Bennington-mission
Breakout discussion on the community-media center mission
During Saturday's "founding convention" task-group breakout period, David Pearson, Bill Densmore, Steve Pierce and David Scribner gathered in the front alcove of the SVC library to develop a draft mission statement. Here's what we came up with after 50 minutes:
The Southern Vermont Center on Community Media is a regional focal point for the public to learn the sharing across all media forms of community news, information, ideas and cultural, creative expression; for convening and celebrating civic, educational, public and citizen resources; in order to foster participatory democracy.
Later in the day, the group discussion suggested just Center "for" community media.
DENSMORE POST EVENT NOTE: Perhaps if there is consense that it doesn't matter whether it is "on" or "for" a good title would simple be: "Southern Vermont Community Media Center -- or SVCMC."
MISSION DISCUSSION:
All: What is viability? What is sustainability? Mission statement has to include that this become somehow self-sustaining. Synergy with the community is the manpower, revenue, technology to keep it going is supplied.
Pierce: Does SVC need something like this to become viable itself?
Scribner: College has a curriculum that needs revamping. Ownership of the radio station means this could become a signature program, because of that asset. But have to have some mission beyond the academic, some idea representation of society.
Pierce: is it a viable college that can invest, or an unstable college that needs a program.
Scribner: One way for a private liberal arts college can sustain is to partner with institutions in the community so the college campus becomes part of the community and vice versa.
Integrate college and community better
Mission: Resource for schools.
61 programs at the Great Barrington station.
Pierce: Successful organizations typically have a place to convene. “Having a physical space has been a huge benefit for us.” You can have tools there.
Pierce: Have an off-campus, neutral location. Need a social environment. It becomes a hub of activity.
