Originally published at: https://decentered.co.uk/leicester-stories-update-no6/
Over the last year, there have been many conversations about how we intend to Build Back Better as we move forward from the Covid-19 pandemic. Reflecting on those conversations, I’m starting to wonder if Building Back Better is perhaps just a slogan, and I am wondering if there really is some purpose and substance behind it? Change is at the centre of the Building Back Better ethos, but what kind of change are we talking about and who will it affect? What is the idea of change associated with Building Back Better based on?
Leicester Stories is based on a community media approach that supports deliberation and discussion using media, and is a way of learning what Building Back Better here in Leicester means in practice? What we can learn from our recent experience here in Leicester, and what we can learn from the many challenges that have affected us? How inclusive will the changes be that many organisations and public authorities are implementing as we begin to open again? Will we see any practical benefit in our neighbourhoods?
If you are interested in discussing how we can use media for positive social change as we Build Back Better, come and join our conversations at one of our open-sessions this week. Maybe we can shift the dial from only using our media to voice opinions of what we think we ought to care about, and instead start to sharing our experience of what we actually care for in practice in our communities?
Community Media Café 10am – 12pm Tuesday, Bishop Street Chapel Café, Leicester. This is our weekly drop-in café session, and a chance to chat with other people who are interested in using DIY media to support positive change in their communities. You don’t need any special skills, just come for a chat and share your experience. We’ll provide a tea or coffee to get the conversation started. You might get one of Roy’s excellent 3D printed Leicester Stories badges.
Community Reporters Club 10am – 12pm Thursday, Documentary Media Centre: This week we’ll be recording a podcast discussion about what Building Back Better Means here in Leicester. Have you been working to bring about positive social change during the pandemic? Have you been keeping essential community services going? What’s worked well when it comes to telling people about them? The discussion will examine where we need to go next to make better use of community-driven media to bring about positive social change? There are a limited number of places, so please Register Here.
Community Stories: I’m always on the look-out for stories that we can capture and share via the Leicester Stories website. If you are a not-for-profit community group, a charity or civic society or mutual aid organisation, or a public organisation that has stories of positive social change that you want to share, please do get in contact.
Leicester Stories is supported by funding from the Audio Content Fund, and is being developed with assistance from De Montfort University, the Documentary Media Centre and Zinthiya Trust. If you need more information about the project and it’s aims, please do get in contact.
Best wishes
Rob