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Dear Digital Inclusion Supporter,
This October, we highlight the Multimedia Resource and Training Institute (MMRTI), which serves youth from immigrant and refugee families in Seattle's Central District. Immigrant and refugee communities face many challenges, including inadequate access to computers and the Internet. The Communities Connect Network (CCN) supports a number of public computing centers serving immigrants and refugees, three of which focus on the East Africa region: MMRTI, East African Community Services, and Horn of Africa Services. |
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Spotlight On...
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Multimedia Resource and Training Institute (MMRTI)
MMRTI empowers youth to become leaders by using digital media to create stories about their cultural heritage and communities. Class participants and clients are predominantly youth from immigrant and refugee families (mostly from Ethiopia), and MMRTI provides the tools to share their cultural stories through digital media. MMRTI partners with Seattle University, Youth In Focus, and Seattle RecTech, among other youth-serving organizations.
MMRTI offers youth trainings on video journalism, Final Cut Pro, Adobe Photoshop, social media, and game development. Amy Merz-Mathis, who teaches a videography and journalism class, pushes her students to "take initiative and make things happen." For example, in her class, students are encouraged to move outside their 'comfort zone' and interview people on camera. Students gain interpersonal skills that serve them in many facets of their lives. Instructor Paul Jackson teaches students how to use Final Cut Pro, Adobe Photoshop, and social media and video sharing software. He ensures that his students leave his class with a passion for digital media, and practical knowledge. "Save once, save often!" is his one of his mantras.
 | | Instructor Amy Merz-Mathis helps students create B-roll footage for their documentary film. |
Recently, MMRTI partnered with SDK Bridge to use technology available through the Wii Dance Program to integrate images and video. Students learned about their culture while integrating it with the dance program. SDK Bridge's course became a student favorite among regular class attendees. Nebiyou, a 15 year-old high school student, said it was his favorite activity so far at MMRTI.
One of MMRTI's best-known programs continues to be Ethio Youth Media TV, a recurring TV program that showcases youth interviewing community leaders and government representatives. Last year, Yonathan, a 15 year-old MMRTI participant, interviewed Seattle Mayor McGinn. Many clips and full-length videos are available on their YouTube channel. The topics covered by the youth are issues directly affecting their Ethiopian immigrant community, including: cultural heritage, health and addiction issues, youth violence, and social justice. Currently, they are working on an audio story about the Yesler Terrace redevelopment, in partnership with the Frye Art Museum and the University of Washington.
Participants at MMRTI benefit from Executive Director Assaye Abunie's compassion, knowledge, and drive. He believes their success comes from great instructors, successful partnerships, and committed, driven youth. Amy Merz-Mathis explains why she loves being an instructor at MMRTI: "It's a small space, physically, but MMRTI has a big heart and big dreams."
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| What's New in the Communities Connect Network | |
YTECH Wins City Club Award
YTECH, a program of Metrocenter YMCA, is one of the recipients of the first Colleen Willoughby Youth Civic Education Awards. Offered by City Club, the award includes a $500 cash prize and recognition at an upcoming ceremony and the 2013 Guiding Lights weekend.
YTECH created a series of innovative and in-demand civic engagement curriculum programs for youth: Civic Voice. These programs are project-based service learning guides that explore community issues. Young people use digital media to tell stories, share their voice and develop action plans to spark dialogue and change in their communities. This curriculum is available to all organizations for a small fee. For more information and to preview the curriculum, see YTECH's curriculum page.
Curriculum Development and Technology Planning Workshop, #2
Following the success of the Curriculum Development and Technology Planning Workshop, the CCN and University of Washington Information School convened a second meet-up for community technology trainers and practitioners to share their curriculum and best practices. During this session, participants addressed common problems faced by technology instructors, such as tracking individual clients, measuring outcomes, and working with widely varying skill levels in each class. Guided by Samantha Becker, Research Project Manager at the UW Information School, participants also gathered feedback on their curriculum.
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From L to R: Lillian Berticevich (YTECH), Colleen McDevitt (YTECH),
Peter Gruenbaum, (SDK Bridge), and Aaron Curtis (YTECH)
discuss YTECH's award-winning Civic Voice curriculum.
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If you are interested in participating in similar upcoming meetings, please contact Samantha Becker at srbecker@uw.edu.
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| Resources | |
Digital Literacy and Non-Profit Technology
501 Commons
Works to boost the capacity of non-profit organizations to thrive over the long term, often offering low cost and free technology trainings with local partners.
Fearless Cards Project
A set of basic, easy-to-use instructions to help extremely underserved populations overcome their emotional barriers and learn to use computers and the Internet to help them improve their lives.
The Library Network Technology Committee
Features an easy-to-navigate new user tutorial and technology resources for librarians.
SeniorNet
Provides older adults education for and access to computer technologies to enhance their lives and enable them to share their knowledge and wisdom.
Broadband Adoption
Education Week's Digital Directions
Covering topics from e-learning to multimedia tools, with a focus on classroom education.
GCN
Technology, tools, and tactics for public sector IT, featuring a story about the National Broadband Map.
Wi-Fi Alliance
Global non-profit organization with the goal of driving adoption of high-speed wireless local area networking.
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| Capacity Building Opportunities | |
Sustainability Needs Assessment
Last month, Leslie Rae Schmitz, Senior Project Director for the CCN, and Samantha Becker, University of Washington Information School Research Project Manager, were invited to present a Sustainability Needs Assessment webinar, hosted by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration. The webinar provided Broadband Technology Opportunities Program grant recipients and partners with a framework for conducting a needs assessment and developing action plans for the sustainability of their training and Public Computing Center programs. The webinar used real-life examples from the work being done by the CCN, in partnership with the University of Washington Information School. Download the slides here.
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About CCN
| Mission: Communities Connect Network (CCN) works to ensure digital inclusion and technology opportunities for all residents of Washington State.
For more information about Communities Connect Network (CCN), please contact Leslie Rae Schmitz, Senior Project Director for Digital Inclusion a t lschmitz@edlabgroup.org or 425.477.4741 x 4778.    |
| About the EdLab Group | 
The EdLab Group is a private, non-profit organization with funding from federal and state governments, private foundations, corporations, and individuals. Our mission is to leverage the power of technology and diversity to transform teaching and learning. We respect your privacy and do not sell, share or allow our list to be viewed by other individuals or companies. For more information about the EdLab Group, visit our website at www.edlabgroup.org. |
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