Each year, organizers from throughout the Southeast come together for the Community Media Organizing Project (CMOP) Annual Training. CMOP brings together a diverse group of activists to share their experiences in using media. The training included a dozen workshops on topics ranging from social media strategy to introductory video production. 

CMOP forms a joint project of six organizations across five states. Four SOCM members participated alongside our Kentucky sister organizations, 'Kentuckians for the Commonwealth' and 'Community Farm Alliance.' Representing Louisiana was 'Families and Friends of Louisiana's Incarcerated Children', a member-driven group defending youth victimized by the juvenile justice system. We also worked with representatives from 'Federation of Childcare Centers of Alabama' during the conference. 

The training spanned four days at Cumberland University in Lebanon, TN.  At the outset, we collectively set forth goals for the weekend. This lent us focus as we moved through sometimes challenging workshops. Using media effectively in our fight for justice is essential, but often difficult.

Luckily though, we had excellent teachers throughout the training. In a two-part workshop led by SOCM member Charles "Boomer" Winfrey, we learned how to 'pitch' a story. For example, if your local SOCM chapter were organizing a rally around water pollution, how would you get the media interested in covering it? We discussed ways of how the issue impacts everyone, how to highlight the 'controversy' of an issue, and other ways of piquing the interest of reporters.

In another workshop led by United Campus Workers member Thomas Walker, we had a far-reaching discussion about collaborative media strategy.  Thomas had us form small groups where we attempted to forge a shared message for a theoretical campaign.  It "forced us" to consider how to form solid alliances and craft consistent media messaging with our partners in coalitions, which is essential for SOCM. 

Overall, the training was a great success and those of us who attended are keenly looking forward to future events. Over the next year, CMOP will be also doing a number of smaller trainings throughout the Southeast, including for SOCM chapters! We'll keep y'all posted about media training opportunities - you won't want to miss it! 

You can read more about CMOP at www.communitymediaorganizingproject.org and on Facebook.