JAMMS (Journalism as Music, Multimedia, and Songwriting) is an experiential learning program for diverse faiths, cultures, and ethnicities to discover common ground through dialogue and creative collaboration. Participants engage in facilitated discussion about culture, race, religion, and current events and their influence on self-perception and the perception of others. These conversations are the foundation for the group identifying and selecting a theme for their project. Together, they write and record a song and produce a video that addresses an issue important to them collectively. Each program concludes with a performance and presentation of their project.
Program participants gain self-confidence and strong communication and collaborative skills that help them constructively manage issues of bullying and social and cultural conflict.
To date, more than 40 JAMMS songs and videos have been written and produced throughout the U.S. and Middle East. The trailers of two short films about the program can be seen on Vimeo: From Madness to Music and Amplified: Young Voices Rising. JAMMS is produced in partnership with high schools, colleges, community organizations, religious / cultural institutions, and other non-profits, and is open to musicians and non-musicians alike. The program is lead by professional musicians, multimedia producers, and educators trained as MIC facilitators.
