A blog is short for Web-log and is basically an updatable online diary.  You can write and update information about your community using Lens on Atlanta blogs.

MostlyMedia: Shares some citizen media from the aftermath of the flood zone.

GriftDrift: Gives kudos to top local blogs.

DecaturMetro: Great Decatur blog.

SWGAPolitics: A conversation about wealth redistribution.

TheSaportaReport: Hands on Atlanta reaches milestone.

GeorgiaOnMyMind: Home of the Georgia Blog Carnival.

Sid Cottingham: Talks about politics and healthcare reform.

Georgia Legislative Watch: Keeps a close eye on politics.

FreshLoaf: Thoughs on the Grady hospital woes.

BlogforDemocracy: A inside perspective from the Congressional Black Caucus.

PeachPundit: The Georgia Supreme Court says touch screen voting machines are okay.

If you run across any great blogs, please share a link.

Since the purpose of Lens on Atlanta is to create change in the community, I thought I'd share a little bit more about myself, and how I fit into the picture.

I believe that even in small ways, the things we do everyday can have a big impact on our community.  That being said, I'm working to improve the community by being a good father and husband.  Sometimes I wish I didn't have to work so much, but I'm providing financial support to the best of my abilities.  My son is eleven months now, and he's getting bigger and smarter by the day.  My father always stressed the value of education, so I read to him, and teach him simple things.  He knows how to throw a ball, he knows how to clap, and jump.  I already know that he's on the right track.

On a wider scale, I volunteer with a nonprofit called Youth Connection.  I mentor to a young man whose father is incarcerated.  He loves baskedball and video games, and I believe I'm making a difference even if it's in a small way.

I also started volunteering with a nonprofit call the New Leaders Council.  The organization provides training for young progressives who demonstrate strong leadership skills across the country.  The NLC is in the process of launching an Institute in the Southeast, and we're building our Advisory Board, and recruiting Fellows for the 2010 Institute. 

If I'm not busy enough with those responsibilities, I'm working to complete my graduate thesis this semester.  Perhaps I'll share more about that at a later time.

I know you're doing positive things in the community as well.  I'd like to know what you're up to.

Amani Channel

From MyUrbanReport

"I’m participating in a journalism roundtable discussion at Georgia State University today. A variety of news professionals will be on hand to help the university develop its curriculum for students, and help the academics develop areas of future research.

I’ll be sharing my insights as a news professional, and social media practitioner. I’ll also share the abstract from my current graduate study. My thesis is titled “Gatekeeping and Citizen Journalism: A qualitative study on participatory media.” I’m currently collecting the data, and the plan is to graduate this semester. I only have two interviews to complete. Then I’ll be in the lab writing." 

CONTINUE READING

Here is a link to the video I produced for the presentation.

I believe that Lens on Atlanta could be a vital part of the media evolution, or revolution depending on how you look at it.

The news media hardly ever covers issues oriented information, plus news is subjective.  If the story doesn't involve the police, fire engines, or some kind of tragedy the chance of coverage diminishes.

That doesn't mean your event, or activity isn't important enough to be shared.  Your neighborhood watch meeting could be considered newsworthy to people in the group especially if you  are working on plans to change or improve the community.

There are arts exhibits that don't get any media coverage.  Lens on Atlanta presents the opportunity for every organization, community group or individual to share some information that can help us gain greater perspective and understanding of what our collective community is experiencing.

If you're reading this, please share your thoughts.  Click on the headline of this post.  Scroll down and leave a comment. I'd like to hear your thoughts.