[New-imc] Santa Barbara IMC membership criteria

[Jay]

Hi KT,

At 11/11/2003, KT Jarmul wrote:
>Hi Jay, this is KT jarmul from SB-IMC.  I just wanted to let you know that
>we have contacted Los Angeles IMC and have set up a meeting on the 22nd,
>where we will attend their general meeting and also try and make
>connections between our respective media groups.

That's great!

>  I spoke with Ginny and
>she and I both feel (with the strong encouragement of our fellow IMCistas
>here in SB) that SB-IMC is ready to move on with the affiliation
>process.

Wonderful.  I'll happily pass along your membership criteria responses, 
etc., to the new-imc list for everyone to see.  Do you think we maybe 
should wait until after you meet with the LA-IMC?  The only reason I'm 
asking is because if there does happen to be any problem (which I can't 
imagine, but who the heck knows), having the LA-IMC in your court would be 
really helpful.  And, it's only a week more.  Or, if not, just let me know 
and I'll send your stuff right along.

>Your comments on the editorial policy are helpful and we will
>discuss them (and possibly amend our policy) at our next editorial meeting
>(to be scheduled tomorrow evening).  Thank you so much for your support.

My pleasure,

Jay

>In solidarity,
>KT
>
>--
>KT Jarmul
>kt-jarmul at umail.ucsb.edu
>KCSB Associate News and PA Director
>news at kcsb.org
>(805) 893-2426
>
>On Tue, 11 Nov 2003, Jay wrote:
>
> > Hi there, Santa Barbara IMC,
> >
> > Thanks for responding so quickly to all those questions!  I apologize for
> > taking a few days to reply.
> >
> > At 11/4/2003, ginnybrowne at riseup.net wrote:
> > >Jay and new-IMCistas,
> > >
> > >Thanks for the words of encouragement!
> > >Some answers...
> > >
> > >-- What kind of contact have you had with already-existing IMCs in your
> > >region, especially the Los Angeles IMC?   (We've found that regional
> > >organizing is both important and a lot of fun.)
> > >
> > >*Oddly, we don't have contacts with LA IMC.  However, over the past few
> > >months, members of our group have met in person with folks from San Diego
> > >IMC, NYC-IMC, Chappel Hill IMC, and Urbana-Champaign IMC.  We have kept
> > >regular correspondence with some of these people, and they were all
> > >fabulously helpful in offering guidance and tips about various IMC issues.
> >
> > I'm glad to hear people from your group have made so many contacts!  I
> > would definitely suggest reaching out to the LA-IMC.  It's not a
> > requirement of being part of the Indymedia network, but of course it would
> > be a really nice thing.  They could help you in many ways, and I'm sure 
> you
> > could help them.
> >
> > >-- do you have an e-mail list for discussions?  Not that an IMC has to
> > >discuss everything on-line, but having an open e-mail list helps assure
> > >people access if they can't physically make it to meetings.
> > >
> > >*We have a general list, a process list, an editorial list, a web list,
> > >and a youth list, all on riseup.net.
> >
> > Great.
> >
> >
> > >-- In your editorial policy you say the IMC won't tolerate messages of 
> hate
> > >and also list a number of things that would cause a post to be hidden.  Do
> > >have any sort of mechanism for how that would happen?  Meaning, if a hate
> > >post comes onto the newswire, what's the process you're going to go 
> through
> > >to decide to hide it.  I don't think that's necessarily something you have
> > >to spell out fully in your editiorial policy, but it's something important
> > >to discuss.
> > >
> > >*Assuming by this question you mean what would be our process for coming
> > >to consensus on what needs to be hidden (as opposed to the standard
> > >logistics of editorial decision making), I think, first of all, we all
> > >recognize there will be instances where we don't have immediate agreement
> > >on hiding a post, and, in many of those cases, coming to consensus will
> > >not be simple. Throughout, we will use the our mission statement and IMC
> > >principles of unity as guides for what is not acceptable.  (Please say so
> > >if we haven't full answered your question!)  Are you suggesting we
> > >incorporate a larger discussion of this into the Ed policy itself?
> >
> > Sometimes hiding a post gets to be a really complicated thing.  Often the
> > people whose posts are hidden, for whatever reason, complain heartily, 
> make
> > public accusations, etc.  Having a very clear process for making editorial
> > decisions will help you a lot, both internally and 
> externally.  Internally,
> > you'll feel as if you did all you could do in a very clear way to 
> discuss a
> > post and decide what to do.  Externally, you can point to your process and
> > say, "Hey, this is what we said we do, we did it, and that's what
> > happened.  So there."  I don't think you'd necessarily have to spell out
> > all the details in your editorial policy, but you should probably work out
> > the details sooner rather than later and indicate some of those details in
> > your policy.  For example, you can say, "The SB-IMC editorial committee
> > will have discussions about which posts to hide, and why, on their e-mail
> > list, the archives of which are publicly accessible . . . ," or something
> > like that.  Then people will know there is some transparent method in your
> > madness. :)
> >
> > >-- You mention you are in the process of doing outreach for racial
> > >diversity.  How is that going, and do you feel comfortable joining the IMC
> > >network with that still being an active concern?
> > >
> > >We have begun to form relationships with folks in local Raza/Chican@, and
> > >Asian organizations, some of whom are planning to come to our next meeting
> > >and be the liasons for their orgs.  Certainly, it's a balance between
> > >recognizing lack of racial diversity as a problem that needs to be dealt
> > >with immediately and making sure we do so through good process in order to
> > >build trust over time. This is a central focus for our group right now,
> > >and we are confident in our process to be comfortable with joining the IMC
> > >network at this point.
> > >
> > >-- (something we haven't been asking very often but something that seems
> > >important) Do have any sort of conflict resolution system built into your
> > >decision-making processes?
> > >
> > >Very important, yes, and no, we do not have a conflict resolution system
> > >built in to our decision-making process.  This is definitely something we
> > >will be tackling soon.
> > >
> >
> > All this sounds good.  Seems as if your group is having really serious
> > discussions about the issues that come up for IMCs in general.  Keep
> > talking, especially about the above points.  Let me know when you feel
> > you're ready to proceed and I'll put your information in front of the
> > new-imc working group for the customary three day discussion 
> period.  After
> > that, it goes in front of imc-process and imc-communication for a
> > week.  After that, the SB-IMC will be part of the network.
> >
> > I would definitely suggest reaching out to the LA-IMC before going 
> further,
> > since having their support will really help if anyone in the network has
> > any issues with the information you sent in.
> >
> > Thanks!
> >
> > Jay
> >
> >
> > > > Hi there Ginny and the SB IMC,
> > > >
> > > > This is Jay from IMC-Philly, and occasionally the new-imc working 
> group,
> > > > getting back to you with some thoughts about all this great information
> > > > you
> > > > sent along to the new-imc list.
> > > >
> > > > First I want to say, Yay!  From the way things sound you have a 
> very solid
> > > > core group, some good energy and great ideas and have done some good
> > > > organizing to forming an IMC.  As you definitely seem to understand, an
> > > > IMC
> > > > isn't just a web site, it is a group of people sharing ideas and
> > > > experiences, doing important (though often difficult) work to open
> > > > people's
> > > > minds to a truly democratic media.
> > > >
> > > > I have just a few questions which may help clarify some of your 
> responses
> > > > for the new-imc group.  (New-imc group members, feel free to chime in
> > > > too.)  These are questions we've been asking of every aspiring IMC 
> as of
> > > > late.   No one expects any new IMC to be perfect! :)  It's just that as
> > > > more and more IMCs join the network we've gotten a better sense of what
> > > > kind of organizing goes into a group that is going to ultimately 
> become a
> > > > thriving, effective and sustainable IMC.
> > > >
> > > > So, some questions:
> > > > -- What kind of contact have you had with already-existing IMCs in your
> > > > region, especially the Los Angeles IMC?   (We've found that regional
> > > > organizing is both important and a lot of fun.)
> > > >
> > > > -- do you have an e-mail list for discussions?  Not that an IMC has to
> > > > discuss everything on-line, but having an open e-mail list helps assure
> > > > people access if they can't physically make it to meetings.
> > > >
> > > > -- In your editorial policy you say the IMC won't tolerate messages of
> > > > hate
> > > > and also list a number of things that would cause a post to be 
> hidden.  Do
> > > > have any sort of mechanism for how that would happen?  Meaning, if 
> a hate
> > > > post comes onto the newswire, what's the process you're going to go
> > > > through
> > > > to decide to hide it.  I don't think that's necessarily something 
> you have
> > > > to spell out fully in your editiorial policy, but it's something 
> important
> > > > to discuss.
> > > >
> > > > -- You mention you are in the process of doing outreach for racial
> > > > diversity.  How is that going, and do you feel comfortable joining 
> the IMC
> > > > network with that still being an active concern?
> > > >
> > > > -- (something we haven't been asking very often but something that 
> seems
> > > > important) Do have any sort of conflict resolution system built 
> into your
> > > > decision-making processes?
> > > >
> > > > Sorry to pelt you with more questions after you already have done 
> so much
> > > > work toward going through the other info.  We're just trying to 
> raise some
> > > > issues that have caused big messes for other IMCs so you can plan 
> ahead.
> > > >
> > > > Thanks!!!!!
> > > >
> > > > Jay
> > > >
> > > > At 10/28/2003, ginnybrowne at riseup.net wrote:
> > > >>IMC MEMBERSHIP CRITERIA - Santa Barbara IMC
> > > >>
> > > >>Each IMC and Global Working Group is expected to:
> > > >>a. Agree in spirit to the NIMC Mission Statement and Principles of 
> Unity,
> > > >>         We have consensed on them.
> > > >>
> > > >>b. Have a committed membership substantial enough to sustain a 
> functional
> > > >>IMC,
> > > >>         We currently have a core organizing group of about 20 members,
> > > >> with over
> > > >>50 people on our internal email lists, many of whom attend meetings
> > > >>sporadically.
> > > >>
> > > >>c. Have open and public meetings (no one group can have exclusionary
> > > >>"ownership" of an IMC),
> > > >>         Our meetings are always open and announced publicly.
> > > >>
> > > >>d. Work toward developing a local Mission Statement or Statement of
> > > >> Purpose.
> > > >>         Our MISSION STATEMENT is as follows:
> > > >>The Santa Barbara Independent Media Center is an autonomous,
> > > >>community-based collective committed to using media production and
> > > >>distribution as a tool for promoting social and economic justice.  By
> > > >>providing the training and the channels, SB-IMC creates 
> opportunities for
> > > >>individuals and groups who are misrepresented in the mainstream 
> media to
> > > >>report on the issues they face within the community.  Through our
> > > >>affiliation with the IMC network, we seek to draw connections between
> > > >>local and global struggles.  We generate alternatives to the current
> > > >>profit-based and state-dominated media to contribute to the development
> > > >> of
> > > >>an equitable and sustainable society.
> > > >>
> > > >>Toward these goals, we aim,
> > > >>
> > > >>* To encourage, facilitate, and support the creation of independent 
> news
> > > >>gathering and reporting.
> > > >>* To offer training in news reporting, internet and media skills.
> > > >>* To encourage all people to view themselves as news makers, and to 
> look
> > > >>for news sources and inspiration within their daily lives.
> > > >>* To cover local events that are ignored or poorly covered by corporate
> > > >>media.
> > > >>* To provide edited audio, video, and print stories of the above on the
> > > >>internet for independent media outlets and the general public.
> > > >>* To facilitate networking and coordination for the coverage of local
> > > >>events as well as share information and announcements about events of
> > > >>interest to the Santa Barbara social justice community.
> > > >>* To build a more inclusive and representative community through
> > > >> bilingual
> > > >>Spanish/English communication
> > > >>* To provide links to alternative media, activist, and research groups.
> > > >>* To encourage a world where globalization is not about homogeneity and
> > > >>exploitation, but about diversity and cooperation.
> > > >>
> > > >>
> > > >>e. Establish and publish an editorial policy which is developed and
> > > >>functions through democratic process, and with full transparency,
> > > >>         Our ED POLICY is as follows:
> > > >>SB-IMC is dedicated to open publishing [link] as a means of creating a
> > > >>transparent community forum for events and issues of social concern in
> > > >>Santa Barbara and around the tri-county region.  Anyone can post an
> > > >>eyewitness or investigative report, news analysis, or video or audio
> > > >> clips
> > > >>of events to the newswire.  The newswire is not edited for content, but
> > > >>SB-IMC will not tolerate messages of hate.
> > > >>
> > > >>SB-IMC is participating in a global experiment in free speech, in
> > > >>transparent, open structure, unconstrained by the pressures of
> > > >>advertising, corporations, or government.  We recognize that no 
> reporter,
> > > >>whether professional journalist or IMC contributor, speaks from a place
> > > >> of
> > > >>objectivity, and that all news takes shape through a series of choices
> > > >>informed by the unique perceptions and biases of its reporter.  We
> > > >>therefore encourage all SB-IMC contributors to strive for fairness,
> > > >>breadth, and accuracy in their reporting, and to tap into their own
> > > >>experiences as sources of wisdom and knowledge. We support grassroots
> > > >>reporting and will not be restricted by the standards of commercial 
> news.
> > > >>  We believe that people communicating in their own voices about the
> > > >> issues
> > > >>that matter to them is the first step to creating a truly democratic
> > > >>society.
> > > >>
> > > >>The SB-IMC editorial group checks the newswire regularly for stories to
> > > >>feature on the website's main page.  Features may be edited for 
> spelling,
> > > >>format, and clarity.  We expect all contributions to the SB-IMC 
> newswire
> > > >>to meet one or more of the following guidelines, and will assess 
> possible
> > > >>features according to them:
> > > >>
> > > >>timely stories on local issues
> > > >>stories with picture, video or audio
> > > >>well-researched pieces
> > > >>upcoming events
> > > >>stories not yet reported in other media
> > > >>stories offering opportunities for immediate response/action
> > > >>
> > > >>Occasionally, the editorial group will hide certain posts.  (Hidden 
> posts
> > > >>can be viewed on this page [link].)  Posts meeting one or more of the
> > > >>following criteria may be hidden:
> > > >>
> > > >>duplicates
> > > >>spam
> > > >>hardcore porn with no news or cultural value
> > > >>details of illegal actions or plans
> > > >>advertisements
> > > >>slander or libel
> > > >>unsigned articles
> > > >>unreadable or corrupted material
> > > >>
> > > >>To post to the SB-IMC newswire, please click here.
> > > >>
> > > >>f. Agree to the use of Open Publishing as described in the NIMC 
> Editorial
> > > >>Policy [editorial collective comments: "We did agree that the term 
> "Open
> > > >>Publishing" was one that is still being defined by the Global Network
> > > >>Collective, and we would wait and see what the results were before
> > > >> rewriting
> > > >>this criteria],
> > > >>         We definitely agree, as is hopefully shown by our editorial
> > > >> policy.
> > > >>
> > > >>g. Adopt a decision-making policy that is in alignment with consensus
> > > >>principles which include open, transparent and egalitarian processes,
> > > >>         From the beginning, we have operated through formal consensus
> > > >> process.
> > > >>We are working with other local activist groups to make sure that open
> > > >>consensus facilitation trainings occur on a semi-regular basis to
> > > >>decentralize these skills within and among our organizations.
> > > >>
> > > >>h. Have a spokesperson(s) willing and capable of participating in the
> > > >>global decision-making process and meetings as a rotating
> > > >>liaison/representative, with a clear understanding of the
> > > >> responsibilities
> > > >>that come with this role,
> > > >>         We have consensed on a global representative, Ginny Browne
> > > >>(ginnybrowne at riseup.net).  Our tech representative is Bryan Brown
> > > >>(bryan.brown at kcsb.org).  (As you will hopefully notice, no relation. :)
> > > >>
> > > >>i. Participate in the key IMC Network Communication Methods that 
> pertain
> > > >> to
> > > >>the health and vitality of the Network and that contribute to the 
> work of
> > > >>the IMC. Assure that at least one person from your local IMC 
> participates
> > > >>at any given time on the IMC-Communications list,
> > > >>         Our global representative and others from the group will
> > > >> participate on
> > > >>this list.
> > > >>
> > > >>j. (NOT FINALIZED): Have no official affiliation with any political
> > > >> party,
> > > >>state or candidate for office (comments: but individual producers have
> > > >>freedom to do whatever they like and local IMCs can "feature" stories
> > > >> about
> > > >>various political parties and initiatives),
> > > >>         We have no such ties!
> > > >>
> > > >>k. IMCs shall in no way engage in commercial for-profit 
> enterprises. [We
> > > >>could add: The IMCN is committed to the decommercialization of
> > > >> information
> > > >>and will disassociate from any local IMC that decides to become a for
> > > >>profit media corporation.]
> > > >>         We passionately agree.
> > > >>
> > > >>l. Display a ³local version² of the IMC ³i² logo on your website and
> > > >>literature.
> > > >>         The logo is already on our preliminary website design.
> > > >>
> > > >>m. Include the IMC Network current ³Cities List² on your site, 
> preferably
> > > >>on the front page.
> > > >>         Absolutely.
> > > >>
> > > >>We look forward to working with all of you!
> > > >>
> > > >>with thanks and solidarity,
> > > >>Ginny Browne
> > > >>SB-IMC-to-be
> > > >>_______________________________________________
> > > >>New-imc mailing list. Lista de correo New-imc
> > > >>New-imc at lists.indymedia.org
> > > >>http://lists.indymedia.org/mailman/listinfo/new-imc
> > > >
> > > >
> > > >
> >
> >
> >