Center for Multicultural Cooperation

California Voices After School Programs

 

California Voices is an initiative designed to mobilize young people to have a greater share of voice in the digital era, while preserving the legacy of community elders who have made significant contributions to culture, community, and country.

This semester, educators from one dozen middle and high schools in Fresno County and Kings County have gathered at CMC’s Fresno Youth Empowerment Studio (FresYES) to learn the techniques and receive the training to implement intergenerational digital storytelling service projects through after-school programs at their schools.

During the 2007/2008 school year, they will guide young people as they recruit elder storytellers and develop into intergenerational teams.  Over the course of the school year, they will work through the digital storytelling process, including: Research; Scripting; Storyboarding; and Production.  Young people develop academic, civic, and voacational skills while interacting with inspiring individuals from a different generation and documenting their struggles, triumphs, and spirit of service.  At the end of the school year, these schools will have a series of short, digital documentary films, which they will share with their local communities and premiere at a larger Valley-wide Community Premiere in downtown Fresno in May 2008.

This innovative digital service learning project is expanding into other parts of the state, with schools currently joining the California Voices initiative in both Los Angeles and Sacramento.  Are you interested in helping to create inspired and empowered youth who play a greater role in civic and community participation, while developing skills and goals that lead to their own personal success in life?  Contact CMC to find out how you can get involved.