Youth documentaries make an impact

by Kindra F. Montgomery-Block, M.P.A.
Associate Director of Training and Technical Assistance
Community School Partnerships
UC Davis School of Education-CRESS Center

The REACH Youth Media Project has served as a vital part of the REACH coalitions’ work in that it created a venue for youth to engage communities. The Youth Media Project enlisted diverse youth teams comprised of three to five members representing four of the seven initial REACH Community Action coalitions. These youth participated in a hands-on experience that allowed them to express themselves within a real-world context. Through multiple literacies, participating youth captured their voices and the voices of other youth surrounding a topic of personal interest and relevance in documentaries led, produced and directed by youth.

Since unveiling all four of their youth-led documentaries on May 22, the REACH Youth Media teams have been tremendously busy with ongoing efforts to create awareness and community change around their documentary topics. We have been totally blown away by their commitment to youth-led community change! And we are sure that you will be, too. This month, we received a behind-the-scenes update on the current outreach and outcomes of the REACH Youth Media Project. Coalitions and community partners continue to move forward connecting Data and Stories to create community Change.

The Galt Area Youth Coalition’s documentary, Small City, Big Problem: What Would You Do About It? is engaging community members and increasing buy-in for the Galt Youth Master Plan. The Sacramento ACT Meadowview Partnership is using its video, A Lack of Role Models in Our Community, to increase student engagement with the Burbank High School Youth Leadership Teams. The South Sacramento Coalition for Future Leaders is using its video, Education Depletion: Rising Up and Taking Action, in its work with CARE (Committee Addressing Race Equity). The Woodland Coalition for Youth used its documentary, Open Your Eyes: Teen Pregnancy, to support change wherein Life Education is now being taught at both middle schools in Woodland. The Cordova Community Collaborative currently is producing a public service awareness video on youth safety in Rancho Cordova.

Learn more about the REACH Youth Media Project and watch the documentaries on the REACH Web site.