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Mission + History

Urban VOICE is a non-profit organization based out of Oakland/Emeryville, CA specializing in education that’s visual, hands-on and related to your own experiences. We believe that voices that matter must first learn to cultivate success and apply its lessons in order for change to happen. We are all about “doing” – driving through the natural progression of fear and failure - in order for paradigms to change and real progress to take hold permanently.

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 a non-profit organization based out of Oakland/Emeryville, CA specializing in education that’s visual, hands-on and related to your own experiences. We believe that voices that matter must first learn to cultivate success and apply its lessons in order for change to happen. We are all about “doing” – driving through the natural progression of fear and failure - in order for paradigms to change and real progress to take hold permanently.

    Urban VOICE serves as an umbrella for our three programs:
  1. Urban VOICE Video – working with independent videographers on documentaries and short stories. We also train individuals in videography and editing using Final Cut Pro. Much of our work relates to stories of the inner cities both as issue-based and personal. To fund some of our projects, we take on small business projects and conferences/forums. Please go to Services Link.
  2. Urban FIRE – our award winning entrepreneurship program is geared for inner city residents with little business background. Our target audience is individuals on unemployment, low-income and/or outcasts of traditional education. See our website for all the information: www.urbanfire.org
  3. Upinde ROOTS – our urban farming program that uses EarthBoxes as the growing medium. EarthBoxes use 60 percent less water than traditional farming while producing similar yields. EarthBoxes can be placed on concrete, contaminated soil; anywhere with 8 hours of sun. Please check out our website for the full information: www.upinderoots.org

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 for change-makers with our programs and our information
  • develop a self-sustaining business model that supports our projects and filmmakers