Auburn Media Training

Macky and Leaders

In Summer 2011, The Beatitudes Society will sponsor Auburn Media Training Workshops in three cities around the US: Washington D.C., Chicago, and Berkeley. These workshops are offered as a part of our Summer Fellowship program, where all of our Summer Fellows will receive this critical component of leadership development.

We are pleased to offer five additional spaces at each of the workshops to local progressive faith leaders who are interested in a tailored training program that prepares religious leaders and laypeople for communicating effectively with the media.

Cost is $25. Training is from 9am (sharp!)-5pm, and selected participants should bring a brown bag lunch.

Washington, DC: Monday July 11, 2011 (registration closes July 1st)
Chicago: Monday July 18, 2011 (registration closes July 8th)
Berkeley: Wednesday July 20, 2011 (registration closes July 11th)

I think the most useful part of this experience was learning how to (literally) articulate a Progressive Christian view point. We Progressive Christians often know what we believe in our gut, but we're not often called upon to claim it and articulate it in clear ways. The Auburn Media Training was particularly useful.

Drew Foisie
2009 Summer Fellow, Virginia Theological Seminary

"Media is the pulpit of the twenty-first century; yet inspired and prophetic leaders representing a balance of perspectives are often nowhere to be heard or seen in the news. We're dedicated to helping you cultivate your preaching, teaching and writing to meet the needs of TV, radio, print, and the Web. And the need is great - from Moscow to Gaza, from the Pope to Proposition 8, religion is in the news. But the often sensational way media represent religion can fan the flames of hatred. Mainstream media need help to cover religion successfully. Auburn Media exists to help you - today's religious leaders and experts on religion and public life - set the record straight.

Auburn Media’s Training Workshops offer tailored training to religious leaders and experts on religion, providing you with effective communication tools for media engagement. At Auburn, we are here to equip you to lead from the pulpit of the press. The workshop is designed to give you practical tools to translate your sermon, mission statement or message into soundbites and generate your own press." [From Auburn Media's website]

The workshop is designed and led by expert media trainer Macky Alston, Sundance award-winning documentarian, television producer (HBO, PBS, Discovery), and theologically-trained Director of Auburn Media.

Trainings address:
    •    The development of core messages for media presentations
    •    Successful media strategies appropriate to television, radio, print, and the Internet
    •    Interview rehearsal on camera using video playback
    •    A working knowledge and comfort with media process and terminology

Whether you are under fire in your congregation, committed to public witness, or about to embark on a book tour, let The Beatitudes Society and Auburn Media Training prepare you to deliver your message with success.

If you are interested in participating, please register HERE.