our version media
Southampton
Our Version Media® CIC is a community media enterprise dedicated to increasing
positive and authentic representation of black and other communities often
demonised by the press. Our work is underpinned by our core values: 1. Everyone
can be empowered to tell their stories using a range of media Our founder,
broadcast journalist turned social entrepreneur, Veronica Gordon, has fifteen
years’ experience across TV, radio and digital media. Here’s her insider tip:
with the right training and support, anybody can successfully tell their own
stories in creative and compelling ways. 2. Ethnic and cultural diversity should
be recognised, acknowledged and celebrated We believe that everyone should feel
represented, included and have a sense of belonging. We are amplifying the
voices of black and minoritised communities and making these positive and
authentic stories more visible. 3. Authentic storytelling is key to building
authentic relationships We teach individuals and organisations skills for
authentic, inclusive and impactful storytelling. We’re empowering people to use
digital media to create and share stories that reflect their real lives,
neighbourhoods and communities. 4. Positive stories lead to positive wellbeing
We know that the media’s demonisation and negative portrayal of black and
marginalised communities is harming people’s mental health and wellbeing [read
our survey findings]. By equipping people with media skills to tell their own
stories, we’re making positive and authentic stories more visible. This is
boosting self-esteem and wellbeing, while counteracting negative stereotypes at
the same time. Our profits are reinvested into amplifying black voices We live
by our values and reinvest our profits into amplifying the voices of black
British, African and Caribbean communities. It’s one of the ways we’re working
towards our vision of a world where black joy is seen, celebrated and accepted.
We: Host a Black Community Coverage Clinic to deliver free media skills
guidance, advice and support to black residents, community
organisers/activists/volunteers and community group leaders Give our Mobile
Storytelling training to Hampshire’s black residents, community organisers,
community activists and community volunteers for free Support free support and
promotion for black business owners through our free Black-owned Business
Directory
