Founded in 2009 by Tara L. Conley, MEDIA MAKE CHANGE specializes in narrative justice storytelling through multimedia production, strategic communications, curriculum development, and research.
the story
Everyone has a story to tell. MEDIA MAKE CHANGE's story began one week after hurricane Katrina ripped through the Gulf Coast in 2005. At the time, I was teaching middle school English and social studies at an all African-American charter school in Houston, Texas. I signed up to volunteer with the Red Cross to support survivors that were bussed in to Houston from New Orleans. With my video camera in tow, I interviewed people at the Reliant Center in efforts to capture their journey surviving the storm.
From that moment, I soon realized the value of citizen journalism media to tell stories that were not covered in mainstream press. Over the next several years, I taught myself how to use video editing technologies and other mediamaking tools to create stories that mattered most to my community. In 2010, I entered my doctoral program at Teachers College, Columbia University where I learned more about how technology and media can be used for social good.
Since then, I have produced short documentaries on the Jena Six, hurricane Katrina, as well as partnered with film companies, philanthropic organizations, schools, and community centers to help others tell stories that matter most to them. This is my life's work. I'm excited to continue this work with you. Thank you for considering MEDIA MAKE CHANGE for your project!
-Tara L. Conley
the founder
Learn taralconley.org
Follow @DrTaraLConley
Since 2005, Tara L. Conley has been telling stories from the front lines and changing the way communities and organizations understand and implement counter-narrative storytelling.
community partners & clients
"MEDIA MAKE CHANGE was an important partner in helping Schott elevate our communication platform and framing while maintaining the authenticity of the racial and gender justice lenses in our work."
- Dr. John H. Jackson, president of the Schott Foundation for Public Education
