I find myself being increasingly interested in the idea and praxis of video marketing campaigns. Just in the last week I have created two videos that are being used in various event advertisements that have opened my eyes to the potential and art of short movie creation but furthermore the power and possibility of youth interacting with new media. We are a visual society. People like to see what they are getting themselves into, regardless if it is a college event or a presidential campaign.

As the President of SPIN (Student Promoting Interracial Networking) I want to work to focus on the impact that new media has on various social issues that we face in the 21st century, but also how we can use video campaigning to get people to think about society and move towards change.

As I posted the Emerging Minds event on my facebook page within minutes someone messaged me and asked me what the project was about. What is even more interesting about this is the fact that I have been telling people about this project and passing out flyers since September. There is something about videos that really attracts people. Something about the combination of image and sound that demands the respect of its viewer.

If your in Chicago or know me, ask me more about the Emerging Minds Project. I really thinks it is going to be something significant. The purpose of the Emerging Minds Project is to create a space for intentional discussion between students, focused on issues that are encountered daily in current society. Participants of this program will engage in facilitated discussions on topics including, but not limited to: disabilities, abilities, religion, language, immigration, class, access, power and privilege, white privilege, sexuality, and gender.

At the end of this project there will be some form of artistic expression to display the discourse of the Emerging Minds Project. I want to use this as an opportunity to explore what a group of people can do with video campaigns and what positive impact  (particularly with galvanizing a group of people) this can have on the south side of Chicago.