Presenter(s): Devyn Jacobson—Psychology, Family and Human Services
Co-Presenter(s): Maxwell Ely, Nick Lamora, Makenzie Elliott, Alan Torres, Isabel Kristensen
Faculty Mentor(s): Charlie Butler, Emily Henkelman
Session 2: Media and Social Action ARC Panel
In the fall of 2019, 29 first-year students from across the nation with different backgrounds but, with the same passion for journalism had met for the first time as The Media and Social Action ARC . Eager to get to work, these students very quickly understood that their power was not in numbers but in being passionate young adults in America . This role in society is one that allows us to work towards meaningful changes and know that we can achieve this by elevating voices and spreading awareness .
This group has worked throughout the year to learn more about journalism, communication, and social justice . For example, by joining clubs like UOJPEG, writing stories for the Daily Emerald and Ethos Magazine, they had classes based on learning about journalism from UO faculty from the SOJC, and had off-campus opportunities such as volunteering for Food for Lane County .
The students of this ARC used their learning throughout the year to create a platform in which they could truly elevate their voices and spread awareness . This platform is now known as Amplify, their online publication . The focus of Amplify this year is sustainability in the city of Eugene and
on The University of Oregon campus . Thus far, the ARC has produced five stories on this topic and are currently working in stories about COVID-19 and its affects in communities nationwide . Moving forward this group of students will continuing to spread awareness about social justice and motivate others to do the same .
Note to the judges: Attached below is a link to our 2019–20 online publication, Amplify . https://maxwelle7 .wixsite .com/amplify