Hopes for better living — through digital storytelling

15 August 2002 | Kevin Gomez (13, from San Francisco), records Leanell Austin, case manager/supervisor of Berkeley Emergency Food & Housing, discussing her experiences as a homeless woman and her current role as an aid to the homeless.

The two were among 90 young people who came to campus in early August for the Youth Leadership for Change Summit.

Participants learned how to create videos documenting issues that affect their communities. With digital cameras donated by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, they will use their newfound skills to make videos in their local communities. The plan is to show these films to policymakers.

“Digital storytelling can be a powerful way to get one’s point across,” says Deborah McKoy of Berkeley’s Interactive University, a summit sponsor.

“We hope the kids’ stories motivate those in power to make some real changes.” Campus sponsors also included the Haas School of Business and the Institute of Urban and Regional Development.