The goal is to implement a training program between a group of 25 representatives from community radio stations in Guatemala. The program will utilize horizontal training between community radio stations that already broadcast online and use online social media tools with those who have yet to create an online presence. They will be trained on the “how to’s” of webcasting and social media. and learn about the benefits of using these tools.
Topical focus:
Country:
What locality or neighborhood will your project focus on?
San Mateo, Quetzaltenango, Guatemala
Describe the specific community with whom you will be working.
The target population for the workshops will be 15 representatives from Indigenous community radio stations across Guatemala that have yet to create an online presence. These Indigenous communities are underrepresented in the national media and especially online, since they are only beginning to have reliable Internet service, are minority language speakers, and have been historically excluded by the State, and lack access to education.
What kinds of news, stories and other content will be created?
The stations would learn to create Facebook pages, Twitter accounts, and online radio. This would diversify each station's content: they would be able to upload videos; blog posts; and radio spots online. With these online outlets, Indigenous diaspora communities abroad could connect with their communities at home; it would attract the participation of local youth; and stations in our network will be better connected, sharing content and ideas.
What technologies and digital tools do you plan to use in the trainings?
Other tools
Webcasting
Describe the connections that you or your organization have already established that will contribute to the success of the project.
The initiative will take advantage of Cultural Survival's existing networks. Cultural Survival has worked in the field of Indigenous community radio in Guatemala for 7 years; building relationships with and among a network of 80 stations across the country, training them with the skills they need to advocate for their rights, cultures, languages and the interests of their communities through local media.
How many participants do you think will be involved in your project?
This project will seek to train 15 individuals representing 15 different stations. The representatives will then share their knowledge with their home station members. This means that 15 community radio stations around the country will expand to include an online presence. Their participation in our network of stations has been consistent throughout two years of training workshops, and is sustained through strong relationships.
Besides the microgrant funding, what other resources and support are you seeking for your project to ensure its success?
Other than the funding itself, it would be greatly appreciated if Rising Voices could provide exposure about the Community Radio movement here in Guatemala and our effort to pressure local lawmakers to legislate in their favor, allowing legal access to community radio for Indigenous communities. (see www.cs.org for more info) A short story on your site and social media posts about our project would be the perfect addition to the monetary support.
Contact name
Angelica Rao
Organization
Cultural Survival