Showing posts with label Interviews. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Interviews. Show all posts
26 March 2011
11 August 2009
Protest and Social Media in Iran
While the United States media focuses the bulk of its attention on screaming people at "town hall" meetings (presumably about health care) and the fact that Michael Jackson is STILL dead, I thought it was important to take a look at what real journalism looks like today and at how high the stakes really are for free speech in some places in the world.
Earlier this week, I was very fortunate to speak briefly with Hamid Tehrani, Iran Editor for Global Voices Online. He's been covering Iran's presidential election and its aftermath. In my opinion no one has provided better coverage than GVO, because they are able to curate the primary source material, translate it in many languages, and present it in its proper context. Hamid has written extensively on the protests and the use of social media to facilitate and report on them.
So much of the "social media coverage" of these protests has been about the tools, and they're no doubt important. But I still think this story is still about the people, the messages, the stories, and what's at stake. Hamid made some excellent points about how social classes have come together in protests, something you wouldn't expect to see in Iran. And for all the talk about Facebook, YouTube, and Twitter, I loved his point about history. In 1978 the Ayahtolla distributed audio cassettes to spread his message and people climbed to their rooftops to yell "God is great" in protest. Today, they're using social media tools, but the protesters are still going to the rooftops and they're still chanting "God is great."
The audio quality is so-so, I'm still getting the hang of it. But this is well worth a listen - just under 20 minutes. Here's a link to the page on the Internet Archive. It's also embedded here.
Earlier this week, I was very fortunate to speak briefly with Hamid Tehrani, Iran Editor for Global Voices Online. He's been covering Iran's presidential election and its aftermath. In my opinion no one has provided better coverage than GVO, because they are able to curate the primary source material, translate it in many languages, and present it in its proper context. Hamid has written extensively on the protests and the use of social media to facilitate and report on them.
So much of the "social media coverage" of these protests has been about the tools, and they're no doubt important. But I still think this story is still about the people, the messages, the stories, and what's at stake. Hamid made some excellent points about how social classes have come together in protests, something you wouldn't expect to see in Iran. And for all the talk about Facebook, YouTube, and Twitter, I loved his point about history. In 1978 the Ayahtolla distributed audio cassettes to spread his message and people climbed to their rooftops to yell "God is great" in protest. Today, they're using social media tools, but the protesters are still going to the rooftops and they're still chanting "God is great."
The audio quality is so-so, I'm still getting the hang of it. But this is well worth a listen - just under 20 minutes. Here's a link to the page on the Internet Archive. It's also embedded here.
15 July 2009
The Interview: Chris Hogan
Chris Hogan is a family man, an exec at a major trade association in DC, and an old friend. If you really know Chris, you know he has a very strong interest in men's clothing - not really what's "hot" or what the latest boy band is wearing, but the cultural and historic aspects of classic style.
To the best of my knowledge Chris doesn't have "formal" training in textile science, marketing or design. He didn't have many contacts in the field and doesn't have a long resume in the fashion industry. He just really knows his stuff. So when Chris decided he wanted to make a contribution to the body of thought leadership in this community, he did what many people are doing now - he started a blog in late 2006 that focused on the issues that interest him. He calls it Off the Cuff.
He still has his "day job," and he never did much to publicize his work - when he had time, he just kept writing thoughtful posts that demonstrated his knowledge of the topic and reached out to just the right people online. His readership grew steadily as more people learned about the blog. Now he has major publications asking him for contributions and companies asking for his advice on marketing. He's an authentic, credible, and independent voice in this community.
I asked Chris to answer just a couple of questions about what he's doing - I think Off the Cuff serves as a nice case study about how it's possible to take simple, sustainable, and strategic steps to build and strengthen a reputation in a specific community. This is how it's done, folks. The Q&A:
Why did you start the blog?
I wanted to explore if I could actually become an acknowledged expert in the menswear field. I've always had the interest and felt that my more intellectual and culture-focused approach might be attractive. I didn't want to write about what was "hot" - I don't really care about that - I wanted to write about how classic and timelss style can easily be fit into modern life.
How has it evolved since you started it?
The core goal of becoming a leading voice in the menswear/lifestyle world is fairly unchanged, but as the site and brand evolved I found myself addressing weightier topics, like the mass luxury movement and how it destroyed the concept of craftsmanship in favor of profit. I still write about day-day topics, but overall, I'm the old timer in the men's style blogging space. In fact, most of the sites on my blog roles didn't even exist when I started.
At the same time I was being approach by several entities to provide content for some major sites like MensFlair and now Nivea For Men's corporate site. I also recently sent in my first major publication, a piece for The Rake magazine that will be in an upcoming issue. So, the bigest change for me is the level of attention and genuine benefit a lot of my readers get fromthe site and associated content.
What are the tangible benefits you've gotten from it?
Obviously being considered a leading voice, someone worth talking to, is a big plus. I originally wanted to see if I would ever be considered and expert in the area of interest and the answer appears to be "yes". That helps me gain access to a lot of interesting and knowledgeable people, but it also allows me to extend the OTC brand and refine my style of writing and presentation.
I never advertised and I've never really pushed the OTC site or brand on anyone. all the attention has been natural and organic - to me that means even more because it tells me that I have something to say that others want to hear. that matter the most, being useful and relevant. Pumping up site traffic means nothing to me because there is no value there. So, the attention I am getting gives me a sense of purpose - it really matters. I have gained in a umber of ways - OTC is a relevant advice and style guide brand in the classic/preppy/Ivy League segment of the menswear space. Niche, yes; but valued. I get tangible benefits like products for testing and evaluation and significant discounts in some cases so that I can purchase products to test and write about. I have been invited to attend several very cool events and have also been able to interview some talented in engaging personalities.
I have also been able to expend my own skill set, notably in branding and strategy, so much so that I have provided some rather extensive advice to a UK based apparel/lifestyle firm.
All of this flows back to reputation and value. On the web, and certainly in my postion, reputation is everything.
What would you like to gain from it next?
I would like to build the OTC brand into a real consultancy of some sort. Branding and style/lifestyle advice. I would also like to take the Monocle route and develop a highly edited co-branded line of products. If nothing else, and I just wrote about this, the whole concept of branding and the marketplace it fragmenting and becoming highly decentralized. While Mr. Blackwell's list is entertaining, today people make up their own mind about what's cool, what's in and how to best create their own look and sense of style.
I want OTC to be a leading resource in market shift.
To the best of my knowledge Chris doesn't have "formal" training in textile science, marketing or design. He didn't have many contacts in the field and doesn't have a long resume in the fashion industry. He just really knows his stuff. So when Chris decided he wanted to make a contribution to the body of thought leadership in this community, he did what many people are doing now - he started a blog in late 2006 that focused on the issues that interest him. He calls it Off the Cuff.
He still has his "day job," and he never did much to publicize his work - when he had time, he just kept writing thoughtful posts that demonstrated his knowledge of the topic and reached out to just the right people online. His readership grew steadily as more people learned about the blog. Now he has major publications asking him for contributions and companies asking for his advice on marketing. He's an authentic, credible, and independent voice in this community.
I asked Chris to answer just a couple of questions about what he's doing - I think Off the Cuff serves as a nice case study about how it's possible to take simple, sustainable, and strategic steps to build and strengthen a reputation in a specific community. This is how it's done, folks. The Q&A:
Why did you start the blog?
I wanted to explore if I could actually become an acknowledged expert in the menswear field. I've always had the interest and felt that my more intellectual and culture-focused approach might be attractive. I didn't want to write about what was "hot" - I don't really care about that - I wanted to write about how classic and timelss style can easily be fit into modern life.
How has it evolved since you started it?
The core goal of becoming a leading voice in the menswear/lifestyle world is fairly unchanged, but as the site and brand evolved I found myself addressing weightier topics, like the mass luxury movement and how it destroyed the concept of craftsmanship in favor of profit. I still write about day-day topics, but overall, I'm the old timer in the men's style blogging space. In fact, most of the sites on my blog roles didn't even exist when I started.
At the same time I was being approach by several entities to provide content for some major sites like MensFlair and now Nivea For Men's corporate site. I also recently sent in my first major publication, a piece for The Rake magazine that will be in an upcoming issue. So, the bigest change for me is the level of attention and genuine benefit a lot of my readers get fromthe site and associated content.
What are the tangible benefits you've gotten from it?
I never advertised and I've never really pushed the OTC site or brand on anyone. all the attention has been natural and organic - to me that means even more because it tells me that I have something to say that others want to hear. that matter the most, being useful and relevant. Pumping up site traffic means nothing to me because there is no value there. So, the attention I am getting gives me a sense of purpose - it really matters. I have gained in a umber of ways - OTC is a relevant advice and style guide brand in the classic/preppy/Ivy League segment of the menswear space. Niche, yes; but valued. I get tangible benefits like products for testing and evaluation and significant discounts in some cases so that I can purchase products to test and write about. I have been invited to attend several very cool events and have also been able to interview some talented in engaging personalities.
I have also been able to expend my own skill set, notably in branding and strategy, so much so that I have provided some rather extensive advice to a UK based apparel/lifestyle firm.
All of this flows back to reputation and value. On the web, and certainly in my postion, reputation is everything.
What would you like to gain from it next?
I want OTC to be a leading resource in market shift.
29 June 2009
Beyond Bizlex: Ceasefire Liberia
I'm back in the office - and it seems quite a lot has happened since I placed the blog on auto-pilot. Hopefully I'll have some time to get to all of it.
While I was away my latest column in Business Lexington ran - it's a feature on Ceasefire Liberia, an innovative new project led by a journalist named Ruthie Ackerman and supported by my friends at Global Voices Online.
It turns out there's a rather interesting link between Liberia and Kentucky. The Bluegrass Region is actually the birthplace of two Liberian Presidents. I think this is the kind of column my editors had in mind when they brought me aboard - find a local link to a global issue.
I had the chance to do a quick email Q&A with Ruthie Ackerman - as always, here's the complete back-and-forth.
-------------
What is Ceasefire Liberia and its mission?
Ceasefire Liberia is a blog bridge between the Liberian community in Liberia and the rest of the Diaspora. Its mission is to create a dialogue between Liberians who remained in the country during and after the war and those who fled. You can see the blog at www.ceasefireliberia.com
How did you learn about this project and get involved?
I started the project with the help of a grant from Global Voices, a non-profit organization of bloggers. I am a journalist who is writing a book about Liberian youth in Staten Island. As the project developed over the last few years it became more multi-media focused. I decided that instead of just documenting the experience of Liberian youth living in this one community in America after they fled their country's 14-year civil war, I wanted to give the youth the chance to document their own experiences. Thus, Ceasefire Liberia was born. Now instead of just a book, there are several short films, and a blog, which includes video and photography.
What's your impression of how the project participants have benefited?
The project is just getting off the ground now, but already I can see the impact it has made. Young people who never would have interacted previously are now planning and making short video pieces together. Liberian youth who were dealing drugs and told me they felt they had no way out of their situation are now saying that they feel they can really make a difference in their community through blogging and video. Young Liberians in Staten Island are communicating with young Liberians in Liberia telling each other about their lives. This is the power of technology to bring people together and bring about social change.
Why should people in Kentucky (or anywhere else for that matter) care about this project?
I love this question. People in Kentucky or anywhere else should care about this project because the world is not just about what's happening my my backyard anymore -- it's about a global backyard. With globalization the entire world is interconnected. This means that what I do impacts people in Africa and vice versa. Liberia is a perfect example of this. Liberia was created by the American Colonization Society to send freed black slaves back to Africa where they were meant to live in racial harmony. That one action led to over a century and a half of tension and turmoil in Liberia between the Liberians who originally lived on the land and the new settlers. Eventually when tensions bubbled over a gruesome civil war broke out, which led Liberians to flee back to America, coming full circle. Now these Liberian refugees are literally in our backyard. We didn't intervene in their civil war in the 1990's and now the fallout is a large number of Liberian refugees that are falling through the cracks here in our very own cities and suburbs.
What's your understanding of the perspective Liberians have of the way they're treated in the US and the other countries they've relocated?
My understanding is that Liberians have always looked to America as their big brother. The Liberian flag is similar to our flag and Liberia's capital of Monrovia was named after our president James Monroe. But from what I understand Liberians are bitterly disappointed about the way they've been treated by America. They feel let down by America's handling of their civil war when America could have stepped in and ended it quickly, saving thousands of lives. They are hurt that Pres. Reagan continued to support former Pres. Samuel Doe financially despite his record of human rights abuses. Then when Liberians arrive in the U.S. they are left to struggle and many fall through the cracks. Liberians expected more from the U.S.
Is there anything you've gleaned from the struggle between acclimating to a new home and maintaining your cultural identity and customs?
There is always a struggle between the old and the new. It is important for Liberians, like any immigrant or refugee community, to hold onto their cultural identities and not forget where they came from. But it is also important if they want to integrate into American society to assimilate and acclimate and integrate. Thus the tensions between both worlds. The more the communities around Liberians reach out to them and provide much-needed services the better off they'll be and the more integrated they'll feel.
What do Americans gain by supporting projects like this?
Americans gain an understanding -- a glimpse -- of what the world beyond their four walls looks like. I believe that all boats rise with the tide so when one family or individual in a community is doing better than everyone benefits.
You and others can find out more by going to the ceasefire website and reading what the youth -- and I-- have written. You can also look at some of my earlier work on this project at : http://pulitzercenter.typepad.com/liberia/
That link is for the blog but you can also see more information about the project here: http://www.pulitzercenter.org/showproject.cfm?id=40
While I was away my latest column in Business Lexington ran - it's a feature on Ceasefire Liberia, an innovative new project led by a journalist named Ruthie Ackerman and supported by my friends at Global Voices Online.
It turns out there's a rather interesting link between Liberia and Kentucky. The Bluegrass Region is actually the birthplace of two Liberian Presidents. I think this is the kind of column my editors had in mind when they brought me aboard - find a local link to a global issue.
I had the chance to do a quick email Q&A with Ruthie Ackerman - as always, here's the complete back-and-forth.
-------------
What is Ceasefire Liberia and its mission?
Ceasefire Liberia is a blog bridge between the Liberian community in Liberia and the rest of the Diaspora. Its mission is to create a dialogue between Liberians who remained in the country during and after the war and those who fled. You can see the blog at www.ceasefireliberia.com
How did you learn about this project and get involved?
I started the project with the help of a grant from Global Voices, a non-profit organization of bloggers. I am a journalist who is writing a book about Liberian youth in Staten Island. As the project developed over the last few years it became more multi-media focused. I decided that instead of just documenting the experience of Liberian youth living in this one community in America after they fled their country's 14-year civil war, I wanted to give the youth the chance to document their own experiences. Thus, Ceasefire Liberia was born. Now instead of just a book, there are several short films, and a blog, which includes video and photography.
What's your impression of how the project participants have benefited?
The project is just getting off the ground now, but already I can see the impact it has made. Young people who never would have interacted previously are now planning and making short video pieces together. Liberian youth who were dealing drugs and told me they felt they had no way out of their situation are now saying that they feel they can really make a difference in their community through blogging and video. Young Liberians in Staten Island are communicating with young Liberians in Liberia telling each other about their lives. This is the power of technology to bring people together and bring about social change.
Why should people in Kentucky (or anywhere else for that matter) care about this project?
I love this question. People in Kentucky or anywhere else should care about this project because the world is not just about what's happening my my backyard anymore -- it's about a global backyard. With globalization the entire world is interconnected. This means that what I do impacts people in Africa and vice versa. Liberia is a perfect example of this. Liberia was created by the American Colonization Society to send freed black slaves back to Africa where they were meant to live in racial harmony. That one action led to over a century and a half of tension and turmoil in Liberia between the Liberians who originally lived on the land and the new settlers. Eventually when tensions bubbled over a gruesome civil war broke out, which led Liberians to flee back to America, coming full circle. Now these Liberian refugees are literally in our backyard. We didn't intervene in their civil war in the 1990's and now the fallout is a large number of Liberian refugees that are falling through the cracks here in our very own cities and suburbs.
What's your understanding of the perspective Liberians have of the way they're treated in the US and the other countries they've relocated?
My understanding is that Liberians have always looked to America as their big brother. The Liberian flag is similar to our flag and Liberia's capital of Monrovia was named after our president James Monroe. But from what I understand Liberians are bitterly disappointed about the way they've been treated by America. They feel let down by America's handling of their civil war when America could have stepped in and ended it quickly, saving thousands of lives. They are hurt that Pres. Reagan continued to support former Pres. Samuel Doe financially despite his record of human rights abuses. Then when Liberians arrive in the U.S. they are left to struggle and many fall through the cracks. Liberians expected more from the U.S.
Is there anything you've gleaned from the struggle between acclimating to a new home and maintaining your cultural identity and customs?
There is always a struggle between the old and the new. It is important for Liberians, like any immigrant or refugee community, to hold onto their cultural identities and not forget where they came from. But it is also important if they want to integrate into American society to assimilate and acclimate and integrate. Thus the tensions between both worlds. The more the communities around Liberians reach out to them and provide much-needed services the better off they'll be and the more integrated they'll feel.
What do Americans gain by supporting projects like this?
Americans gain an understanding -- a glimpse -- of what the world beyond their four walls looks like. I believe that all boats rise with the tide so when one family or individual in a community is doing better than everyone benefits.
You and others can find out more by going to the ceasefire website and reading what the youth -- and I-- have written. You can also look at some of my earlier work on this project at : http://pulitzercenter.typepad.
That link is for the blog but you can also see more information about the project here: http://www.pulitzercenter.org/
25 November 2008
The Interview: Dr. Wendy Baldwin
As I wrote earlier, my most recent contribution to Buisness Lexington features Dr. Wendy Baldwin of the Population Council, the premiere global NGO that conducts public health research on population issues.
Dr. Baldwin was exceptionally gracious with her time. I'm particularly impressed with the commitment she's made to poverty and gender issues, and to furthering the careers of women in research. Here's our Q&A.
Q: Would you please explain Population Council's mission and what you do there?
A: The Population Council is an international non-governmental organization with the motto "Research that makes a difference"...we have offices in 18 countries and work in more. there are programs in reproductive health; HIV and AIDS; and then the one I lead, in Poverty, Gender, and Youth. In the Poverty, Gender, and Youth program we develop an evidence base about how adolescents make the transition to healthy, productive adulthood.
Q: You had a position at the University of Kentucky that anyone would consider an excellent capstone to an outstanding career, but then you decided to take a position at the Population Council. What prompted the departure from UK to the big city?
A: I have a career because from very early on I was motivated by the challenges faced by young people -- especially young women -- to make it to adulthood with the basic skills that they need for their lives and able to have the number of children they want. So, while UK is a great place, this was a chance to go back to the topics that hold my heart... I just felt that was the capstone that I wanted for my career.
Q: It seems you spend a lot of time going back and forth from Lexington. What is it about this area that keeps you here?
A: It is true, I commute between Manhattan and Lexington... my husband lives here in Lexington (and I am rather fond of him!) and Lexington is just a terrific place to live.
Q: What does success look like in your line of work?
Success sometimes takes a long time to see, but when you see it in a better life for young people; when you see them able to take on leadership roles in their own communities; when you see them freed from some of the most damaging practices; well... that looks like success.
Q: What are some examples of that?
A: Success might come quickly, but more often it is a long process. The kinds of problems we deal with take a long time to address. There may be longstanding traditions of child marriage, but families and communities can learn ways to redefine those traditions that also protect young girls from marriage. the younger the girl, the greater the age GAP between her and her spouse, the less voice she is likely to have in the decision to marry, the end of schooling and the beginning of very early childbearing. So, when we see communities that begin to value their daughters more, provide alternatives for them, support their schooling, and open up new opportunities for them... well, that looks like success to me!
Q: Why should people in Lexington or Kentucky pay attention to the work you do? How does it relate to people here?
A: Work that we do goes to the heart of how girls are valued (or not)... I believe these are issues that everyone can relate to. Too often problems in developing countries seem so far away and it isn't clear what can be done to make the lives of girls better. Well, I have seen programs that have a transformative effect on girls; I've talked with fathers who were so appreciative of the help in finding a better life for their daughters...there is a fundamental satisfaction that comes from such work.
Now, I also think that this work is a wonderful way to spread a vision of the compassion of people for others. I would like more people to associate that view with the people of Kentucky.
Q: Recently you told me about a meeting at the World Bank that featured participation from large companies. How does the corporate sector play a role in your work?
A: There is growing involvement of the corporate sector in the work that we do. For many companies that work around the world, they see the need for young people to have positive life courses, and to develop their potential. Also, many of these programs help young people make the transition into income generating work. One of the most popular aspects of such programming is financial literacy. young people are eager to learn how to manage their money -- when they are able to earn it -- and how to function in a world that may be very different from what their parents' experienced growing up. We are working with banks to develop savings products that are especially geared to young people. Sometimes it seems that people think poor teenagers have no need for banks; but it is the poorest who are most in need of help in learning how to protect themselves against financial shocks and have safe places to save.
Q: Given your ties to Central Kentucky, do you feel there's a role for the local business community in supporting your work? What are some of the options available to local firms? What will they gain by supporting you?
A: I would love to see the business community come together and sponsor an internship so that a student in Kentucky could learn more about this work. I think there are many students in Kentucky who understand the challenges Of growing up in a changing world... and they could bring their skills to others who are facing challenges that are, frankly, unimaginable to most of us. Also, some have said that the greatest happiness comes from knowing that you have done something that makes the world a better place... sounds corny, but I believe it, I feel it, I live it and I'd like to see more students get the opportunity to experience it.
Q: Is there anything I haven't asked but should?
A: How are we different from a humanitarian organization? we do not just provide services to those in need. there is a role for humanitarian organizations, especially in times of crisis. but, there is also a need for organizations that seek to understand problems in ways that they can build an evidence base and support fundamental changes. We look for ways that the results of our work can influence governments to change policies -- perhaps to make it permissible for young girls to return to school if married, or programs that specifically support school fees.
It is exciting to see families or communities change practices in constructive ways.
Dr. Baldwin was exceptionally gracious with her time. I'm particularly impressed with the commitment she's made to poverty and gender issues, and to furthering the careers of women in research. Here's our Q&A.
Q: Would you please explain Population Council's mission and what you do there?
A: The Population Council is an international non-governmental organization with the motto "Research that makes a difference"...we have offices in 18 countries and work in more. there are programs in reproductive health; HIV and AIDS; and then the one I lead, in Poverty, Gender, and Youth. In the Poverty, Gender, and Youth program we develop an evidence base about how adolescents make the transition to healthy, productive adulthood.
Q: You had a position at the University of Kentucky that anyone would consider an excellent capstone to an outstanding career, but then you decided to take a position at the Population Council. What prompted the departure from UK to the big city?
A: I have a career because from very early on I was motivated by the challenges faced by young people -- especially young women -- to make it to adulthood with the basic skills that they need for their lives and able to have the number of children they want. So, while UK is a great place, this was a chance to go back to the topics that hold my heart... I just felt that was the capstone that I wanted for my career.
Q: It seems you spend a lot of time going back and forth from Lexington. What is it about this area that keeps you here?
A: It is true, I commute between Manhattan and Lexington... my husband lives here in Lexington (and I am rather fond of him!) and Lexington is just a terrific place to live.
Q: What does success look like in your line of work?
Success sometimes takes a long time to see, but when you see it in a better life for young people; when you see them able to take on leadership roles in their own communities; when you see them freed from some of the most damaging practices; well... that looks like success.
Q: What are some examples of that?
A: Success might come quickly, but more often it is a long process. The kinds of problems we deal with take a long time to address. There may be longstanding traditions of child marriage, but families and communities can learn ways to redefine those traditions that also protect young girls from marriage. the younger the girl, the greater the age GAP between her and her spouse, the less voice she is likely to have in the decision to marry, the end of schooling and the beginning of very early childbearing. So, when we see communities that begin to value their daughters more, provide alternatives for them, support their schooling, and open up new opportunities for them... well, that looks like success to me!
Q: Why should people in Lexington or Kentucky pay attention to the work you do? How does it relate to people here?
A: Work that we do goes to the heart of how girls are valued (or not)... I believe these are issues that everyone can relate to. Too often problems in developing countries seem so far away and it isn't clear what can be done to make the lives of girls better. Well, I have seen programs that have a transformative effect on girls; I've talked with fathers who were so appreciative of the help in finding a better life for their daughters...there is a fundamental satisfaction that comes from such work.
Now, I also think that this work is a wonderful way to spread a vision of the compassion of people for others. I would like more people to associate that view with the people of Kentucky.
Q: Recently you told me about a meeting at the World Bank that featured participation from large companies. How does the corporate sector play a role in your work?
A: There is growing involvement of the corporate sector in the work that we do. For many companies that work around the world, they see the need for young people to have positive life courses, and to develop their potential. Also, many of these programs help young people make the transition into income generating work. One of the most popular aspects of such programming is financial literacy. young people are eager to learn how to manage their money -- when they are able to earn it -- and how to function in a world that may be very different from what their parents' experienced growing up. We are working with banks to develop savings products that are especially geared to young people. Sometimes it seems that people think poor teenagers have no need for banks; but it is the poorest who are most in need of help in learning how to protect themselves against financial shocks and have safe places to save.
Q: Given your ties to Central Kentucky, do you feel there's a role for the local business community in supporting your work? What are some of the options available to local firms? What will they gain by supporting you?
A: I would love to see the business community come together and sponsor an internship so that a student in Kentucky could learn more about this work. I think there are many students in Kentucky who understand the challenges Of growing up in a changing world... and they could bring their skills to others who are facing challenges that are, frankly, unimaginable to most of us. Also, some have said that the greatest happiness comes from knowing that you have done something that makes the world a better place... sounds corny, but I believe it, I feel it, I live it and I'd like to see more students get the opportunity to experience it.
Q: Is there anything I haven't asked but should?
A: How are we different from a humanitarian organization? we do not just provide services to those in need. there is a role for humanitarian organizations, especially in times of crisis. but, there is also a need for organizations that seek to understand problems in ways that they can build an evidence base and support fundamental changes. We look for ways that the results of our work can influence governments to change policies -- perhaps to make it permissible for young girls to return to school if married, or programs that specifically support school fees.
It is exciting to see families or communities change practices in constructive ways.
19 November 2008
Beyond Bizlex: Working Locally, Serving Globally
My latest contribution to Business Lexington features Dr. Wendy Baldwin, the former EVP for research at the University of Kentucky and the current director of the Poverty, Gender and Youth program at the Population Council.
The Population Council is the world's premiere organization conducting biomedical, public health and social science research on population issues. They have offices in 18 countries and programs in more than 65 countries. They don't get a ton of publicity but they do important work, and they deserve much more attention.
I actually met Dr. Baldwin on a plane - coming home from a trip to the DC office a while back. She was "commuting" home as well - her office is in New York while her home is Lexington. She struck up a conversation with me and as we got chatting I thought I had a nice column idea.
As always, the column format is a nice way to express a thought but it doesn't tell the whole story. I'll share the Q&A of my email interview with Dr. Baldwin in the near future.
The Population Council is the world's premiere organization conducting biomedical, public health and social science research on population issues. They have offices in 18 countries and programs in more than 65 countries. They don't get a ton of publicity but they do important work, and they deserve much more attention.
I actually met Dr. Baldwin on a plane - coming home from a trip to the DC office a while back. She was "commuting" home as well - her office is in New York while her home is Lexington. She struck up a conversation with me and as we got chatting I thought I had a nice column idea.
As always, the column format is a nice way to express a thought but it doesn't tell the whole story. I'll share the Q&A of my email interview with Dr. Baldwin in the near future.
22 September 2008
The Interview: Amira Al Hussaini
This week's Business Lexington features excerpts from an email interview I got with Amira Al Hussaini, the editor of one of my favorite websites, Voices without Votes. She (along with many of her colleagues at Global Voices Online) represents the kind of global citizen and next-generation journalist the Internet has helped create. To me she also represents a sort of global counterpart to Jacki Schechner, the journalist-turned-activist I interviewed a few months back.
Voices without Votes is, to me, one of the most important collaborative projects on the 'net.
As always, the newspaper column format allows for some of my opinions but doesn't really allow for the whole discussion. So I'll let Amira explain her perspective on this outstanding project in her own words. She was very generous with her time.
Voices without Votes is, to me, one of the most important collaborative projects on the 'net.
As always, the newspaper column format allows for some of my opinions but doesn't really allow for the whole discussion. So I'll let Amira explain her perspective on this outstanding project in her own words. She was very generous with her time.
Q: First, can you explain to my readers the history and mission of Voices without Votes and perhaps some of the numbers behind it? How many bloggers from how many countries? I've listened to the Open Source podcast that features Christopher Lydon, Ethan Zuckerman and Solana Larsen a few times but I'm wondering if there's anything else we should know.
A: Launched on Super Tuesday, Voices without Votes is a Global Voices Online project, commissioned by Reuters, which is a huge Global Voices Online fan and backer. The idea came to life at a time when interest around the world was picking up about the US elections, and as Global Voices Online focuses on non-US material, we decided it was time to set up a separate project, which will enable us to track and report on what the world is saying about US elections and US foreign policy.
Our mission statement is: "Voices without Votes opens a window on what non-Americans are saying in blogs and citizen media about US foreign policy and the 2008 presidential elections."
It continues: "Americans are the only ones who can elect the United States president, but the 2008 election offers a unique opportunity to harvest global commentary on America's politics and foreign policy and how it affects the rest of the world."
Voices Without Votes highlights conversations in non-American blogs and citizen media, with emphasis on the regions covered by Global Voices: Africa, Asia, Europe, South America, and the Middle East.
The site is really the fruit of cooperation between GVO's volunteers and a few interested bloggers from around the world, who continue to monitor the online conversations in their countries, or the countries they cover, and produce features on what they read. We have volunteers working on the site from practically every corner of the world, from Iraq to Madagascar, and Fiji to Canada, as well as translators who are active in bringing us voices in other languages, such as Farsi, Arabic, French, Hebrew, Spanish, Portuguese, Chinese and Japanese, to name a few. As the countdown to the elections continue, we are discovering new blogs and websites to add to our coverage, and more people are joining our team of volunteers.
For more about our team of volunteers, please check this page: http://voiceswithoutvotes.org/
A: I am a Bahraini journalist and the former news editor of the Gulf Daily News (GDN) in Bahrain. I started work as a trainee reporter in the GDN in 1991, while I was at my first year in university. By the time I graduated with a BA English (Honours), I swear I must have clocked more hours in the newsroom than the classroom. My career goal was set by then, I caught the bug and wanted to be a journalist for life. I continued working at the GDN, where I was promoted first to assistant news editor and then to become the first Bahraini news editor of an English language daily, until I left Bahrain to Hamilton, Ontario, Canada, to join my husband who is working towards his PhD, in October 2005. In my career as a journalist, I can claim to have covered every type of story, from business and economics, to human interest and politics. In 1996, I also won the coveted Dag Hammarskjold Scholarship, http://www.
In 2004, I ventured into blogging and embraced online media with the same intensity I fell for mainstream media at a young age. My involvement with GVO started after I came to Canada, as I really needed to maintain my work ethics and continue writing. I consider myself really lucky and have found my match in GVO, as I truly believe in its cause. According to its mission statement:
"Global Voices seeks to aggregate, curate, and amplify the global conversation online - shining light on places and people other media often ignore. We work to develop tools, institutions and relationships that will help all voices, everywhere, to be heard."
At GVO, I am the Middle East and North Africa, Arabic Language Editor and Voices without Votes editor. I am also a Board Member.
Not only am I gaining hands on experience in evolving online citizen journalism, learning skills I wouldn't have grasped had I continued in the newsroom, but I am applying my skills and expertise to help bridge understandings, mend fences, and show that it is a small world - and we are all the same in our hopes, aspirations, fears and dreams for tomorrow.
A: I personally am amused at the way the US elections are closely being monitored by bloggers from all corners of the globe and how passionate people are over its developments, especially that they can't vote. Bloggers are actually commenting on developments as the stories break in the US, with commentary coming out as if in competition with mainstream media - and they are really passionate about it. Remember that those are citizen journalists - and are not paid for what they write. What really stands out though is the Obamamania which has taken the blogosphere by storm - making my job as editor and that of my colleagues a difficult balancing act. While it is easy to find international blogs supporting Obama, I literally have to appeal to my volunteer authors to look closely for and report on McCain stories! All the volunteers working on VwV, understand the nature of the project and are trying to portray all reactions as our goal is to rise above the political divisions, evident in US blogs, and reflect what is being said in a timely manner, without taking sides. Our aim is to bring all voices we have access to under one umbrella - and so far we feel we have had a lot of success, in such a short time - thanks to volunteers who have kept the site updated on a daily basis since its inception and voices we wouldn't have had access to otherwise translated and heard. Also, from my observations, people really are looking up to the US as the beacon of democracy and want to see a change - and a different policy from Washington DC which has succeeded in dividing up the world into those who are with us and those who are against us. People all around the world, like some in the US, are tired of instability, wars, and destruction at this day and age and are really rooting for an administration which will correct what they perceive as the mistakes of the current US administration.
Q: Why is Voices without Votes so important? Why should people in Kentucky pay attention to the opinions of people outside our borders on our internal politics?
A: At this time and juncture in history, I feel that VwV is a witness to history in the making where you can find international reactions to a breaking news story under one roof, offering us an insight to how the world feels, thinks and reacts to the most fascinating race to the White House ever. Why should anyone in Kentucky or the US for that matter care about what the world thinks? My question would be why shouldn't they? The US doesn't exist in a vacuum and as the world's only superpower, decisions taken in Washington DC impact not only the people of Kentucky, but those in South America, the Middle East, Asia and the rest of the world. And why shouldn't we all listen to each other? Why can't we open our ears to what people in the Caribbean, Iraq and the Far East, to name a few, have to say? They are just talking but you will be casting the ballot come November 4. The power is in your hands and the least you can do is listen to what they have to say.
Q: Turning the tables a bit, should people in Kentucky be paying closer attention to elections taking place in, say, Ghana or Morocco? Why or why not?
A: Why shouldn't they? The idea abroad is that the US is insular and cocooned on itself and that is not right or fair - not for a country people travel across the world to study in its institutes of higher education. While almost any student from any Third World country knows the world map and can pinpoint at least which continent any country you throw at him is on it, I can't say that is true of many people in the US - even the officers guarding the country's very own borders. In my travels to the US, I have had officers asking me: "Bahrain? Is that in the Bahamas?" - and Bahrain is only the naval headquarters of their Fifth Fleet. http://www.cusnc.navy.mil/
Why should the US be the butt of jokes - when it comes to geography and general information about the rest of the world?
Yes, while I don't expect all Americans to be well versed in every aspect of foreign policy, a little understand and knowledge of the world around us is essential. With access to information being easier than ever, thanks to the Internet, what has anyone of us got to lose?
Q: Has the growth of communications technology, and specifically the growth of the blogosphere, changed the way you think about global politics? If so, how?
A: Of course it has. It is so easy to remain abreast with the latest developments by programming your computer to pull the latest headlines and compile them in a neat basket for you.
We also learn new things everyday, about ourselves and the way we interact with the world and reflect on global politics. The biggest lesson I have personally learned is to listen. Yes, I have my ideas and opinions, but I need to also listen to and understand what others think and feel.
Q: Finally, I'm also very curious about your visit to Kentucky and the Idea Festival. (The 2007 archive for the IF website appears to be down.) What did you speak about? Did you have any time to look around Kentucky or meet anyone from here? Any reactions or thoughts? It's always nice to endear the source to the readers by including a quote that says something nice about the Bluegrass... ;)
A: I was invited to the Idea Festival, in Louisville, Kentucky, last year, where I witnessed the Southern charm and hospitality for the first time in my life. The idea behind the festival itself blew me away - and I was touched by the compassion, understanding and brilliance of everyone involved with IF, starting from organiser Kris Kimel and including all the friendly faces I saw there, whether organisers or panelists or attendees. At IF, I was on two panels - one discussing world peace and the other shedding light on the work we do at Global Voices Online. Being involved in IF was both exciting and enriching to me - both as a journalist and a human being. IF provides a truly stellar line up of speakers and Louisville acts as charming, warm and friendly backdrop to this explosion of ideas. I have made many friends who I am in touch with over the Internet and would have loved to have spent more time exploring the place and interacting more with the people there. Perhaps some other time, when I travel wearing my tourist hat!
http://www.flickr.com/photos/
Here are some of our photos from the Idea Festival, taken by my colleague Georgia Popplewell, who is the Managing Editor of GVO.
20 June 2008
The Interview: Jacki Schechner
I was going to post this before I went on hiatus but the bambino came a little earlier than expected. Still, I'm pleased to post the third installment of my interview series that features discussions with people who have influence in more than one online community and like to discuss policy.
Jacki Schechner is probably best known as an on-air Internet reporter or "blogger chick" for CNN. She spent a good deal of time examining how the media, both online and off, covered political campaigns. She writes her own blog and has an occasional guest post and podcast at Americablog. She recently interviewed Senator Kerry and Speaker Gingrich for the Virtual Energy Forum. She also had some interesting thoughts on the whole AP "fair use" fiasco.
Jacki just started working as communications director for Healthcare for America Now, a new grassroots campaign with an obvious mission, based on the name.
I asked Jacki some questions that focused on the nexus of journalism, online communication, and politics. Enjoy.
Q: How did you develop an interest in journalism?
Jacki Schechner is probably best known as an on-air Internet reporter or "blogger chick" for CNN. She spent a good deal of time examining how the media, both online and off, covered political campaigns. She writes her own blog and has an occasional guest post and podcast at Americablog. She recently interviewed Senator Kerry and Speaker Gingrich for the Virtual Energy Forum. She also had some interesting thoughts on the whole AP "fair use" fiasco.
Jacki just started working as communications director for Healthcare for America Now, a new grassroots campaign with an obvious mission, based on the name.
I asked Jacki some questions that focused on the nexus of journalism, online communication, and politics. Enjoy.
Q: How did you develop an interest in journalism?
Growing up, we had a family friend who was a news videographer, and he used to tell these incredible stories about witnessing and documenting history. The more I learned about what he did, the more fascinated I became in the world of journalism. I chose the University of Pennsylvania for college, but since their communications curriculum was more theory than practical application, I studied history and used my time away from school to pursue TV. I spent time in England with an ITV broadcaster who let me tag along to work and shadow his staff. I interned at two television stations - one in Miami and one in Philadelphia - and I contributed what I could to the teeny student-run TV station under the cafeteria at Penn. But none of this was sufficient to get me a gig after graduation so I found a Masters program in my hometown and took the plunge. I've been strangely addicted to the profession ever since.
Q: You're one of the first people who has really made a substantial impact in both mainstream and online journalism. Do you feel these two channels are still mutually exclusive, or do see more integration?
Q: You're one of the first people who has really made a substantial impact in both mainstream and online journalism. Do you feel these two channels are still mutually exclusive, or do see more integration?
I don't think either form of journalism can survive in a vacuum anymore. Most news/political blogs initially gained traction by linking to, commenting on, and/or supplementing mainstream media work. Interest and financial investment have allowed many of these new independent ventures to grow significantly to the point that they can thrive independent of the traditional outlets. But both sides would be foolish to attempt to ignore the power of integration. For example, TV time and print column space are both limited. Every story has to be edited down in some fashion. The Internet, in contrast, is limitless and offers the chance for mainstream media to offer supplemental content to the work you see on television or in print. On the flip side, online ventures can learn from the world of traditional journalism. When the basics are done right - how to research a story, how to tell a story, how to source a story - they're invaluable.
Q: Many traditional journalists express concern about the new competition they face from blogs and social media sites, essentially saying "bloggers aren't journalists," while many bloggers constantly attack the credibility of traditional journalism. How can consumers of information know who to trust for accurate information and smart commentary?
Q: Many traditional journalists express concern about the new competition they face from blogs and social media sites, essentially saying "bloggers aren't journalists," while many bloggers constantly attack the credibility of traditional journalism. How can consumers of information know who to trust for accurate information and smart commentary?
You absolutely have to be paying attention. No one is going to do that homework for you.
Traditional journalists should be afraid of the competition. The line is blurrier now than it's ever been, and many bloggers are getting very good at working hard to get the scoop and break the story. Mainstream media outlets have the benefit of more resources and better name recognition which can get them quicker access to information. But the key word is can. There's still hard work to be done, and that's where many feel mainstream reporters and producers are dropping the ball.
If you're looking online for information from independent sources - meaning sites not affiliated with traditional news outlets - the best thing to do is start with larger bloggers who have built their reputation and traffic over time. Because there is a great call for transparency in the world of online media, it's not tough to suss out where someone's coming from. Perspective is important, but most bloggers are upfront about their political preferences, so again, if you're paying attention, you'll have an easy time learning the ropes. A healthy dose of skepticism never hurts either. But that goes for both mainstream and new media. No one's got the full picture anymore. You have to be active and piece that together yourself.
Q: More people are learning about "breaking news" such as wildfires in San Diego, Earthquakes in China, or even school shootings from social media channels such as Twitter or even cell phone texting and video. As a professional journalist, how do you compete with the "citizen journalists" who happen to be where news breaks?
Q: More people are learning about "breaking news" such as wildfires in San Diego, Earthquakes in China, or even school shootings from social media channels such as Twitter or even cell phone texting and video. As a professional journalist, how do you compete with the "citizen journalists" who happen to be where news breaks?
You don't compete. You integrate. It's the only way. Offering up an avenue to accept citizen journalism - many networks have them now - is a good start. You still have to hone the process of vetting content before you put it on the air, but making it easy for someone to upload video or email a picture is an important part of the process. Since you are often the liaison between the amateur and the audience, you have to get the story and do it justice. Every little bit of color or emotion helps bring the footage to life. And finally, never forget attribution. Too many mainstream journalists think it's ok to snag content off the Internet without giving credit where due. That's a huge no-no in my book.
Q: Mainstream networks such as CNN and ABC are partnering occasionally with online entities like YouTube and Facebook to cover the presidential election. How would you assess the job they've done so far?
Q: Mainstream networks such as CNN and ABC are partnering occasionally with online entities like YouTube and Facebook to cover the presidential election. How would you assess the job they've done so far?
Fair. I think CNN did a pretty good job with the Democratic Youtube debate. I was in-house for that one and found myself captivated by both the questions and the answers. There was an element of newness that sparked interest, and anything that gets people excited about politics again is a good thing in my book. ABC's partnership with Facebook was abysmal. The network reported information culled from the social networking site without context. For example, Ron Paul's Internet-savvy supporters played a huge role in stacking online results in their candidate's favor - as they have often done online throughout this primary season. However, the ABC reporter tasked to "covering" the Facebook poll results made no mention of this important caveat. Mainstream news organizations still have a lot to learn about covering the online world as a real beat. I assure you it's much harder than it looks.
Q: 2008 will be remembered by many as the first "YouTube Election." How do you think social media will change the way we cover campaigns in 2012?
Q: 2008 will be remembered by many as the first "YouTube Election." How do you think social media will change the way we cover campaigns in 2012?
Wow. I don't know, but I'm excited to find out. I'm a little bit of an Internet geek like that.
14 May 2008
The Interview: Timothy Hurst, the Ecopolitologist
The second installment of my interview series is with Timothy Hurst, who writes and contributes to a number of environmental policy blogs such as his own Ecopolitology and Cleantechnica, Sustainablog, and Red, Green and Blue. As an academic, a policy wonk, and an environmentalist, he's the kind of person who touches and influences multiple communities - the kind of cross-cultural discussion driver that I always find so interesting. Tim is also a Red Sox fan, which means he basically can do no wrong with me. He started a blog as a means to organize his research for his Ph.D., and he's really embraced the medium. I think he's one of the better enviro-policy guys out there.
I asked Tim a series of questions that talk about policy and then turn to the practice of "greenwashing," a sadly all-too-common practice by some in my profession. Greenwashing may mean different things to different people - to me it's when companies overplay their environmental efforts to obtain goodwill from an increasingly eco-conscious public. Tim had a somewhat different angle on it. Here's the Q&A.
I asked Tim a series of questions that talk about policy and then turn to the practice of "greenwashing," a sadly all-too-common practice by some in my profession. Greenwashing may mean different things to different people - to me it's when companies overplay their environmental efforts to obtain goodwill from an increasingly eco-conscious public. Tim had a somewhat different angle on it. Here's the Q&A.
Q: What got you interested in environmental policy?
I’ve had an inherent interest in all things political since I was a kid (kind of sick, huh?). And even though I later got my B.A. in International Relations, read newspapers regularly, and enjoyed the occasional dinnertime chats about politics, I didn’t fully nurture my fascination with “the political” until I witnessed the effects of several years of unsustainable growth in small
The growth was almost exclusively in the kind of upscale rental units, second homes, and winter getaways that are only occupied part of the year, yet guzzle resources year-round with heated driveways, 8 person spas, extensive sprinkler systems, etc.The growth drove up the cost of housing so much that middle-income folks like me couldn’t afford to live in them – let alone think about buying a home in one.
It was at about that time I decided to go back to school to re-engage with politics. Not necessarily to stop those particular problems of growth, but to explore the root causes of problems like them. Since then, my unceasing intellectual curiosity for politics has found a constructive outlet in my passion for the outdoors and desire to contribute to a healthy planet.
Q: There are plenty of ways to get involved in environmental issues. Why blog about them?
I actually started blogging as a creative outlet and to encourage regular, disciplined writing that I would ultimately use in my doctoral dissertation. I soon found that blogging was an excellent way of working out my ideas, reading what other people are writing about in energy and environmental politics, and really engaging with the issues themselves, as they are being reported and disseminated. In doing all of this, I have managed to become part of a community, connect with people of similar interests, build relationships, and even make a couple of bucks, to boot.
With that said, I think the blog medium (as well as/used in conjunction with communication tools like Twitter) is speeding the flow of information beyond what most people ever considered possible. The internet has the potential to become the Great Equalizer, with the free-flow of information limited only by the speed of one’s bandwidth. The internet has the potential to become the Great Democratizer – though it is not there yet.
Q: Who's doing better on environmental issues these days, American companies or the American government?
It is no secret that many vendors are claiming their products are now "green." But how can businesses validate whether a claim is true or just "greenwashing"?
Q: How would you define greenwashing? How serious is it, say, compared to polluting?
Q: What can be done to stop or prevent greenwashing?
- Companies shouldn’t sell themselves as green unless they can show that they actually are. This sounds silly, but unless companies are doing something significantly different, they should not go advertising about how “green” their production process is, because the chances are good it could be greener. Companies that are exposed for making dubious claims will be called out and challenged at every step by a growing army of vigilant consumers. No matter what the type of organization, if it is making some sort of environmental claim – it should have the evidence to back up that claim.
- Organizations need to continue to build certification organization accrediting standards to regulate industries worldwide. Certifying entities are perceived with even greater legitimacy when they include, not only representatives from the trade and industry groups, but scientists, consumer groups, environmentalists and labor groups, as well. This sort of self-policing may ultimately be one of the strongest deterrents greenwashing in the years to come.
- Government intervention and regulation should also play an important role in curbing greenwashing. But it must be done so in a way that discourages bloated bureaucracy and heavy-handed regulatory control.
16 April 2008
The Interview: Joanne Bamberger, a.k.a. PunditMom
The original purpose of this blog is to examine discussions about issues and ideas online, and the best way to do that, I think, is to ask questions of some of the people leading and influencing those discussions across multiple online communities. These people are actually quite rare - they bridge cultures and communities, and they serve as the backbone of diverse coalitions that actually move ideas into action. I have a couple of these interviews lined up, and I'm looking for more.
The first interview is with Joanne Bamberger, known as PunditMom. She's a freelance writer who has been published in the Washington Post, Legal Times, and on MSN.com, among other places. She's a contributing editor for politics at BlogHer. She contributes to a number of blogs. She's a former Deputy Director of Communications at the Securities Exchange Commission. As anyone who reads her blog knows, she's also a loving mom to "PunditGirl."
As for online communities, she's a leading voice for people who talk about politics, and a leading voice for people who talk about parenting. She's also very astute on adoption issues. I know of many other political moms, but I thought of her for this interview when I learned she'd be talking with a group of advocates at the National Women's Law Center about social media.
So here's the first of what I hope will be many interviews with online opinion leaders.
Q: Why did you start blogging?
I started blogging after a freelance job writing op-eds for The Washington Examiner came to an end. Through that job, I discovered just how much I enjoy that form of writing and wanted to keep my hand in it until I could find another opinion column opportunity. So I started PunditMom as a way to work on my writing skills. I never really thought people would begin to read my blog! In a few days, PunditMom will have it's two-year anniversary. I still don't have a paying opinion gig for a newspaper, but I have been able to join several blogging communities and was invited to be a Contributing Editor for Politics & News at BlogHer!
Q: You spoke recently to the National Women's Law Center about social media. How can social media empower women to be more effective advocates?
For women to be able to reach out to others in various social media forms is empowering. Most of the women I spoke with at the NWLC were not attorneys, but work for a variety of non-profit organizations that advocate for women's and children's issues. I spoke with them about ways to reach out to bloggers who write about family issues as a way of raising the profile for their organizations and their missions. Also, I encouraged them not to be afraid to start blogs for their own organizations as a way to reach out and find a bigger audience for their messages.
Q: You spend a lot of time discussing political issues as they pertain to candidates. Are you as interested in political issues as they pertain to companies?
I would love to see family-friendly companies take an interest in the issues that are important to women and mothers, such as the environment and things that impact the health and welfare of our children, such as the safety of plastics that our children use from the time they are infants -- baby bottles, sippy cups, plastic plates. It would be great if more companies could find ways to engage in becoming better corporate citizens and finding issues to advocate for that are consistent with their businesses. For example, schools are complaining right now that they do not have enough money in their budgets to buy healthy food for school lunches, and are cutting back on things, including milk. What if companies stepped up and helped make sure that children, especially low-income children, kept getting the healthiest food possible in their school lunches. You can bet "mommybloggers" would beat a path to support the products or services of a company like that.
Q: Plenty of bloggers criticize businesses, but unlike many political bloggers, you have consistently tried to focus on positive and constructive solutions. Are there any companies you think have done a good job addressing the issues you care about most? What are they doing?
Another issue I'd like to see businesses address in a better way is leveling the employment playing field for mothers. There are so many issues connected with that -- maternal profiling, flexible hours, paid leave. As a practical matter, women are more adversely effected by these policies, or lack thereof, than men, since women are still the primary caregivers for children in our country. I would love to see more businesses realize that the more they support mothers, the better it will be for the business. One example of a company who that has really stepped up in embracing and addressing the challenges of working mothers today is PricewaterhouseCoopers. Not surprisingly, it took a bunch of accountants to sit down and figure out how much money they lose if they don't help working mothers, both in flexible hours and by providing ongoing training and networking opportunities for them while they are out of the paying workforce.
Q: What's next? How will political women lead the way on social media and advocacy?
I have said jokingly to some others that women bloggers will achieve political domination by 2012! Seriously, the amount and level of political conversation among women bloggers is increasing everyday. I believe that as we become more comfortable trying on our political voices and making arguments about the issues we care about, our presence will grow and we'll start taking our action offline, into our communities.
The first interview is with Joanne Bamberger, known as PunditMom. She's a freelance writer who has been published in the Washington Post, Legal Times, and on MSN.com, among other places. She's a contributing editor for politics at BlogHer. She contributes to a number of blogs. She's a former Deputy Director of Communications at the Securities Exchange Commission. As anyone who reads her blog knows, she's also a loving mom to "PunditGirl."
As for online communities, she's a leading voice for people who talk about politics, and a leading voice for people who talk about parenting. She's also very astute on adoption issues. I know of many other political moms, but I thought of her for this interview when I learned she'd be talking with a group of advocates at the National Women's Law Center about social media.
So here's the first of what I hope will be many interviews with online opinion leaders.
Q: Why did you start blogging?
I started blogging after a freelance job writing op-eds for The Washington Examiner came to an end. Through that job, I discovered just how much I enjoy that form of writing and wanted to keep my hand in it until I could find another opinion column opportunity. So I started PunditMom as a way to work on my writing skills. I never really thought people would begin to read my blog! In a few days, PunditMom will have it's two-year anniversary. I still don't have a paying opinion gig for a newspaper, but I have been able to join several blogging communities and was invited to be a Contributing Editor for Politics & News at BlogHer!
For women to be able to reach out to others in various social media forms is empowering. Most of the women I spoke with at the NWLC were not attorneys, but work for a variety of non-profit organizations that advocate for women's and children's issues. I spoke with them about ways to reach out to bloggers who write about family issues as a way of raising the profile for their organizations and their missions. Also, I encouraged them not to be afraid to start blogs for their own organizations as a way to reach out and find a bigger audience for their messages.
Q: You spend a lot of time discussing political issues as they pertain to candidates. Are you as interested in political issues as they pertain to companies?
I would love to see family-friendly companies take an interest in the issues that are important to women and mothers, such as the environment and things that impact the health and welfare of our children, such as the safety of plastics that our children use from the time they are infants -- baby bottles, sippy cups, plastic plates. It would be great if more companies could find ways to engage in becoming better corporate citizens and finding issues to advocate for that are consistent with their businesses. For example, schools are complaining right now that they do not have enough money in their budgets to buy healthy food for school lunches, and are cutting back on things, including milk. What if companies stepped up and helped make sure that children, especially low-income children, kept getting the healthiest food possible in their school lunches. You can bet "mommybloggers" would beat a path to support the products or services of a company like that.
Q: Plenty of bloggers criticize businesses, but unlike many political bloggers, you have consistently tried to focus on positive and constructive solutions. Are there any companies you think have done a good job addressing the issues you care about most? What are they doing?
Another issue I'd like to see businesses address in a better way is leveling the employment playing field for mothers. There are so many issues connected with that -- maternal profiling, flexible hours, paid leave. As a practical matter, women are more adversely effected by these policies, or lack thereof, than men, since women are still the primary caregivers for children in our country. I would love to see more businesses realize that the more they support mothers, the better it will be for the business. One example of a company who that has really stepped up in embracing and addressing the challenges of working mothers today is PricewaterhouseCoopers. Not surprisingly, it took a bunch of accountants to sit down and figure out how much money they lose if they don't help working mothers, both in flexible hours and by providing ongoing training and networking opportunities for them while they are out of the paying workforce.
Q: What's next? How will political women lead the way on social media and advocacy?
I have said jokingly to some others that women bloggers will achieve political domination by 2012! Seriously, the amount and level of political conversation among women bloggers is increasing everyday. I believe that as we become more comfortable trying on our political voices and making arguments about the issues we care about, our presence will grow and we'll start taking our action offline, into our communities.
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