Speaking of Hope: An Invitation to Youth Media Makers

"A wonderful piece by Youth Radio called "Hope Out of the Box" aired this week on National Public Radio's "Morning Edition." You can listen to it at: http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=96805483

It made the point that young people – like Obama, who made hope the engine of his campaign – now bear on their shoulders the heavy weight of turning their hopes into reality. When they don't see signs of progress, Youth Radio reporter Orlando Campbell comments, "life's possibilities can seem like they're becoming narrower, not opening up."

Inspired by this commentary, we at WKCD are inviting young people to create their own short audio pieces about the hope – and the questions – that the election has stirred.

In an online collection called "Speaking of Hope," we will post those pieces on the WKCD website as we receive them, if they meet our guidelines for length (3-4 minutes) and content (forthright and interesting).

What does hope mean to you? Who fills you with hope? When and how can hope hurt? The answers that young people record can take many forms: a student's commentary, a rap, a short dialogue, even a song.

To participate, you'll need access to a good digital recording device, and the ability to edit digital audio into a short and powerful piece. If you need advice on how to proceed, just drop us a line at info@whatkidscando.org, and we will get back to you right away.

It takes thought and hard work to bring hopes into a new reality. We invite your students to take the first step, by sending us their thoughts on the subject to share with the WKCD audience."