----MEETING CANCELLATION NOTICE----

Project Announcement for CFP Members
Media Organizing Project

This is an announcement for an upcoming meeting for anyone interested in becoming part of the Media Organizing Project. Anyone with any level of documentary/film, social, political, and/or non-profit experience or interest is welcome to attend.

The MEETING that was tentatively scheduled for Thurs. June 14th, at 7:00 in Wilkes-Barre HAS BEEN CANCELLED. A new meeting date is expected to be announced by June 28.

I. The Media Organizing Project
A. The Media Organizing Project is based on the fact that there is no observation without participation. We use media to catalyze organization in communities and build networks in order to address our collective issues. The practical application of the theory is as follows:
1. We believe that collaborative production of media has a direct relationship to “networked” collective intelligence.
2. Media development, training, and education will be used in conjunction with grassroots organizing in order to determine issues in our community. Coalitions are formed around these issues by the use of Campaigns, and the process of evaluation, adaptation, and action continues.
3. We will expand this network by providing training, production aid and collaboration with connected organizations and networks statewide.


B. The M.O.P. has formed two campaigns, the Just Health Care Campaign and the Campaign to Save Head Start.

1. Just Health Care Campaign
a. The Just Health Care Campaign is a merging of a developing local coalition and the Health Education Leadership Project of PA (H.E.L.P./www.helpfundpa.org) in support of PA SB 300 (Universal Single Payer Health Care).

2. Campaign to Save Head Start
a. The Head Start program is presently under attack. We are in collaboration with the Media Mobilization Project out of Philadelphia with the ongoing Save Head Start Video Project.

C. Documentary Crew/Production
1. Present moment/Immediate needs
a. Our main focus is on the development for (and documentation of) the Just Health Care Campaign’s event on June 22nd at King’s College in Wilkes-Barre.

b. Along with speakers and presentations we hope to highlight the following points/issues in a video presentation in support of Universal Care.
1. People’s stories and testimonials
2. Economy/business and Health Care
a. The new economy and the need for care.
b. Why good for business?
3. Effect on seniors
4. Physicians/Health Care centers for uninsured
5. Why single payer?
6. Legislative need/request

c. Specific needs:
1. Camera/Sound operators (general crew)
2. Web help (put up a base site) by June 12 for response to press release. Very important! Webmaster(s) needed for ongoing updates.
3. Multimedia developers
4. Research aid
5. Editing help
6. Non-profit application research/legal aid

2. Volunteer/Project Projection
a. We will have a meeting with anyone who might want to be a part of the project on Thurs, June 14th in order to discuss roles and responsibilities.
b. Following the 22nd, any assembled crew can participate in statewide work and trainings, expanded projects, and can come to an intensive training with Skylight Pictures in NY (TBA/later in Summer).

3. Project Vision
a. Though this project begins with very tangible immediate goals, anyone interested can be a part of a collaborative effort that can initiate and take on a variety of projects. All skills and contributions can only augment our ability to expand the project into unforeseen creative and social direction.
b. We plan to be an incorporated non-profit by the end of the summer.
c. Our projects will include public outreach and educations, screenings, and works with multiple collaborating organizations in many forms (Art/music shows, public screenings and gatherings, etc.)

Contact Us!: frank@mediaorganizingproject.org/ (570) 328-3555