“What are you doing to contribute with your voice?” It was a non-ephemeral question that persisted in my mind. I wondered whether or not my voice had the same amount of power as others did. I was not aware on if I needed the fanciest equipment or the influence of others to address civic issues and bring about change. The sense of comparison lingered throughout my mind, bringing me to stages of doubt. However, the halfway point during my time at the Annenberg Youth Academy (AYA) program led me to not doubt how meaningful my voice was–no matter how young or inexperienced.
This week, we covered the topic of podcasts and how beneficial it was to obtain an intimate connection between listeners and creators. Moreover, we discussed how exactly this connection can allow an audience to critically think about civic issues and what they can do to help. Despite how multifaceted the mediums of awareness were, I discovered how essential they all were–old and new.
In COMMS 101, we discussed how different mediums in history have contributed to bringing awareness to social causes. Though one specific focus was on podcasting: a pre-recorded audio, video, or PDF file that is distributed online. I was fascinated by how many hosts talked about global issues and how their voices were uplifted via podcasting.
In RadioLabs ‘The Political Thicket’ podcast, the two hosts talked about why the 1962 case “Baker v. Carr,” which was brought up by U.S. Supreme Court Chief Justice Earl Warren, was so important. The podcast analyzed how the verdict weighed the abilities of state governments to redistrict in a way that was against the rights of the citizens to have their vote be equal to each other, no matter where they lived in the state. Interestingly enough, the hosts bring up how the Supreme Court member was brought to tears during the recollection of the trial. Throughout the episode, they utilize an immersive storytelling technique to engage listeners and establish an emotional bond between the topic and those viewing it. It felt as if I, as a casual listener, was not only being informed on a political topic, but it felt like I was there watching what had transpired. Their tone, sound effects, and layout of the episode transformed a setting where their voices were heard and remembered. The assigned readings and podcasts helped me to not only structure my own in the future, but also to feel confident in my own voice and realize the potential it had.
With my newfound conviction regarding my ability to discuss civic problems, I felt prepared to indulge in a new assignment: producing my own podcast with my group. This week’s lessons have taught me to act in confidence and introduced me to a new perspective concerning my voice’s capabilities. Although I find it hard to believe that my time with AYA is almost over, I continued to wonder towards my goal of letting my voice be heard with the newfound tools and ideas the program offered me.
Communicating Change 