Amplify (v.): to make larger or greater (as in amount, importance, or intensity); to increase the strength or amount of., especially to make louder. Amplifying Community Voices: The work of Davis Media Access.
During the first half of the pandemic, Davis Media Access (DMA) rapidly pivoted to focus on helping a broad segment of Yolo County adapt to sudden and overwhelming needs for technical expertise, as well as vitally important local public health information. During the second half, our work shifted yet again as we continued to meet the ongoing demands of hybrid events, meetings, and calls for streaming.
There’s no better way to describe DMA’s work during this time than Amplifying Community Voices. Put simply, DMA’s work underpins, supports and amplifies the work of many community efforts and institutions. And during the most challenging past three years, when many things slowed down, our worked ramped up dramatically.
A few weeks ago, DMA’s used Toyota van was badly vandalized. This is an essential tool we use to haul equipment, interns, and other volunteers around town as we amplify the voices of community events, causes, and organizations. By mid June, we are scheduled to record or broadcast at venues including the City’s Caeser Chavez event; the Wennberg Festival at the Mondavi; the annual high school Tribute to Tony Fields; four different high school graduations; Davis Pride Festival; Davis Music Festival; and the e-Learning Lab at Woodland Community College. (And by the way, this is just a portion of our community work!)
We'e working out a short-term solution, but the reality is we need to replace this van. On May 4, we’re challenging ourselves to stretch and work hard for a $20,000 Big Day of Giving goal, half of which will support programs and services, and the other half will go towards the purchase of a van. Will you help?
DMA’s work is time and labor intensive, and it’s your support that in turn helps amplify our efforts. Donations of $75 or more can receive a premium of a T-shirt with this year’s theme.
With so much gratitude for your generosity and your support,
Autumn Labbe-Renault, Executive Director
About Davis Media Access:
DMA is the media center, which is both a physical space, and a philosophical commitment to a mission and set of values. These are carried out via three main projects: DCTV, DJUSD, and KDRT. Each has commonalities: access to equipment & training, unique local programming, topical workshops, community partnerships, event promotion, capacity building, and advocacy and information for broader media issues. Each works to build digital skills and media literacy in our community. General information, as well as links to our annual reports, can be found at http://davismedia.org.