Change the world, make a movie… or a digital story

It’s Advertising Week in New York.

In a panel sponsored by Google and the Advertising Council, Wendy Cohen, director for digital campaigns and community at Participant Media, spoke about the power of film to bring about social change. Movies are being created to tell the stories that were once just reported.

And people are watching them. The Help, Contagion and An Inconvenient Truth are among Participant Media’s many popular socially minded films. Last week, in New York City, First Run Features released American Teacher, an eye-opening documentary that chronicles the experiences of teachers around the states. There are tons of feature-length films out there drawing upon – and building – socially minded audiences.

But what’s a non-profit with a small budget and no film crew to do?

Make a digital story.

A digital story is a first person video narrative that combines voice, moving image and sound.

In the name of human rights, education and social justice, the Center for Digital Storytelling, headquartered in Berkeley, CA, partners with non-profits to help them tell the stories.

Here’s one story, from the center’s website, about refugee Ta Kwe Say’s journey from Burma to Seattle, WA: http://www.storycenter.org/stories/index.php?cat=8

Ta Kwe Say’s story is deeply moving because it is deeply personal. It’s compelling because it’s human.
What stories do your non-profit have to tell?

Fundly wants to hear them – and see them! Be sure to them our way!