Each day, VPM sets out to educate, entertain and inspire the members of our community with robust and diverse content that is accessible to as many people as possible. It’s also important that our communities see themselves through the stories we tell. To accomplish these goals, members of the VPM staff engage with those communities to meet and collaborate with individuals and organizations that also seek to be a resource to all Virginians.
Below are some highlights of how VPM has served our communities in the last month.
Speaking Engagements
On June 1, VPM News director Elliott Robinson moderated a panel discussion titled “Making Room for a Big Project During the Daily Grind” at the Education Writers of America Conference. During the presentation, journalists described ways to map out a long-term investigation or project to explore while covering teacher strikes and school board meetings.
From June 5-7, VPM had a strong presence at the PMJA Conference in Washington D.C. Members of the VPM News team helped organize several events within the conference. VPM News director Elliott Robinson facilitated a conversation on transitioning from traditional, for-profit media to working in public media. VPM News managing editor Dawnthea Price Lisco moderated a conversation on starting a career in public media and a conversation on how to leverage collaboration to improve news coverage of state governments.
On June 13, VPM reporter Keyris Manzanares joined a panel of local media representatives to share their priorities and tips on working with journalists at PlanRVA Day 2024. Panelists offered insight into how they report news and produce stories, the current state and future of journalism and best practices for working with the news media.
Events
On June 5, VPM hosted the Civic Action Conversation Series for a panel discussion on how to create upward economic mobility for all. VPM President & CEO Jayme Swain delivered opening remarks before panelists discussed how to eliminate disparities when it comes to affordable housing, educational attainment, jobs and health access in the Richmond area.
On June 8, VPM participated in DesignRVA 2024, an annual hands-on community day where children aged 8 through 14 and their families can imagine and build elements of a neighborhood to create Richmond spaces to live, learn, work and play. The free event was held at Seven Hills School in Richmond.
Also on June 8, the VPM Early Childhood Care and Education team joined 20 plus Charlottesville nonprofits and businesses at the ReadyKids "KIDCHELLA" block party to support mental well-being. During the event, families visited the VPM tent to enjoy a fun activity and learn about The Basics. During the community event, more than 250 children received books and resources for The Basics to take home and enjoy with their parents/caregivers.
At the RVA Big Market on June 29, Richmonders stopped by the Virginia Home Grown (VHG) booth to hear gardening tips, updates on the production of the latest season and information about VHG’s new Green Production Initiative. Several members of the VHG team attended the event and offered advice to local gardeners who want to implement environmentally friendly methods in their yards and gardens at home.
VPM continues to strive toward connecting with the members of our community to create a more informed and empathetic Commonwealth. If you have any questions about VPM’s work in the community, please contact Mary Arritt, VPM’s Community Engagement Manager.