Frequently Asked Questions
What is Listen Up!'s mission?
Listen Up! is a youth media network that connects young video producers
and their allies to resources, support, and projects with the goals of
developing the field and achieving an authentic youth voice in the mass
media.
How do we fulfill our mission? Listen Up!:
- Awards grants for Projects and Workshops
that assist youth in creating broadcast quality productions,
- Manages a dynamic website that enables educators and producers to
exchange resources and showcase their work,
- Curates online media collections and produces annual reels,
- Organizes events and national screening opportunities,
- Provides networking opportunities to assist with distribution of youth
media,
- Facilitates evaluation process with local organizations and evaluation
consultants.
How is Listen Up! affiliated with PBS?
Listen Up! is a project of Learning Matters, Inc. — a documentary
production company that explores issues on youth and learning for public
television. LMI's award-winning filmmakers produce documentaries for the
NewsHour with Jim Lehrer and Frontline. Listen Up! distributed the youth-produced
documentary "The Way We
See It: Youth Speak Out on Education" on PBS throughout selected
markets across the country.
How and when was Listen Up! created?
In 1998, Learning Matters, Inc. was given a generous multi-year grant
from the W.K. Kellogg foundation to support youth producing messages for
their peers on various health related issues. Several months later the
initial focus of the content changed, and Listen Up! with its focus on
youth made media was born. Since that time we have received support from
The Open Society Institute, The Surdna Foundation, The MetLife Foundation,
the NEA and The Annenberg Foundation.
How do I become a member of Listen Up! and what
are the requirements?
Listen Up! reviews applications two times a year: in May & October.
In addition to the application, applicants are required to mail Listen Up! a sample of
their youth produced work on a Mini DV tape. Organizations applying must
have a youth media video program in progress for at least one full year.
What does it mean to be a network member?
Lots of things! Please click
here for more details.
How can I apply to Listen Up! grants and workshops?
At this time, Listen Up! grants are in network only, given to organizations
who have been commissioned to participate in our production
projects. Scholarships to attend our
Workshops are also available to network members. To be eligible to
apply, you must be a current network member of Listen Up!
What age group of young producers does Listen
Up! work with?
Listen Up! works primarily with high school aged youth, 13-19.
My organization or school produces youth video
work. How can I submit some to Listen Up's website?
We'd love to view your media. Currently only Listen Up! network members
can submit work to our website. For more information on what it means
to be a network member, including how to apply, please click
here.
I'm a young producer and would like to post
videos and get involved with Listen Up!. Where do I start?
Listen Up! works directly with organizations and schools who represent
many young producers across the country. We first suggest viewing our
network list of organizations
to search for one in your local area. If you work with a youth media organization
or school that is not on the list, OR if you do not see an opportunity
listed in your area, please contact us at info@listenup.org.
We'll do our best to help you get connected within your community and
get your work showcased.
Where can I obtain youth media curricula?
Listen Up!'s website lists youth media tools and curriculum packages
to use in the classroom. Link to our resources
section of our website, and be sure to check out the exchange
forum for news about new tools and media packages.
How do I post an announcement (news, call for
submissions, events, job and funding opportunities)?
It's easy! Link to our exchange
section of our website and you'll be guided from there.
How can I find out about local youth media
events and workshops in my community?
There's a lot happening on a local and national level. Visit our events
section for complete listings, including how to post your own.
How can I purchase the DVD "The Way We
See It: Youth Speak Out on Education"?
The DVD is sold exclusively on our website. To purchase copies click
here.
I am interested in showing youth produced work
in my classroom. How do I obtain copies of some of the videos on your
website?
Listen Up! PSA reels and our youth produced documentary "Youth
Speak Out on Education" is available to purchase
on our website. If you'd like to obtain a video you watched on our site
produced by one of our organizations in the network, please contact the
school or organization directly to obtain information on receiving copies.
Each video on our website lists the title of the video, the youth producers
and their organization. If you are having problems finding their contact
information or receiving a response, please email Listen Up! directly
at info@listenup.org.
I am interested in broadcasting youth produced
work. Who should I contact?
Please contact our Director, Rhea Mokund, at rhea@listenup.org.
I am a media organization looking to post a link
to your community directory. How can I go about that?
Please link to our community
section of our website to sign up for our youth media directory. If you
have any questions or concerns, please email us at info@listenup.org
I am a new organization or school looking to start
a youth media program. Where should I start?
We suggest first visiting our resources
section of our website for valuable media tools and curriculum. Our website
also offers a forum for exchange,
where you can post general questions and receive feedback. We also encourage
you to give us a call — we'd be happy to place you in touch with
youth media educators and leaders in your area that could extend more
specific assistance.
Does Listen Up! offer internship opportunities?
We do offer internships throughout the year and on a project basis.
Please contact our director, Rhea Mokund, at rhea@listenup.org
for more information.
How can I inquire about employment opportunities?
Listen Up! is not currently hiring, but we are always accepting applications.
Please email a resume and letter of interest to Rhea Mokund at rhea@listenup.org,
or fax to 212.725.2433
How can I make a donation to Listen Up!, or to
individual organizations/schools in the network?
If you are a funder and are interested in receiving a proposal from
Listen Up, please contact Rhea Mokund at rhea@listenup.org
for assistance. If you are interested in supporting a particular organization
in the network, please refer to our Directory for their contact information.
You may also call Listen Up! at 212.725.7000 and Rhea our Director or
Tina, our Network Manager will be happy to help you.
My question isn't answered here. How can I
contact Listen Up?
Please email us at info@listenup.org.
Or contact us at:
Listen Up!
6 East 32nd Street, 8th FL
New York, NY 10016
212.725.7000 Phone
212.725.2433 Fax
