• Introductory Classes

CLASS DESCRIPTIONJoin us for a workshop about media literacy through a journalistic lens, with an emphasis on relevant local storytelling, community representation, and navigating a complex media ecosystem.Participants will develop a critical understanding of media literacy, focusing on how journalism shapes narratives, represents communities, and navigates the complexities of today's media ecosystem. This workshop will empower participants to analyze media content critically and create relevant local stories that reflect their communities.DETAILSRegistration closes on Thursday, September 26th at 9:00pm.$30 for non-members / $15 for SPEAK MPLS membersThis in-person class will be held at the SPEAK MPLS Northeast studio, located within the Waterbury Building at 1121 Jackson Street NE Studio #128, Minneapolis, MN 55413. The Waterbury, a large, red building, is located near the corner of Broadway St. NE and Central Ave. NE in the Northeast Minneapolis Arts District.INSTRUCTOR + BIOA resident of the Lowry Hill East neighborhood in Minneapolis, Eric Ortiz has extensive experience in journalism, community building, and social justice innovation with for-profit and nonprofit organizations. He oversees all community programming and operations for the Strong Mind Strong Body Foundation, creating curriculums and leading community programs that empower youth to build leadership skills and increase educational and economic opportunities. He develops and manages partnerships with schools, businesses, and community groups to provide educational programs and resources. Eric also is a longtime journalist and the former founder of Evrybit, a citizen journalism app startup and mobile storytelling platform that democratized community journalism.CLASS REGISTRATION, ATTENDANCE, CANCELLATION + OTHER POLICIES- Class schedules and registration information are available at www.speakmpls.com. - Once registered, participants will receive an email confirmation with directions and parking information for the SPEAK MPLS Northeast studio.- Please arrive on time. The instructor will begin at the start of class.- In the event that a class must be canceled, SPEAK MPLS will contact registered participants with as much notification as possible, to either reschedule or refund the cost of the class.- A participant may cancel a class by providing written notice of cancellation to SPEAK MPLS’ Director of Education James Harris at james@speakmpls.com within 48-hours of the scheduled class. Participants may have a one-time option to reschedule the class at no additional cost.  If a participant fails to attend the rescheduled class, no refunds for class fee will be granted.  If the class was a one-on-one class, the instructor has the discretion to reschedule based on the instructor’s availability.- If participants have financial challenges to pay for membership or classes, SPEAK MPLS offers a sliding scale fee. Please contact info@speakmpls.com for application information. Once we have received the application, a SPEAK MPLS team member will be in touch within 10 business days of receipt of the application.- Participants are expected to follow the SPEAK MPLS Policies, as defined in Chapter 4 of the Member Playbook.  Instructors and SPEAK MPLS staff reserve the right to dismiss any participant from a class for violation of SPEAK MPLS Policies.CONTACT USIf you have any questions or concerns, please contact SPEAK MPLS’ Director of Education James Harris at 612-208-7215 or james@speakmpls.com with accommodation requests or if you have additional questions.