Crafting Community Connections

Empowering Communities Through Civic Media

Hey all, I am back! How was your summer? I had a wonderful summer filled with exciting experiences which I will be sharing over the next few weeks. If I don’t please feel free to pester me to do so. My dad thinks public accountability might help me be more regular. Let’s begin, shall we?

During the summer, I had the incredible opportunity to intern at Trice, a local community-based app. It was an amazing experience, and I worked on a project called the "Know Your Neighbour" series, where we showcased the stories of PBEL City residents and the vibrant community that surrounds us.

Civic media, though a relatively new term, is all about using communication to strengthen social bonds within a community and encourage civic engagement. It's more than just reporting the news; it encompasses various mediums and platforms, both traditional and digital. From newspapers, TV, and radio to social media, online forums, blogs, and podcasts, civic media aims to foster connections and empower individuals to actively participate in shaping their communities.

My passion for media has always been a driving force in my life, and my studies in Mass Communication and Journalism, English Literature, and Social Management at St.Francis College for Women have further fueled that passion. I aspire to create meaningful content that celebrates diversity, raises awareness about societal issues, promotes empathy, and challenges negative prejudices. I have always enjoyed consuming media which were story-focused like the show “Breakfast with Champions” by Oaktree Sports which focuses on stories of sportspeople which I find extremely powerful because their identity is usually lost in numbers. I enjoy the media produced by Humans of Bombay, a story-focused approach of normal people who have something to tell us. These forms of media to me are a celebration of humanity.

Working on the "Know Your Neighbour" series at Trice was an exciting prospect for me, given my deep attachment to PBEL City and its incredible residents. I had the privilege of capturing and sharing inspiring stories that often go unnoticed. Interviewing senior citizens, women entrepreneurs, residents and many more was truly eye-opening. Here are a few of the stories,

” People are never too young or too old to seek human connection,” is demonstrated in Dey Saab’s life*

“My journey has had its doubts and insecurities, but my motto has always been to keep smiling, stay positive.”- Mrs Girija Singh

“My journey to financial independence and success has been a challenging one, but it has taught me the value of hard work and determination.”- Mrs Rekha Bhakal

It was amazing to see how storytelling and effective communication could bridge gaps, foster empathy, and combat prejudice.

For me, it was essential to view every interaction as an opportunity for genuine connection, rather than merely content creation. This approach allowed me to establish meaningful relationships within the community. I cherished the shared experiences and valued the unique perspectives that were shared with me. Each person I met became a source of learning, deepening my appreciation for the power of storytelling.

As I reflect on my internship, I am immensely grateful for the insights I gained and the connections I formed. This experience has further strengthened my commitment to using media as a catalyst for positive change, empowering individuals to share their stories, and fostering a stronger sense of community. Going forward, I am inspired to continue embracing the transformative power of storytelling, nurturing empathy, and challenging societal norms through my future projects.

What is your opinion on civic media? Please leave a comment below.