Hello, all!
When I first started my role as CC:Media's inaugural community news director last fall, I had no idea what this program would become.
We knew from community surveys that Salem was desperate for more news, and my experience moving from out of state made me desperate to deeply know my neighbors. I believed that by telling people's personal stories, we might create a community that could better love one another through a larger understanding of the diverse perspectives this city holds. Less than a year later, I still feel that way and am so proud of what we've built.
We've connected folks to resources. Our first story featured the team at Safety Compass who support survivors of human trafficking. Other stories featured food pantry and community garden facilitators that keep Salem fed and the coaches at Rock Steady Boxing that help locals fight back against Parkinson's disease.
We spoke with local leaders, like City Councilor and CASA of Marion County Executive Director Vanessa Nordyke, and community builders, like Black Joy Oregon founder and director Juli Ray Joy (formerly Julianne Jackson).
We learned about the importance of restoring the environment through the teachings of Elderberry Wisdom Farm's founder, Rose High Bear. And we had some fun when we interviewed drag queen, RiRi Calienté at the Infinity Room, local musicians for Make Music Day and Enlightened Theatrics's Executive Director, Jessica Peterson.
We launched our first podcast and newsletter, Stories of Salem, and filled our public access channels with fresh content. But one of the things I'm most proud of is how we made those we spoke to feel. There are very few things that feel better than when I hear that someone had fun and felt safe enough to show up as they authentically are, despite the nerves that may come up when around bright lights and big cameras.
In less than a year, CC:Media's community news department has grown from a concept to an invigorating and alive newsroom. I am confident in CC:Media's trajectory and potential to continue providing valuable and unique perspectives to Salem.
My other love has been, and always will be, teaching. I am overjoyed to be returning to education this Fall as I teach the next generation that they are worthy of care and support and are capable of becoming kind, resilient, autonomous human beings.
My last day at CC:Media will be August 25th, just in time for our latest story about local author and artist, Glenda Goodrich. I am thankful for the wonderful team here at CC:Media, including our fearless leader, Charles Lewis, and my compatriot in news, Ashley Jackson Lawrence. But most of all, I'm thankful for everyone who opened their hearts and invited us into their inner worlds to share with our audiences. Thank you, Salem, for letting me share your stories.
