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Mission + History

Urban VOICE is an all-volunteer organization. We work closely with communities to create projects that tell the personal stories of everyday people. Our goal is to make media that informs, inspires, and encourages action for the common good.

UV's production schedule generally includes a single major video project and several smaller projects at any given time. Interns do the work, occupying positions determined by existing skills and skills they hope to acquire. Everyone at UV commits to three criteria:

  1. Provision of skills as an unpaid apprentice on a social justice video project
  2. Advancement of skills through an independent project using UV resources and equipment
  3. Participation in cooperative training so the group and the individual become stronger

Urban VOICE was founded in 1997 as a technology training center for low income residents of Oakland, CA. For six years the center trained over 2000 students in computer technology.

Original Urban VOICE participants learned to create video oratories documenting their lives, thoughts, and aspirations. They also developed marketable skills in the high-tech industry. In many cases UV provided opportunities and training previously inaccessible to participants. The goal was to nurture strong individuals equipped to establish themselves in the world and make a positive impact.

In 2004, due to escalating federal deficits, the Bush administration cut funding for many social programs including Urban VOICE. UV was forced to shut its doors as a training center, but soon reemerged as a production company emphasizing social justice documentaries.

Mission

Urban VOICE is an all-volunteer organization. We work closely with communities to create projects that tell the personal stories of everyday people. Our goal is to make media that informs, inspires, and encourages action for the common good.

UV's production schedule generally includes a single major video project and several smaller projects at any given time. Interns do the work, occupying positions determined by existing skills and skills they hope to acquire. Everyone at UV commits to three criteria:

  1. Provision of skills as an unpaid apprentice on a social justice video project
  2. Advancement of skills through an independent project using UV resources and equipment
  3. Participation in cooperative training so the group and the individual become stronger
History

Urban VOICE was founded in 1997 as a technology training center for low income residents of Oakland, CA. For six years the center trained over 2000 students in computer technology.

Original Urban VOICE participants learned to create video oratories documenting their lives, thoughts, and aspirations. They also developed marketable skills in the high-tech industry. In many cases UV provided opportunities and training previously inaccessible to participants. The goal was to nurture strong individuals equipped to establish themselves in the world and make a positive impact.

In 2004, due to escalating federal deficits, the Bush administration cut funding for many social programs including Urban VOICE. UV was forced to shut its doors as a training center, but soon reemerged as a production company emphasizing social justice documentaries.

we strive to...

  • work with local communities and explore social justice issues
  • produce video documentaries and other projects that encourage action for the common good
  • provide a supportive environment where filmmakers can improve their skills and refine their voices
  • develop a self-sustaining business model that supports our projects and filmmakers

services

Urban VOICE operates according to an entrepreneurial business model. The income we earn sustains the organization and remunerates some of our interns. Through our service bureau we offer an array of pre-to-post production services. While many of our clients are fellow organizations committed to social justice, we also provide affordable options for individuals and corporations.

staff