Blog Posts

MoJo Kit® Micro Debut

2/28/2014

MoJo Kit® Micro debuts in California

So what’s the latest we’ve got for you in 2014? Well it’s no bigger than a pack of cigarettes, and we are calling it the MoJo Kit® Micro.

The last two years have been some of the most dangerous years for journalists, with many now fearing arrest, kidnapping, or even worse. Yet the world needs your stories. That’s why we are coming to you with a MoJo Kit® Micro.

Why are we going smaller? Well as we said it is a sign of the times. Now more than ever journalists are at risk. That’s why we went smaller. The MoJo Kit® Micro is so small it fits in your shirt pocket. Once disassembled the kit is nearly undetectable. You literally have a kit that you can bring with you to volatile countries that you can easily assembly and disassemble if need be. The MoJo Kit® Micro is capable of producing the highest quality footage on the go.

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Around the World in 2013

1/17/2014

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MoJo celebration in Beirut, Lebanon

“Around the world,” that’s what we would call 2013. International Media Solutions LLC traveled around the globe this year with the Mojo Kit in hand, working throughout the Middle East, Central Asia, and the US. IMS wants to thank all our fans, clients, and supporters for making 2013 a great year. Below is a recap of our second year in business:

From February 18-22, 2013 Washington DC hosted its second Social Media Week, a week-long festival featuring independently curated speakers, panels, workshops, events, and parties all across the district celebrating tech and social media in the Nation’s Capital. IMS was proud to host an event on Social Media for Emergency Management: a post-Hurricane Sandy case study on a social media pilot project in the Borough of Manasquan, NJ to utilize social media at the local government level.

In March, the “MoJo Kit” was trademarked and used during the first Voices4Change mentor training in Amman, Jordan. Since then, two more training workshops (April and September) were held in conjunction with Transterra Media and the Voices4Change project, which is providing 600 young men and women from across the Arab world with new media production skills and distribution opportunities.

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International Media Solutions Fall Update

12/17/2013

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A MoJo filming in Beirut, Lebanon

So what has International Media Solutions LLC (IMS) been up to this Fall you might ask?

Well we’ve been hitting the ground running, this time bringing the MoJo back to the Middle East. IMS Owner, Michael Clarke, just returned from a three-month stint in Beirut where he was working with Transterra Media on their Voices4Change project that aims to create a cadre of 600 youth media activists in the MENA region with the confidence, skills and access to make their voices heard.

On the 3rd of October the third Voices4Change mentor workshop kicked off at the Imperial Palace Hotel in Amman for three days. Mentors from Lebanon, Palestine, and Jordan were all in attendance. The main goals of the workshop were to discuss program methodologies, familiarize them with the MoJo Kit™, educate them on the effective use of the V4C youth media guide, and engage them on how to best bring youth voices forward within mainstream media.

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Voices4Change Mentor Training

6/3/2013

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Mike Clarke working with Amel a Libyan Voices4Change media mentor and her MoJo Kit

The second Voices4Change Mentor Training was held at the Jordan Media Institute in Amman, Jordan May 3 - 5, 2013 for mentors from Egypt, Libya and Tunisia. The objectives of the workshop were to discuss program methodologies and mentor work plans, and to engage media professionals on how to best bring youth voices forward within mainstream media.

The objectives of the Mentor Workshop were to discuss program methodologies and mentor work plans, and to engage media professionals on how to best bring youth voices forward within mainstream media. The main output of the Mentor Workshop was to familiarize the Mentors with the MoJo Kit™, the applications we will be using, creating their own WeVideo and Transterra Media (TTM) accounts, and soliciting input for the youth media distribution plan. Participating media professionals discussed and laid out a map for how they will effectively lead young people from capacity building to the actual production of media outputs. In collaboration with TTM, media professionals also brainstormed and offered input into how to get media outlets, including the ones represented by trainers/mentors, to become more receptive to youth voices. TTM is currently using the feedback and knowledge gained from the Mentor Workshop to draft the final distribution plan for youth media pieces, which will include online platforms such as YouTube and Facebook, but also more traditional platforms such as regional film festivals.

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Voices4Change Mobile Journalist (MoJo) Kit

12/6/2012

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Voices4Change MoJo Kit prototype

We are busy putting together a youth MoJo Kit for an upcoming project, Amplifying Youth Voices for Change (Voices4Change) Project. The overall goal of the Voices4Change project is to empower 400 young people across the MENA region to positively influence, through media, national and regional debates on democracy and human rights.

The Voices4Change project provides young men and women from across the region with new media production skills and distribution opportunities. At the same time, it will allow participants to learn about journalism and civic engagement, while exploring issues impacting youth through a regional network of peers. Activities will take place in Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, Libya, the Palestinian Territories and Tunisia and are designed to assist young people in acquiring the communication skills to effectively articulate their ideas and make their voices heard.

Our kit includes iPhone 4S ALM mCAM Stabilizer Mount with Video Lens and Mic, 1st Video (Video Editing Software), Chromo Inc.® 160 LED Light Kit, GorillaPod Video Tripod, and Lowepro Edit 130 Video Bag. When deployed the kit will use the iPod 5th Generation with the same ALM housing.

Have you worked with youth journalists or a MoJo Kit? If so, let us know what you liked or didn't like.

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Social Media for Local Government and Emergency Management

11/21/2012

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Hurricane Sandy Aftermath- Borough of Manasquan

POST HURRICANE SANDY UPDATE

Hurricane Sandy made its landfall near Atlantic City, N.J., around 8 p.m. Eastern time on October 29, 2012. According to Manasquan OEM officials there were 1,850 homes flooded or damaged by wave attack, 1,100 homes in electrical grids that have not been restored (many more homes have had meters removed), 100 displaced Manasquan families reported to the school district, 250-500 displaced families estimated Borough-wide, and approximately 900 residential units currently without gas service. Sandy was the greatest test we could have anticipated when designing this training back in June. In reviewing the data, there is no doubt that the Borough’s online presence was a critical portal of real-time information pre, during, and post Sandy. The analytics below demonstrate how the Borough’s utilized the power of social media for natural hazard risk communication as part of FEMA’s larger Coastal Outreach Program for New Jersey and New York City. Not only did the Borough serve its residents, but also it filled a void in a lack of information generated from neighboring boroughs and communities across FEMA Region II.

Updated Facebook Analytics

People who actively “liked” the Borough of Manasquan’s Facebook page as of November 14, 2012: 3,689 (a 1,400% increase)
10% of Manasquan residents now like the Manasquan Facebook Page.
Manasquan’s Facebook potential reach is close to one million people! As of November 14 there were 955,790 friends of fans.
There were 782 new likes on October 31, 2012 alone.
106,791 people saw content associated with the Borough’s Page from 10/15/12 to 11/11/12. 97% (103,277) of those views were viral.
There were 2,559 unique visitors to the Borough’s page on October 31, 2012 resulting in 12,432 page views, the most in one day.
The largest external referrer was the Borough’s own homepage (www.manasquan-nj.com), with 5,180 people arriving from their homepage during the period 10/15/12 to 11/11/12.
More likes (1,402) came from mobile devices than any other source.
An overwhelming majority of fans (70.6%) are women.
The Borough uploaded over 1,400 photos (30+ albums) and one video during and after Hurricane Sandy.
The Borough posted over 200 messages from October 25 through November 12, 2012.

Updated Twitter Analytics

The Borough now has 399 Twitter Followers after Sandy compared with 23 Followers on July 8, 2012 (a 1,635% increase).
Most re-tweeted original message with 17 re-tweets: “Red Cross to be stationed at the 3rd Avenue Parking lot Sunday from 9am to 3pm. Please pass the word. #manasquan #redcross #sandy”
Most re-tweeted message from another user (3,902 re-tweets): “RT @fema: #Sandy East coast, search for open shelters by texting: SHELTER + a zip code to 43362 (4FEMA). Ex: Shelter 01234 (std rates apply)”
User most mentioned: @FEMA
Hashtag most used: #Manasquan followed by #Sandy
Ratio of followers per person followed in strong: 2.83 Followers for every one person following.
The Borough is now averaging one tweet per day.
42.2% of the Borough’s tweets are re-tweeted.
For every one Tweet the Borough sends the average is that it will be re-tweeted by other followers 2.34 times.

Testimonials from FB and Twitter

Due to the Borough’s Facebook presence it was featured in the New York Times: “All anyone has so far are the photos the town has posted on its Facebook page. People have been scrutinizing them for signs of damage. Is that house still on its foundation? How high is the sand piled on this one? Where is the waterline on this one?”

Dante - The Hurricane Sandy Dog
Dante came to the Borough Offices through unfortunate circumstances. His owner, running after his dog durng the chaos of the storm, fell ill and was hospitalized. Dante, through the help of neighbors and the Humane Society, was rescued from the harms of the Hurricane and was sent to Borough Hall. Rather than going to the animal shelter, Dante was fostered by Jane and Ed Donovan and is the "office" dog for a time. While his owner is recovering, Dante was given a free physical from Squan Animal Hospital on Lakewood Drive and was treated for a fractured digit and ear infection. Thank you Squan Animal Hospital!

Tim Tollefsen, “I am so grateful for the pictures of the Beach area especially our properties.”

“The photo of the flag being raised by the National Guard has forever stood since my family put it there until sandy tore it down. I was so happy to see that it was put back in its rightful place when I went to do work on my house. I would really appreciate if I could somehow get a copy of the original picture so I can have it framed. Please let me know if this is possible. Thank you. You all have been doing such a great job.” Mary Jane Clark Killeen, Michael Dempsey, Vicky Olender and 5,520 others like this. 1,286 shares, 160 comments.

"Just to let you know that the information you gave us on Facebook during and after the storm was much appreciated and very helpful, not to mention all those wonderful stories showing how generous people are here.

Many of my friends, family and coworkers (I'm a teacher) in France saw terrible pictures on the French news of what happened with Sandy, but mostly in New York City. So I do my best to tell/show them on my blog and on Facebook what the situation is here, in NJ but especially in Monmouth County.

The updates on the Borough of Manasquan page help me give them accurate news. Thank you for that.

One of my friends who is a firefighter in France even joined your page!

Let me tell you, from all the emails I receive every day, how much people from over the Atlantic care for Manasquan and wish everybody here and the town a quick recovery and "bon courage".

Amitiés,
Christelle

Lori Centrella, “You are doing such a great job keeping people informed!! keep it up!!”

Louise Giardelli, “I am need of assistance with clean up. My name is Jacqueline Giardelli at 361 1st ave. my cell phone number is 732-598-9279. My husband and I are in our 80's so it very hard for us to clean up. Your can also contact me through my daughter's email. Thank you.”

Paul Gleitz, “I have to commend all of the information you have provided. It has been timely and invaluable. Thanks for the outstanding job.”

Rebeka Jean,“Thank you so much for all your continued hard work. Everyone needed this info and it helps a lot.”

Marion Vanarelli, “Thank you so much for the updates. It so hard waiting to see our home, but your updates and information are such a help in this difficult time.”

ADOPTING MANASQUAN: Jennifer Rego, a 6th Grade Teacher, recently emailed the Mayor and Council about offering her part in Manasquan's Recovery Efforts.

She wrote "I have been renting a house every summer in Manasquan for years. As a teacher with summers off, I have had the opportunity to live in Manasquan for full summers and work in the area. I have come to love the town so much, that I plan to move there in the future."

Jennifer has seen first hand the level of devastation and helped families clean out their homes of all their belongings.

Through Jennifer's efforts and those of teachers, administrators and students, Grover Cleveland Middle School in Caldwell, NJ is lending its support to the Hurricane Sandy Relief efforts by "adopting" Manasquan.

Under Jennifer's leadership, Principal Jim Brown, and other conscientious teachers, the students will be sending all the items they collect to Manasquan for the next month.

The students and faculty of GCMS are keeping Squan residents in their thoughts and prayers during this trying time, and hope their efforts help in the rebuilding process!

Nina Arce ‏@NinaA82, “@ManasquanOEM I've been checking your FB religiously lol”

Joe Delorio, Borough Administrator, "Facebook and Twitter saved our asses! "

Press

“According to the borough’s Facebook page, the order includes all areas east of the bridges – including the entire beachfront, Deep Creek Drive and Glimmerglass Circle.” http://www.nj.com/monmouth/index.ssf/2012/10/manasquan_issues_mandatory_evacuation_orders_due_to_hurricane_sandy.html
Video of before and after Sandy made from Manasquan’s photos and created by resident Sean W, Chief Geospatial Scientist for LongView. https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=10101281980946763
http://videos.nj.com/star-ledger/2012/11/borough_officials_in_manasquan.html
http://www.nj.com/news/index.ssf/2012/11/power_outages_continue_to_plag.html#incart_m-rpt-1
http://leonardsipes.com/hurricane-sandy-the-first-major-social-media-emergency/?goback=%2Egde_117173_member_179483891
http://google.org/crisismap/2012-sandy
http://www.accountingtoday.com/acto_blog/smolin-lupin-brett-robertson-national-guard-hurricane-sandy-64653-1.html
http://www.nj.com/monmouth/index.ssf/2012/11/manasquan_dog_rescued_after_owner_hospitalized_during_hurricane_sandy.html
http://wall.patch.com/articles/manasquan-and-wall-cares-partner-for-hurricane-relief
http://www.nj.com/news/index.ssf/2012/11/hurricane_sandy_heroes_manasqu.html
http://www.tcnjathletics.com/news/2012/11/14/BB_1114121159.aspx
http://www.nj.com/monmouth/index.ssf/2012/11/manasquan_to_lift_restricted_access_to_beachfront_area_today.html
http://www.nytimes.com/2012/11/03/opinion/my-jersey-shore-now-in-ruins.html

Recently I had the privilege to design and conduct and training for emergency management personnel working in New Jersey coastal communities. The Risk Assessment, Mapping and Planning Partners (RAMPP) Program piloted a one-day training for the Borough of Manasquan on “Social Media for Local Government.” The purpose of the workshop was to educate and encourage local government officials to utilize the power of social media for natural hazard risk communication as part of FEMA’s larger Coastal Outreach Program for New Jersey and New York City. FEMA is collaborating closely with the State of New Jersey Cooperating Technical Partners to target key stakeholders, including vulnerable communities, local planners, first responders, and members of the community. To widen the reach of the Program, FEMA is engaging non-profit organizations, academic institutions, and other federal agencies in its efforts.

As part of this effort International Media Solutions was hired to research and understand best practices for natural hazard risk communication; Develop a template for social media posting for one year for a pilot community (the Borough of Manasquan) in New Jersey; Train the pilot community on how to use this technology; and Transfer media knowledge to team members. Specifically we designed and delivered a hands-on training that addressed three of the main RAMPP Program elements as outlined in the Coastal Outreach Strategy and Implementation Plan:

Strategy development, including key message development;
Web-based outreach through design of a publicly accessible website and social media promotion via Facebook and Twitter; and
Outreach efforts surrounding increased mitigation planning.

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Giving Back

11/30/2011

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Consultation stations at Bread for the City

I spent 13 years traveling the world first as a Peace Corps volunteer, then later working for an international NGO. During that time I focused my energies on helping people in places like Turkmenistan and Iraq. But recently I have found pleasure in working with folks in my own backyard.

Thanks largely to Digital Capital (DC) Week I started volunteering again by accident. On that Saturday I signed up for the Bridging DC's Digital Divide panel, hosted by Bread for the City. I arrived to find that this was part of a bigger event, the Discovering Technology Fair (a 'DiscoTech') organized by the Broadband Bridge. There was a line out the door, with more than 200 DC residents in attendance. Greg Bloom, who I had not met, saw me standing around confused and asked if I could help an elderly grandmother get online. I couldn't say no so I grabbed my laptop and sat down with "Mama" Jones to help her get online with a laptop she recently bought.

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World Press Freedom Day 2011

5/3/2011

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I was fortunate to be able to attend this year's World Press Freedom Day. Every year, May 3rd is a date which celebrates the fundamental principles of press freedom; to evaluate press freedom around the world, to defend the media from attacks on their independence and to pay tribute to journalists who have lost their lives in the exercise of their profession.

The video below is the montage of past UNESCO/Guillermo Cano World Press Freedom Prize winners congratulating this year's winner, Ahmad Zeidabadi (in absentia) from Iran. According to Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, "Mr. Zeidabadi, along with his fellow activists, have been banned for life from political or civic activities. This award is a recognition of his legitimate work and the work of the numerous other Iranian journalists who are currently jailed for their courageous efforts to forge a new path for Iran – one where every citizen has the right to express themselves free from persecution or violence."

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Somali Women's Role in the Peace Process

4/23/2011

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I was asked to assist with training six Somali Civil-Society Organizations (CSO) leaders on how to produce and edit a short documentary film on the role of women and youth in conflict mitigation. This film was produced and edited by the three Somali women leaders.

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Somali Youth Participation in Conflict Mitigation

4/22/2011

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Michael Clarke is the owner of International Media Solutions LLC, creator of the MoJo Kit®, multimedia consultant, RPCV, and gardener with a passion for helping others.

This is a personal weblog. The opinions expressed here represent my own and not those of my employer(s).

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