nuclear powers, having gone to war once (1962) and remain in conflict over the last six decades regarding border issues and on Tibet. What does this rivalry mean for the region and the world?

Both countries have significant disparities in their populations’ sex ratio, widespread corruption, poverty and censorship. How will these factors affect their success?

*Panelists include* *Gerard Roland*, Chair of Economics Department, UC Berkeley *Maureen Fan*, China Correspondent, The Washington Post *Ashok Deo Bardhan*, Senior Research Associate, Haas School of Business, UC Berkeley *Ben A. Oppenheim*, Research Fellow, Institute of International Studies, UC Berkeley *Shashi Buluswar*, Dalberg, Global Development Advisors *Todd Carrel*, Visiting Lecturer, Berkeley Graduate School of Journalism* Xiao Qiang*, Adjunct Professor, Berkeley Graduate School of Journalism, founder and editor-in-chief of the China Digital Times Moderated by *Nupur Basu*, Visiting Lecturer, Berkeley Graduate School of Journalism

Join us at the Graduate School of Journalism for a lively panel discussion about these power-house countries.

*The Census and Demographics: Telling California’s Story *

*When:* Monday, May 3, 2010, 10:00 AM

*Where:* Sutardja Dai Hall http://www.berkeley.edu/map/maps/AB45.htmlBanatai Auditorium

*Pre-registration is requested.* There is no charge to attend. To register, please contact *Kelly Holt* at (415) 291-4498 or holt@ppic.org.

The 2010 Census is different from any in history. It is designed to provide valuable information about who we are—as a state and as a nation—at the beginning of the 21st century. But it’s based on the answers to just 10 questions. In California, the stakes are high: seats in Congress and millions of dollars for health care, transportation, schools, and social services.

The challenge for journalists will be to find the stories in the data and provide a picture of the new California, in new ways and using new tools.

This forum brings together experts on demography and multimedia journalists to talk about what the 2010 Census will—and will not—tell us, what alternative data sources are available, and how demographic data can be used in everyday reporting. Lunch will be provided.*

Panelists include*

*Chase Davis*, Investigative Reporter, California Watch *Mary Heim*, Chief, Demographic Research Unit, State of California *Richard Koci Hernandez*, Ford Foundation Multimedia Fellow, Berkeley Graduate School of Journalism *Hans Johnson*, Senior Fellow, Public Policy Institute of California

* The Wind Doesn’t Need a Passport Tyche Hendricks speaks about reporting in the U.S.-Mexico borderlands*

*When:* Thursday, May 6, 2010, 5:30 PM

*Where:* North Gate Hall http://www.berkeley.edu/map/maps/AB45.htmlLibrary

>From a distance, the border looks like a dividing line. Journalist *Tyche Hendricks*, MJ ’97, believes that it’s really a region: more borderlands than borderline. In *The Wind Doesn’t Need a Passport*,she captures the stories of American and Mexican ranchers, factory workers, police and doctors who inhabit one of the least understood places in either country.

A new picture of the borderlands emerges from her reporting — as a common ground alive with the energy of cultural exchange and international commerce, burdened with too-rapid growth and binational conflict, and underlain with a deep sense of history.

With a stalled immigration policy and a raging drug war, it’s the people who live in the borderlands who are bearing the brunt of the violence, the political friction and the pressures of the recession, Hendricks found. But a better understanding of the borderlands — and the way the United States and Mexico are connected — could help policymakers reach more lasting solutions that benefit both countries.

Hendricks is an editor at KQED Public Radio and a lecturer at UC Berkeley’s Graduate School of Journalism. For many years she covered immigration and demographics at the San Francisco Chronicle. Her talk will be followed by a reception and book-signing.

Digital Arts Service Corps – 1 year paid media positions

Yet again, not a high paying gig, but good for a recent grad or someone who wants some real-world experience. Plus partial health benefits and loan deferment/education award. Details below.

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*Year-Long Paid Media Positions! Join the Digital Arts Service Corps! * * * The *Digital Arts Service Corps* is an initiative of the Transmission Project http://transmissionproject.org, a grantee of the Massachusetts state office of the Corporation for National and Community Service, is located at the College of Public and Community Serviceat the University of Massachusetts, Boston http://www.umb.edu.

They are coordinating a wide range of positions at community media projects around the U.S., being made available through the national Americorps*VISTA program that deploys national service volunteers to public media and technology organizations that strengthen low-income and at-risk communities and the nonprofit organizations that serve them.

These include positions at: National Radio Project, Oakland CA Center for Media Justice, Oakland CA Free Speech Radio News, Madison WI Prometheus Radio Project, Philadelphia PA Public Radio Exchange, Cambridge, MA Urbana Champagne Independent Media Center, IL Reclaim the Media, Seattle, WA

You can find the complete list of positions here: http://apply.digitalartscorps.org/vista-positions

But be sure to check the individual sites for more details, job descriptions, and additional benefits that might be available.

AmeriCorps*VISTA members are not volunteers. Instead, you will be charged with a broad responsibility for meeting goals and successfully bringing important community projects to completion. AmeriCorps*VISTA members serve full-time for one year (365 days).

*Benefits of Service* In return for your service, AmeriCorps*VISTA and the Digital Arts Service Corps has many benefits, some more valuable than others:

– $12,000 – $15,000/year living allowance. This amount varies based upon the community in which you serve. – $5,350 Education Award or $1,500 stipend paid at the successful completion of your year of service – Student loan deferment or forbearance on qualified loans – Limited health benefits and prescription drug coverage – Serve as part of a national team, facilitated by the Transmission Project, to share resources, experience and advice – The opportunity to gain high-level experience, skills and access within the nonprofit sector. Many of our alumni have gone on to full-time employment within their organization or another as a result of their service within the Digital Arts Service Corps

*Eligibility* AmeriCorps*VISTA candidates must be a U.S. citizen, U.S. national, or lawful permanent resident, be team-oriented, and be willing to take on a wide range of challenges. Some listings may require college degrees or previous work experience. You must be at least 17 years old. There is no upper age limit, and many AmeriCorps*VISTA members bring significant work and life experiences to their assignment. Self-initiative, flexibility and organizational skills are a must.

*You must be available to serve full-time for one year and are prohibited from outside employment or attending full-time college during your year of service.*

+++++++++++++++++++ NOTE FROM SOMEONE WHO’S IN THE CORPS:

Just want to add a quick supportive comment here —

I’ve been serving as a Digital Arts Service Corps VISTA at NY Media Alliance, upstate in Troy, NY, for the past 9 months, and I have had a fantastic time. I haven’t been able to really save money, travel much, or buy a lot of stuff, but as a 20-something willing to move to a new community, the chance to work at a grassroots media production, advocacy, and/or education organization, get paid a small amount, get half-decent health insurance, and have my student loans deferred is far more appealing than slogging through a retail job while holding unpaid internships with commercial or public radio/media organizations. I’m engaging with a new, dedicated community, learning tons of new audio/video and web-related skills, and making connections in the nonprofit arts and media worlds too.

Many of the nonprofits offering Transmission Project/DASC VISTA positions would otherwise be unable to hire a full-time staff person for these jobs, so you have the opportunity to help them grow in really significant ways.

It’s worth noting that not all of the positions listed on http://apply.digitalartscorps.org/ will ultimately be funded, perhaps even after you’ve interviewed with an organization and they’ve decided to bring you on as a DASC VISTA. This is how the Transmission Project runs, given their limited governmental funding for the project, and though it’s not their fault, it can be incredibly frustrating.

Anyway, I would still recommend applying to one or more positions if you’re in a similar place in your life. You can contact directors Ben or Belinda (and not me please! I don’t represent the Transmission Project, I’m just a member) with further questions: http://digitalartscorps.org/contact_us