I'm a 16 year resident of Columbia, MO, and I've been volunteering for community media since 2019. A vibrant community media center brings shared resources, including affordable classes,  A/V equipment for rent by anyone, and studio space for students and small business owners.

Vidwest - the nonprofit that currently operates Columbia's media center - is more than 240 members strong and growing. Last year the in-kind value of Vidwest's services to local residents (equipment and studio space alone) was calculated at over $420,000. Ask members and they will say how meaningful it is to have access to an affordable community space where they can meet, learn, and work together.

I urge the City Council of Columbia, MO, to take decisive action to protect our community media center. Without adequate funding and strategic planning from the City of Columbia, we recognize Mid-Missouri's community media center will close in little over a year.

We advise the City Council to take the following steps:

1. Produce a Vision Document: Task the Commission of Cultural Affairs and City Staff to generate a comprehensive planning document for identifying how community media could serve the City's strategic goals over the next 10 years. A draft of the document should be made available to City leaders within two years to review (if not sooner). 

2. Fund community media for the next three years: A three-year service contract ensures continuity of service and allows public policy to be thoughtful and not rushed. 

By taking these steps, Columbians can secure a future where community media remains an asset for the next generation of Mid-Missourians. I ask you to join me in calling on the City Council to protect community media in Mid-Missouri. 

For more info and updates about the campaign visit: https://www.vidwest.org/stand-with-vidwest