As part of this semester's media studies class at Project 1:17, we are reading a book by Steve Goodman, the founder and director of Educational Video Center. It's called Teaching Youth Media: 
A Critical Guide to Literacy, Video Production and Social Change.I had the opportunity to come in contact with EVC while taking a class at New York University on media literacy in school and community work. While I was sitting in the class listening to the theories and methodology of this program, I was amazed at how practical a model this is for youthworkers; and immediately began to think of what we are doing at 117.
I had the opportunity to meet Steve Goodman and many of the employees and volunteers that are a part of this fantastic program. They take teens who are a part of second chance schools and get teach them video production skills. However, what's REALLY incredible about this program is that the video camera (and the process of making a documentary about an issue in their local community) serves as a mirror - a way of helping at-risk youth gain perspective on their lives, their communities, and possible solutions/strategies for positive change.
In the book, he presents the challenges of being an inner-city teen, the limitations of traditional educational strategies, and the presentation of youth in mainstream media. The rest of the book addresses aspects of the actual production process.
For after-school program coordinators, this is an excellent resource - and comes HIGHLY recommended.
Also, check out this interview Goodman had with media literacy scholar, Kathleen Tyner; and this interview with youth media reporter. Here's another one!
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