2023 - Let Compassion Be our Compass

Let’s Support the Information Outlets that Bring Together the Voices of our Communities

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Earlier this week I was privileged to attend a session on citizenship presented by New America Media. The room was filled with various ethnic media outlets. There were different communities, languages and nationalities represented. There were also service providers present and, very importantly, storytellers.

There are so many things to learn about conveying a message. One aspect is who is conveying the message. Ethnic media outlets clearly represent the voice of different communities—a trusted source for information. The information they disseminate is culturally competent and presented in a linguistically appropriate way to reach their audience.

As we listened to the facts about why citizenship is so important for new Americans, the true impact came from hearing the stories of people personally affected by this issue. It was humbling hearing from a Sudanese single mother of four who was widowed by the violence she fled. She spoke passionately about the value of being able to call herself a citizen and vote  having a voice in a democracy for the first time in her life.

I saw how important it is to lift up the stories of those who are truly impacted by an issue and not speak for them. New America Media supports local independent newspapers and radio stations that help share these stories with the larger community.

Now it’s your turn, how are you uplifting stories rather than creating your own narrative about others? What is your source of information? And are you supporting those outlets that bring together the voice of the community?

Leanne Rubenstein 
Executive Director
Compassionate Atlanta

 

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Did you know that you can help create a more compassionate Atlanta every time you go to the supermarket?

If you have a registered Kroger Plus Card (available for free at the Customer Service desk in every Kroger store) and a Kroger Community Rewards online account, and choose us as your designated non-profit organization, your purchases will begin earning rewards for Compassionate Atlanta within 7 to 10 business days!