Transforming Perspectives and Changing Narratives
Arriana Grimes, Dr. Jessica DeSpain, Madison Delgado, Mary Underwood, Spencer Steele, and Stephen Watkins
A passion for creating change
This team has been researching violent crime in Alton, Illinois, particularly among youth. Alton’s rate of violent crime is 44% higher than the national average, according to FBI statistics from 2021. To put their ideas for intervention into action, the team will be working with twelve justice-impacted middle school students. Digital storytelling is a method for people to relate personal narratives using a variety of media and skills including web design, podcasting, oral history collection, video production, and digital visualization. The CODES students mentor the middle school students during nine one-hour sessions, training them on how to use video and audio equipment to tell stories about their experiences with youth violence. Together, they are planning a gallery of resulting videos to share with their school and the community.
Community
Our team is fully commited to pursuing community-oriented goals while prioritizing the well-being and advancement in the community. We will work to collborate with community partners, identifying needs and finally working to find a soultion for the well-being of the community.
Digital Storytelling
Experience the change we can make in the world, while telling our own stories online. Using multimedia elements like images, videos, audios etc. to make our narratives more interactive.
Narrative Change
Through our digital storytelling, we will showcase narrative change by focusing on diverse perspectives, challenging stereotypes, and amplifying voices that are not often heard. we will use our platform to tell stories to promote positive social change within the community.
Problem Sloving
We will actively captivate community challenges and approach problems with creativity and innovation. We will collborate to determine effective apporaches that benefit the community as one whole.
Support
Our team is dedicated to ensuring the community receives our full support. We are driven by a commitment to stand alongside and uplift eachother by providing any assistance needed.
Restorative Circle
By fostering open and honest dialogue, we aim to cultiavte understanding and unity in the community. Through these stories, we seek to inspire positive change.
Meet Our Team!
An Array of Resources
Our resources include a wide range of tools and information to empower individuals and communities in creating positive change and building a stronger community.
SIUE CODES Resources
- Tips and guides for effective storytelling and narrative change.
- Information on community-based projects.
Digital Storytelling Resources
- Introduction to digital storytelling and its impact on shaping narratives.
- Step-by-step guides on how to create a compelling digital story.
“You cannot change anyone, but you can be the reason someone changes.”
– Roy T. Bennett