As an AMLA member, you can take full advantage of any of these ways to connect and to share, to learn and to grow, to contribute your insights and to increase your own skills and leadership in the field:
Information + Inspiration = NMEC (use logo from 07 as art here
No doubt about it, AMLA's National Media Education and Research Conference is the largest and most inspiring gathering of media literacy practitioners and supporters in the US. Held every two years in cities across the U.S., this acclaimed conference is four days of non-stop networking, connecting, sharing and learning from one another as well as from top speakers and leaders in the field. Active AMLA members receive discounted rates, discounts at the bookstore, an invitation to the AMLA General Assembly and many other conference benefits.
Regional Events Link Neighbors
A number of AMLA's organizational members host regional events - from week-long summer institutes to one-day conferences to afternoon film screenings or evening seminars. Many of these regional events are co-sponsored by AMLA / National. Find out what may be happening in your city, state or region on the AMLA National Events Calendar . (link to calendar) You're sure to meet many other media literacy supporters with whom you can connect.
Exchange Insights and Ideas
As you've probably noticed, blogs, bulletin boards and other interactive opportunities appear throughout the AMLA website. Take some time to surf around, bookmark your favorite interactive places and add your feedback, comments or ideas to various conversations. If you wish to start a new blog and are willing to be responsible for monitoring it for at least 6 months, please contact ______________________.
- Resource Readers and Reviewers
The AMLA Marketplace is eager to receive reviews of the books, videos, DVDs and curriculum resources available in the Marketplace. They're looking for success stories with curriculum as well as critiques or reflections on professional literature. To find out more about resource reviewing, contact _______________ (Liz probablyr
Connect in a Caucus
AMLA Caucuses (link to that page in About AMLA) are a wonderful way for members to continue the work of AMLA in a geographic area or in a special interest level within the broader field of media literacy education. Caucuses are self-governing and self-funded. They choose when to meet, how to run their meetings, what issues to discuss, and what activities they wish to hold. Consider joining an active caucus (same as above) -- or start one yourself!
- Grad Student Caucus
One of the most energetic caucuses was formed to facilitate exchange and collaboration between graduate students anywhere in the field of media literacy education. Their awesome website includes a Research Reading Room, a database of media literacy friendly graduate departments and a Collaboration process for finding partners to present at conferences or publish in journals. You must be an active AMLA member to participate in the caucus but to encourage student affiliation, AMLA has a low-cost student membership rate (link to the membership registration area) of only $35/year.
Form a Student Chapter
Colleges and Universities that have an organizational membership (link to that page in membership) in AMLA may organize an AMLA student chapter on campus to promote awareness of the media literacy movement nationally and the importance of continuing professional development for oneself. For more information on starting a student chapter, contact _______________________.
Volunteer on an AMLA Committee
There are many benefits to volunteering for an AMLA committee. Through committee work, you will get to know others in the field, develop lasting professional relationships and build your capacity for continuing leadership in the field. There may even be tax benefits! But most of all you will have the satisfaction of knowing your ideas and creative energies are helping to advance the field of media literacy education as others before you have done till now.
Board members often hear that others would like "to help." The successful organization tries to match what needs to be done with the people who have the skills to accomplish it. Your first step in volunteering for committee work is to take the AMLA Skills Survey to help us match you up with the committee that most needs YOUR skills and expertise. It only takes a few minutes but the rewards may last a lifetime.