New Course Helps Veterans Find Their Voice in Digital Media

Easterseals Veterans Rally Point offers a transformative program that is empowering veterans to share their stories and make their voices heard. The Digital Media Skills Training and Internship at Easterseal Veterans Rally Point Broadcasting Studio is now in its second year and remains open for new participants. Those interested in registering can call 860-859-4148 ext. 1. Held on Tuesday nights from 4:30 PM to 6:30 PM, the program is spearheaded by Dave Stevens of The Geary Stein & Stevens Show and Ryan Landry of @Everlasting Veteran. This initiative is dedicated to building skills in storytelling, interviewing, producing, editing, and publishing.

A New Avenue for Veteran Expression

This summer, Easterseals Veterans Rally Point partnered with Ability Media and with generous grant support from Comcast NBC Universal created a Digital Media Lab class for veterans. Dave Stevens, the owner of Ability Media and a long-standing board member of Easterseals, leads the program. With his background at ESPN and a passion for media literacy, Stevens designed the course to provide veterans, including older ones, with a creative outlet for storytelling.

Course Curriculum and Impact

The program covers the essentials of podcasting, including shooting and editing videos, conducting interviews, and more. Participants are encouraged to find their niche, whether as a host, director, or graphics specialist. “We teach them the proper way to capture video and audio so the students can have really good content going forward,” Stevens said.

Key Features of the Program:

• Career skills that will empower you to thrive in the dynamic world of media
• Engaging workshops and practical training sessions
• 40-hour internship placement offering real hands-on experience in producing and editing, with a $250 stipend upon successful completion of the training and internship program

The podcasting studio is a professional setup, equipped with microphones, computers, and broadcasting monitors. While the primary focus is interview-based podcasting, Stevens also aims to have his students engage in field reporting on veteran-relevant events and news stories.

Real Stories, Real Impact

The programs produced by the class focus on veteran experiences and crucial information for veterans. The podcasts are distributed through various platforms, including Easterseals’ and Veterans Rally Point’s social media, Your Home TV, and Roku. Thena Cranfill, a U.S. Army Medic during Operation Desert Storm and the Veterans Rally Point receptionist, is one of the course's alumni. An avid podcast listener, Cranfill found the class helped her overcome her public speaking fears and share stories from her service time.

Recognition and Future Prospects

Despite being a relatively new initiative, the program was honored with the Best Collaboration Award by the Chamber of Commerce of Eastern Connecticut during its Social Service Recognition Breakfast. This year digital media training is open for all disabled participants, further broadening its impact.

Join the Movement

The Digital Media Skills Training and Internship is more than just a course—it’s a platform for veterans to advocate for crucial programs, raise awareness about military personnel’s challenges, and inspire support for veteran health initiatives. For more information or to register for the course call Easterseals Veterans Rally Point at 860-859-4148 ext. 1.