Catch the eye of generation Y
YMedia has launched its 2008 challenge, which aims to connect media students with not-for-profit organisations that want to develop an on-line presence.
One of YMedia’s founders, Pamela Minett, says many skilled young people want to help community groups, but they don’t always use traditional lines of communication to find out about them.
“When young people are interested in an organisation or a cause, they don’t pick up the telephone or wander down the street anymore. They search for it online. They Google it,” she says.
“It is a challenge to attract Generation Y through the door. The internet is the first place they look because it’s easy, quick and allows them to access a large volume of information at their own pace.”
That means not-for-profit groups need a strong on-line presence to capture that energy.
yMedia Challenge 2008 offers community groups membership and a profile on its website.
If the organisation, and the project, appeals to media students it is chosen for the competition.
Pamela says that with help from these young professionals, community group will gain the “skills, knowledge, confidence and networks to propel them ahead of the field, keep them moving forward and to maximise the potential of the digital space”.
Members also attend free media workshops and networking events, get a profile on the website and a subscription to newsletters.
Last year’s challenge winners worked with YouthLaw, helping it reach its target audience – young people – by connecting it with networking sites such as Bebo, Facebook and YouTube.