TakingITGlobal

91 # R I S I N G Y O U T H C O M M U N I T Y I M P A C T V O L . 2 Connecting the North Through Podcasting Meriya Gmeiner M eriya Gmeiner wanted to create a podcast training opportunity that connected and strengthened the community across the North through dialogue and discussion. As she explains, "This idea of connecting despite not being close together, is quite relevant in the North as many communities are geographically distant, which can hinder community connection." She connected with Lyndsay Amato, an Indigenous woman with significant experience on radio who was passionate about bringing more media training to youth, and together they organized a podcast training session in Whitehorse, Yukon. They built on that original session to deliver another workshop in collaboration with the Western Arctic Youth Collective. "We aimed to create a space where community members could share their experiences in structures that have been oppressive and systemic barriers that have excluded and invisabalized so many, while also focusing on solutions and envisioning futures encompassing effective change and equity." Meriya further elaborates. The training covered lessons on how to interview and create meaningful conversations, as well as technical skills, including recording, editing, and producing. The training program connected seven youth in the North with their circle of influence expanding as they connect with even more orgnazations to develop this work. As Meriya reflects, "It was a huge success and this was a huge step in both capacity building and connecting to the right people in the community." We aimed to create a space where community members could share their experiences in structures that have been oppressive and systemic barriers that have excluded and invisabalized so many...

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