This gathering is for Minnesota community media makers, organizers, journalists, filmmakers, and anyone building local media in our state. The Summit is free of charge, but registration is required by September 21st.  To learn more and register on Eventbrite, click here.

Highlights of the Summit:

• A screening of #WhileBlack followed by a Q&A with the director and subjects from the film
• Presentations, panels and hands-on sessions with local community media makers and training organizations (working sessions not lectures)
• Lessons from Jessica Mayberry of Video Volunteers India on what 20 years & 30,000 community videos taught them about turning a camera into real power: the mistakes, what worked, what they’d never do again!
• Finding & keeping community media reporters, getting a story from someone’s phone to a decision-maker, and building a civic infrastructure for voice that lasts beyond a viral moment.
• This is a dynamic event…we want to listen to you and shape the event around your needs. Therefore, our agenda is subject to change and we welcome suggestions

Goals of the Summit

• Create international collaboration and training to strengthen organizing and cohesion among Minnesota community media makers.
• Develop systems for trauma-informed support, sustainable funding, and robust training for media makers.
• Build a cohort of 10-15 filmmakers, each paid to make a film in the fall/winter of 2026.

Register