Greetings to Sergio and all the members of OURMedia list.
I cannot believe that the network dissolution is being contemplated, a network that has become an alternative of inclusion to those of us who work and develop alternative media in our countries, with no other aid than our means, with no other help than our will to do so (and of course, to achieve the means to do it).
I know very well, and I have to admit, that ever since I sent an email to Clemencia – a while ago -- regarding our work, I was not quite sure of what I was going to do regarding the serious disinformation problem that our youth goes through, perspective of our website www.redcamaleon.com, but with time I had matured the idea, and we have triumphed.
Regarding what? Regarding representativeness. Alternative media are the voices of their communities, they reflect their interests, they differ from what is obvious; furthermore, they offer opportunities for expression with NO CENSORSHIP, as well as knowledge of alternatives for personal life. I can say the same about experiences such as indigenous radio, which aims to create awareness regarding its community, not only when it comes to demands and protests, but also in cultural and tradition preservation affairs, and this is another key element within the alternative work. As a consequence, we gained in inclusion, in opportunity, in seeing ourselves, because -- let's not deny it – media creates egos and sometimes we are not interested in seeing ourselves.
A network, as we see it, tries to add interests and circulate them without restrictions, aims to become a support and mean of contact between one another, endeavors to reach agreements or interrelate different points of view, the job is a tough, but satisfactory one, in the sense that one can see the work reflected on the community's appreciation for the information that was brought to them, while providing them the opportunity to express what they feel.
From a different perspective, we do need to learn how to manage. Not all of us posses the experience or the talent to do it, but if we feel passionate about it, and -- as a matter of fact -- we live from it, we have to think how much it benefits us, not only from a necessity point of view, but also from a professional/career/work point of view. We are in the process of developing this mentality (that is not necessarily a capitalist one, because the relevant thing here is to do a job well don, and stop doing things at the last minute… which is tiring).
We have never been part of any of the OM conferences neither have we significantly contributed to its process. Furthermore, we suppose that our news are lying in some recycle bin… But we are interested in being there, because with and behind us is a huge amount of work in the alternative communication field, which is bringing awareness to the different views of the real world, the world we see. Blogs are proof of the need there is for exposure, because media manipulation is real, and lives have been sacrificed -- i.e. in Colombia -- to expose them. It is for that reason that a supranational network is needed, a network that conquers language and distance barriers, that guides and presents different worldwide position on different issues, a network that gives voices to those invisible communities. It is for that reason that a supranational network has to take chances, all the more, if it is being supported.
This is a call to acknowledgement. From what I can observes, the work has no been in vain, but there is a need for more contact among members, for more initiative towards integration and more local work in each of the countries. One tends to think about them (the conferences), as a traveling experience, a good time, something else to include in our resume. It is a serious commitment. Yes, we are alternative, but we should work as the big ones in information do… let's validate our effort. Let's open local workshops and classes, promote new spaces for speech and expression (cartoons and videos are good options), let's take advantage of digital communication, create incentives for journalism production… we cannot stand still in times like this one, where there is such a need to provide a real space for discussion, that is for those who really want it. Communication is an enormous value, and it is clear that we are losing it. Let's not let this happen.
JUAN CARLOS BERMÚDEZ
Youth Observatory – Colombian National University – Chameleon Network of Youth Communication.
(OBSERVATORIO DE JUVENTUD UNIVERSIDAD NACIONAL DE COLOMBIA-REDCAMALEON SISTEMA DE COMUNICACION JOVEN)
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