What’s a citizen to do?  In March, I started doing citizen journalism workshops to teach regular people how to write and produce stories.  Sixty people came to the first workshop.  In July I offered hands-on trained in video photography, producing and editing.  Seventeen people ranging in ages from 85 to 25 showed up.  Last week I took two groups out in the field to produce their own stories.  

So what’s the difference between blogging, media journalism and Fifth Estate reporting?   Bloggers work alone, major media has a lot of resources and the Fifth Estate depends upon volunteerism and each other.

There are mishaps.  One of the citizens loaned the team a tripod.  By the time the shoot was done, a piece was missing.  The final cut editor didn’t show up to edit the piece.  As we regrouped, the citizens completed their scripts.  Now the hunt is on for a volunteer editor.

What’s interesting is how the teams become more empowered day by day.  Did I mention that everything is for free?