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EVC was excited to bring in 2024 by kicking off #EVC40Years at our Winter Celebration & Youth Documentary Premiere! During the youth-filled event held at SVA Theatre, the Honorable City Council Member Erik Bottcher presented EVC with a proclamation in recognition of EVC’s “forty years of outstanding service and enduring contributions to NYC youth.” Council Member spoke passionately to our audience about the importance of youth voices and recalled his earliest memory of supporting EVC at the ribbon cutting at City-As School in 2015. “This is one of the first programs I visited when I was a staff member years and years ago working for my predecessor Corey Johnson… so this is sort of a full-circle moment for me coming back as a council member and getting to also support this great program.” Council Member Bottcher was joined by Executive Director Ambreen Qureshi, EVC Alumni Advisory Council Member Christain Moore, Founding Director Steve Goodman, and EVC Board Member Torrance York. When asked how it felt for EVC to receive this honor, Executive Director Ambreen Qureshi said, “We’re incredibly proud to see every single young person that has come through EVC over the last four decades be recognized in this very special way by Council Member Bottcher. Our youth filmmakers felt seen by their elected officials and saw that they, and their stories, really matter and are worthy of the esteem of all New Yorkers.” Council Member Bottcher is excited to “see how this program will grow even more,” and we’re eager to show him, and the larger EVC community, what growth at EVC looks like. Fierce, fresh, and looking forward! You can view all the wonderful moments from our Winter Celebration and Youth Documentary Premiere below. And save the date for our 40th Anniversary Benefit on June 6 at Lincoln Center.

EVC is hosting a very special Youth Documentary Premiere and Winter Celebration Wednesday, January 10 at 6pm SVA Theatre, 333 West 23rd Street, New York City. For four decades EVC has helped New York City’s students heal, grow, and thrive as learners, artists, and agents of change. EVC’s programs help young people grow, graduate, and go on to college and dynamic careers. At EVC they become filmmakers, learning how to tell their own stories through original videos and to use their films to take action on issues critical to their families and communities. Seeing firsthand the power of EVC’s young people will forever change how you experience New York City, and inspire you!

You’re invited! Thriving through Belonging: EVC’s Spring Benefit and Youth Documentary Premiere Wednesday, June 7th, 2023 6-9 PM ET Film premiere and award ceremony followed by a celebratory reception with appetizers and refreshments Directors Guild Theater 110 West 57th Street, New York, NY 10019 Join us as we celebrate 39 years of EVC youth media and the community leaders helping it thrive! Honoring Byron Graziano, EVC alum and news archivist at CBS Cindy Vasquez, school partner at Lower East Side Prep Board of Directors Albert Bahar —– Colleen Devery Marga Graves —– Tiffany Harrington Jahaad J. Martin —– Frances Ning Jennifer Spiegel —– Amy Sutnick Plotch Torrance York Come support our youth filmmakers!

Recently–in anticipation of EVC’s upcoming Docs & Dialogue event on teen relationships and dating cultures– EVC had the opportunity to interview Day One educator, Sam Verdugo. Sam Verdugo (she/they) is a Community Educator at Day One. They work with schools and community organizations throughout NYC facilitating educational workshops that provide students with the foundational skills and tools to build healthy and safe relationships. Sam is Ecuadorian with a Bachelor’s degree from Hunter College in Sociology and Public Health, where she focused her research on the school-to-prison pipeline, transformative justice, and Indigenous futurism and liberation. She has an extensive background in advocacy, facilitation, and creating curricula. Most recently, she worked with community organizers and birthwork activists Eri Guajardo Johnson and Montse Olmos to develop virtual offerings for QTBIPOC folks such as journaling circles and mentorship circles on body autonomy, nurturing your creative fire, and Indigenous cosmovision. Sam is a published writer, spiritual herbalist, and loves to dance to cumbia with friends. They are a believer in the power of resting and Indigenous joy as a form of resistance, self-preservation, and thriving. You can read their full interview with EVC below. — EVC: Please introduce yourself, including your current work and your interest in youth mental health. SV: I’m Sam Verdugo and I currently work as a community educator at Day One where I teach young people how to form healthy, safe relationships and prevent dating violence. Dating can be such a complex journey for a lot of young people, as they’re experiencing romance for the first time. From dealing with peer pressure to puberty to developing their identity–adding dating into the mix can certainly take a toll on a teen's mental health. As an educator, I’m passionate about giving teens the tools they need to help them thrive in their relationships as they transition into adulthood. EVC: The 2000 youth-produced film, “The Rules of Dating” addresses youth views on dating, including the societal rules that shape them. How do gender norms inform dating cultures? SV: Gender roles and the gender binary have been ingrained in our society since colonization. From a young age, children are often socialized to conform to certain gender expectations, including how they should dress, speak, and approach dating. Young folks who identify as men have been expected to take on the role of pursuer, while femmes are often encouraged to be passive and wait for men to make the first move. These gender norms can limit young people’s autonomy in dating, which can perpetuate harmful behaviors such as lack of respect, trying to control their partner, and sexual violence. For cisgender folks as well as for those who identify as LGBTQ+, there could be expectations to be overly sexual, communicate in a very docile or aggressive way, and quickly progress the relationship. Because gender norms don’t make space for the nuances or complexities of each individual that enters a romantic relationship, teens may be pressured or coerced by their partners to conform to fatphobic beauty standards, to closely perform their respective gender roles, or to have sex even if they don’t want to in order to please their partners. All of this can lead to unhealthy and abusive relationships as well as emotional, physical, and mental distress. EVC: When it comes to teen dating, what makes for toxic and healthy relationships? SV: Toxic behaviors in romantic relationships should be recognized and addressed early on. These may include gaslighting, extreme jealousy, frequent outbursts of anger, lack of respect for a partners’ boundaries, or attempts to isolate a partner from their friends and family. While jealousy is a natural feeling that comes up for most people, mass media has normalized possessiveness and excessive jealousy as signs that our partner loves us deeply. However, we must note that how jealousy is communicated to our partners matters. Setting up healthy boundaries around feelings of jealousy is a completely different experience from threatening and yelling at your partner because they feel jealous. Excessive threatening, yelling, belittling, or any type of verbal and physical abuse against partners due to jealousy is a sign of an unhealthy or abusive relationship, not a sign of love. Love shouldn’t be abusive or extremely unhealthy. It’s crucial to remember that our partners were and still are their own independent individuals with hobbies, friends, family, responsibilities, and dreams and that they must continue to invest in this whether they’re in romantic relationships or not. Relationships are meant to be interdependent not codependent. If teens are experiencing these toxic behaviors, I encourage them to seek support from trusted adults, such as parents, teachers, or counselors. A healthy teen relationship should be mutually fulfilling and contribute to their overall well-being and happiness. It consists of critically examining and questioning gender roles and understanding that everyone, regardless of sex or gender, should have the agency to express themselves authentically in relationships. Creating a safe space for partners to be authentically themselves by using loving and affirming language is crucial. Promoting healthy relationship skills such as conflict resolution, active listening, expressing vulnerability without fear of judgments or retaliation, and emotional intelligence will help strengthen trust in a relationship. In addition, using and respecting your partner’s pronouns, encouraging open communication, enthusiastic consent and boundaries will help a relationship last. In a healthy relationship, both or all partners support each other's goals and aspirations, have healthy boundaries, and engage in activities that bring them joy and fulfillment. EVC: Since the film’s release in 2000 and the rise of online dating, what has or hasn’t changed about youth dating cultures? SV: Since the year 2000, I have witnessed significant changes in dating culture, particularly with the rise of online dating apps. Online dating has provided a new way for young people to meet and connect with potential partners, offering a broader pool of options and opportunities for romantic connections. It has also provided a platform for individuals to express their identity and preferences more openly. On the other hand, challenges such as navigating through ghosting, dealing with online harassment or catfishing, and managing expectations have emerged as well. However, while the accessibility and convenience of online dating have changed how youth approach dating, some aspects of dating culture have remained consistent. The need for fun, trust, and respect continue to be what teens are looking for in relationships. With the rise of the internet, there is a higher expectation for young teens to conform to unrealistic beauty standards, often at times leading teens to use physical attractiveness or relying on a “passionate spark”as the only measure for a healthy relationship rather than how they’re being treated. EVC: What are some common challenges teenagers face when dating? What advice would you give a young person about to enter their first romantic relationship? SV: Common challenges teens face when dating include navigating complex emotions with little to no guidance, peer pressure, having to conform to societal norms, communication issues, and struggling with establishing healthy boundaries. Additionally, issues related to consent, safe sex, and understanding what a healthy relationship looks like can be daunting for young people. My advice to a young person about to enter their first romantic relationship would be to prioritize open and honest communication, establish healthy boundaries, and have mutual respect and consent. It's important to remember that it's okay to say no to your partner. Building trust and maintaining healthy communication require frequently checking in with your partner's thoughts and emotions. I’d also suggest young people practice safe sex, become aware of the warning signs of an unhealthy or abusive relationship, know how to deal with romantic rejection, and that they seek guidance from trusted adults. Lastly, be yourself instead of trying to become the person you think your crush or partner will like. Not only does this come off as inauthentic but it’s also robbing you of the experience of exploring and developing your own passions, identity, and needs in romantic relationships. Focus on whether you like the person and your compatibility with them instead of trying to act and look differently in order to please or be with them. Lastly, I recommend all teens take a gentle and assertive approach when asking someone out, particularly for young girls and femmes. Do this without being concerned about being seen as “too desperate” or “too masculine.” Try to avoid labeling qualities like assertiveness and confidence as “masculine” and active listening as “feminine” because every individual regardless of sex and gender will need these qualities in order to sustain and thrive in relationships. — Interested in hearing more from Sam Verdugo? Join EVC on April 27th from 6-7:30 PM ET at Docs & Dialogue, a virtual film screening and community dialogue on teen relationships and dating cultures. EVC’s young people will be screening the 2000 youth-produced documentary “The Rules of Dating”. This film comedically explores the gender norms and unwritten societal rules that New York City youth use to navigate romance. Docs & Dialogue will be hosted by EVC alum Hailey DelValle, with featured guests Sam Verdugo and Zomely Grullon, a Senior ERAPP Educator at Day One.

Since our founding, EVC has been strengthened by the resiliency, creativity, joys, and optimism of New York City’s immigrant population who improve the lives of all Americans with their dreams and aspirations for a better future. In recent years, the New York City public high school system has seen a surge of migrant youth from Latin America and the Spanish Caribbean. These young people–including economic migrants, political refugees and asylum seekers–face possible disruptions to their educational journeys as they work towards their English language proficiency. We have met these emerging young New Yorkers in our classrooms and are deeply moved and inspired by their ability to make new lives for themselves in America, remain rooted in their histories and traditions, and better our city by sharing their unique talents, experiences, and transnational perspectives. To continue to meet these young people where they are, at their cultural funds of knowledge and whole selves, EVC is doubling down on its commitment to empower migrant youth by increasing the amount and reach of our bilingual and Spanish media arts programming and by hiring and training educators who reflect these youth. In this way, students can continue to accrue credits towards graduation and become acclimated to life in America while also gaining a creative outlet to tell their own stories, in their own languages while learning English, and among a group of their peers–often bonded by the shared, yet often difficult, experience of migration. To further show up for these young people while affirming their identities and lived experiences, we have decided to translate our website into Spanish. Why? Because some 60% of our students are of Latin American descent and many of those students come from Spanish-only households. Unless we do something about it, our students’ caretakers will be systematically excluded from accessing key information about their own young person’s education. By making our website accessible to Spanish speakers, we not only increase the likelihood that migrant youth will learn about our free media arts programs in New York City. We can also provide our students with key terms and language to share with their friends and family as they communicate what they’re learning in our classrooms. But beyond that, we want to be more accountable to the populations we serve. For, if our students’ advocates do not know our stated goals and efforts, how will they speak up when we fall short of our promises or provide their input as we grow in new directions? Since EVC already has a handful of bilingual people on staff, the English barrier has been relatively easy for us to cross yet the impact of translating our website into Spanish may be monumental. Because of this, our decision to bolster our current website through the inclusion of the Spanish language has been simple. At EVC, we believe that our organization should reflect the demographics of our city; and, we’re proud to say, ours is a diverse and ever-changing one. Please join us as we celebrate the launch of the Spanish version of our EVC website and stay tuned as we continue to adapt to meet the evolving needs of New York City’s young people.

Recently we spoke with EVC alum and professional broadcast news archivist Byron Graziano, who reminisced with us over his time as a youth producer of the 1994 production “Rap It Up!”, as well as the career path in TV and media that followed. When stopping by to visit, Byron arrived cheerfully with some of his most valued photos, employee IDs, and memorabilia that he wanted to share with us. A 17 year old senior from the Lower East Side, Byron found the way into his current career before even graduating. His mother, originally from Louisiana, was his sole caretaker growing up. His father, who was born in New York City and had Sicilian parents was not around during his upbringing. Having lived closer by the East Village, Byron recalls seeing what felt like “a different side” to the area when venturing into Alphabet City, where the unfamiliar terrain seemed dangerous in comparison. We talked about his time in high school and how he “was going to school but… wasn’t going everyday.” His school began sending absentee warnings to his household and in an effort to prevent his truancy from being exposed, Byron made a copy of the mailbox key so that he could intercept this unwanted information from his mother, who thought he was going to school. School faculty grew concerned for his future. His dean eventually sat him down to discuss his plans following graduation. He remembers having been advised that “if you don’t pursue an education nobody will hire you”. Byron knew he was passionate about rap music. He and his friends rapped together and listened to it together, and he wanted to nurture this creative interest. When he expressed this to his dean, they advised him to do something “more realistic”; evidently not seeing this as a viable career option. It was due to the advisement of his dean that he found his way to EVC, where he was able to create and produce a documentary “working with a group of my peers who wanted to do the same thing I wanted to do.” Having also been fascinated with the news production process due to the fact that he enjoyed watching the TV reporting of major news networks like ABC or PBS, an executive internship at EVC intrigued him. He remembered thinking to himself, “it’s not a major TV network, but I’ll give it a shot.” Although he eventually found his calling to be live news archiving, which is what he currently does; while he was at EVC in production of Rap It Up!, he was able to practice several aspects of his current profession as an archivist. He remembers coming to his executive internship where “I would just practice editing,” a skill that he learned during his time at EVC and still uses today. It was here where Byron was able to nurture his passion for rap music, through the mentoring and support of EVC instructors Pam Sporn and Sonya Lynn Royston. When his executive internship at EVC began “we were just pitching ideas” for the eventual exploration of a music genre that Byron— just like the several other young folks— was creatively devoted to. With the guidance of his instructor he was able to dissect rap music in New York, interview experts and unpack the genre’s culture in this time. While discussing his enjoyment of the production process with his cohort, Byron said; “I wanted the documentary to not be a news documentary– I wanted it to be a group of high school students just sitting on the stoop, talking about our days and not only that but talking about the music that we like.” The group centered dialogue between one another on something that mattered deeply to all of them. “From 3 to 6 pm when we did the Youth Doc Workshop was when we started to put the pieces together… We went to Union Square park and we were just talking about music..” Byron in the opening credits of Rap It Up! (1994) A commitment to this authentic and casual way of approaching the subject led Pam to recommend that instead of trying to shoot one of the featured conversations between youth producers inside of an actual subway car, they ask the Transit Museum for permission to film inside of one of their exhibited cars; to ensure more controlled filming conditions. He recalls writing this letter of request amongst others in the process of Rap It Up!’s production. Byron also recalled interviewing several folks for the documentary, reminiscing that “that was an amazing experience… I got this history about rap and hip hop culture”. When talking about his interview with renowned DJ and music video director Ralph McDaniels, Byron recalled that “he told me a story about DJ Cool Herc, when he started the mixing of the track from Apache”. He was able to connect with prominent figures in the genre, people who he respected and admired. When talking about the final stages and premiere of Rap It Up! Byron expressed “the collaboration was the most important thing because without the team we would have never gotten this documentary off the ground– we have to be in sync on what we want to put out to the general public” Byron’s perspective offered a fascinating mission for the youth producers in saying that. While he was hiding absentee warnings from his mother for his truancy at Seward Park High, he would come to his executive internship at EVC “even while I was concussed!” Byron recounted a time during the winter while he was at EVC when the icy streets of New York caused a bad slip and fall, and how passerby were offering to help him to local emergency services, while he was just trying to make it to EVC HQ. The bump on the back of his head that was left from this massive fall was obviously more concerning than his internship duties to the instructors at EVC once he arrived; Byron recalled scaring his instructors upon arrival with a laugh. “I was 17…“I wasn’t a good writer at the time but after looking at the work I did [at EVC] I guess I must have done a pretty good job.” During the premiere of his group’s production, Byron met the man who would shape the next phase of his career, and many others who would contribute to it just the same. It was here where Byron met Bill Miles, famous Black filmmaker and documentarian. “At the time [of meeting Bill Miles] I was still going to EVC. After the premiere, Bill Miles wanted to talk to me in private. And he did. He said, ‘Look, once you get accepted to any college that you go to, give me a call. I’ll hook you up with a job.” And that was just the beginning. Through the network he fomented at that screening, within a month of having premiered “Rap It Up!” Byron was reporting for NY1, not even having graduated from his high school. Despite the opportunities to produce news reports coming his way, Byron quickly figured out what he wanted to do as a career choice once he finished his executive internship at EVC. Working with Bill Miles helped him realize this. “When I talk about a historian at heart… Bill Miles was so devoted…This guy knew his stuff… He was like a walking encyclopedia about Harlem and he would not stop. He would send me to the board of health just to get birth certificates…That’s how I wanted to become an archivist, working with these individuals. And that’s why I stayed working as an archivist. Didn’t want to be a producer, didn’t want to be a reporter. I tried that stuff. But this was my calling… They were my mentors. Pam was also my mentor too. She was the one that started guiding me to the right path.” Now a husband and father living in Williamsburg; working as a live news archivist for CBS, Byron happily told us about his step-son’s ambitions in theater, and how he wants him to pursue a profession in something that fulfills him. “This is his passion. And I told him ‘don’t give up on your passion.” While recounting his time working for four major broadcasting networks in his nearly 28-year career, Byron stated that “I couldn’t have done without that group– it was an amazing opportunity to not only learn to produce the documentary– helped me progress and also decide that this is the career I wanted to be in after EVC– I left with the tools and skills needed to progress going forward in that industry.”

The Educational Video Center (www.evc.org) is seeking an exceptional candidate to join our team as EVC’s first Deputy Director of Human Resources and Operations at this time of strategic growth to help usher the organization into its next phase of innovation and impact. EVC is an award-winning non-profit youth media arts and social justice organization dedicated to teaching documentary video as a means to develop the artistic, critical literacy, and career skills of young people, while nurturing their idealism and commitment to social change. EVC challenges structural inequities and harmful narratives that disadvantage young people of color in education, careers, and life. We do this by teaching documentary filmmaking to help young people thrive as learners, artists and social justice leaders; building the capacity of teachers and public schools to create youth-centered, culturally responsive classrooms; mobilizing youth-produced media to inspire action; and disrupting systems that harm BIPOC youth, their communities, and the world. EVC is seeking a highly competent and values-based Deputy Director of Human Resources and Operations team member who excels at both systems and people, and who centers racial justice values in their operations decisions. As part of the organization’s Leadership Team, the Deputy Director will work alongside EVC’s Executive Director and Deputy Director of Programs to ensure a healthy, inclusive, and empowering organizational culture and structure that deepens our organizational values and commitment to racial justice and equity. Deputy Director of Human Resources and Operations responsibilities include: HUMAN RESOURCES (60%) Talent Acquisition Lead coordination of the full cycle of the recruitment process and delegate tasks to various administrative staff as necessary, including reviewing and posting job descriptions, screening resumes, scheduling interviews, drafting job offer letters, and communicating with candidates not hired. Work to find various avenues to engage in active recruitment, such as career fairs, area specific job boards and other ways to engage candidates with support from various administrative staff. Expand our outreach to candidates across diverse audiences, and ensure that job descriptions and interviewing techniques are welcoming and accessible for all. Onboarding and Offboarding Manage onboarding process for new employees, including benefits and payroll enrollment. Conduct all necessary fingerprinting and background checks, and ensure completion of mandatory training. Co-design and co-facilitate all new employee orientations to ensure a strong introduction to the organization. Conduct exit interviews and manage the offboarding process; identifying trends to shape organizational culture. Human Resources Oversee and administer all day-to-day human resource functions including payroll, benefits, time and attendance, maintenance of personnel files, compensation analysis, leave of absence, staff development and wellness, conflict management, performance reviews, terminations, adherence to federal, state and city employment laws and regulations. In collaboration with the Leadership Team, ensure staff job descriptions are up-to-date and that goals and key indicators of success are relevant to each position. In collaboration with the Leadership Team, oversee performance reviews and develop engaging and supportive tools to build personal and professional development opportunities. Support the creation, maintenance, continuous improvement, and implementation of organizational policies and procedures, including the Employee Handbook, in accordance with federal, state, and local requirements as well as organizational goals and priorities. Coordinate benefits selection process; Research insurance options to improve our offerings, participate in meetings with providers and coordinate plan selections, and communicate options, costs, and deadlines to staff and answer staff questions. Research, negotiate, and implement organization’s insurance options, policies, and claims. Manage insurance renewals and requests: complete insurance renewal paperwork, process requests for insurance documents with funder information, and submit documents. Employee Experience In close collaboration with others on EVC’s Leadership Team: Support and develop systems that promote a highly effective work culture that fosters cooperation, communication, trust, equity, fairness, and inclusivity. Ensure managers and staff are held accountable to individual responsibilities and shared expectations in line with EVC values. Learn about and participate in the development of restorative justice circles/conflict resolution/conflict resilience and feedback systems Conduct organization-wide gap analysis to determine focus areas for staff-wide trainings, leadership development opportunities, and upskilling individual contributors and people managers. Create and execute regular processes (surveys, 1:1s, focus group sessions, etc.) to actively listen to employees at all levels and to support positive employee engagement and trust. FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT (20%) Coordinate day-to-day finance operations, liaising with our outsourced accounting firm; this includes processing deposits, payables, reimbursements, invoicing, ensuring adherence to accounting policies and practices, and coordinating and supporting the preparation of annual audits and regular financial reports. With implementation support from the Executive Director and others lead the effective and efficient administration of a complex grants and contracts portfolio throughout the entire post-award life cycle ensuring compliance with all grant and contract regulations, policies, and procedures. OPERATIONS (20%) With support from the Executive Director and Deputy Director of Programs: In collaboration with Programs staff, oversee the development, implementation and enforcement of inventory management policies and procedures to ensure equipment safe keeping and accountability; monitor for replacement needs. Oversee maintenance and improvements of all information technology, digital security systems and office equipment such as printers/copiers, and phones. Assess office space needs and make recommendations for optimizing and expanding space Act as primary liaison with building management for repairs, cleaning and security Manage all vendor relationships and accounts Other responsibilities as assigned. Candidate Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience required; SHRM or other relevant human resources training preferred 3-5+ years of progressive experience with nonprofit human resources, financial administration, and operations; Track record of success in leading talent acquisition and performance management highly preferred Experience leading a team preferred Experience developing effective human resources systems and processes; A passionate advocate for the positive impact that effective, inclusive structures can have on an organization Enthusiasm for professional learning and personal growth Will approach the role with a commitment to collaboration and empathy, confidentiality, and high level of discretion, humility, self awareness, and maturity, while maintaining flexibility. Ability to deliver challenging information and engage in difficult conversations effectively Ability to manage multiple strategic projects and deadlines in a fast-paced, results-oriented work environment, while maintaining a very high bar for quality. Has an anti-racism and social justice lens, and an ability to talk fearlessly about race, class, gender, sexuality, migration, ability, and structural injustices. A passion for youth media and social justice, as well as a familiarity with current social, political, cultural, and economic issues. Must be culturally humble and have an anti-oppression lens when it comes to decision making, diversity, equity, and inclusion. Competencies: Along with the specific qualifications and experiences noted above, the ideal candidate for this position will be expected to demonstrate the following competencies: Commitment to Results: Takes action to produce high-quality work with measurable results in service of EVC’s mission and young people. Strategic Collaboration: Understands how and when to work with others to drive strong results. Able to balance attention to both results and relationships. Learning Agility: Effectively adapts own approach in response to new information and/or situational changes. Fostering a Thriving Community: Contributes to a work environment that embraces organizational values and works effectively across identities. Project Management: Effectively and consistently manages tasks and processes to on-time completion of clear and predetermined outcomes. Compensation: The position will be compensated at a full time rate with benefits in the range of $80,000 - $90,000 commensurate with experience, and will be supervised by EVC’s Executive Director. This position is eligible for vacation, sick days, and organizational holidays with health, dental, vision insurance and more. The position will start with a 3-month introductory period to determine mutual fit. Location: This is a hybrid position that will largely work in-person and remotely as determined in collaboration with supervisor. Application: Please submit your resume, writing sample, and a thoughtful cover letter detailing how your experiences match the responsibilities of the position, and how you heard about this position, to jobs@evc.org. Please include the title of the position in the subject line. Applications will be considered on a rolling basis and handled with confidentiality. As an organization EVC is committed to engaging in work that disrupts and roots out systems and structures that perpetuate racial inequities and oppression. We intentionally seek to build and maintain a diverse and talented team that reflects the backgrounds and experiences of our students and creates an inclusive environment for all employees. As an Equal Opportunity Employer, EVC encourages applications from all individuals regardless of age, gender, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, marital status, physical ability or any other legally protected basis

The Educational Video Center (www.evc.org) is seeking an exceptional full-time Program Manager, External/Professional Development Programs. EVC is an award-winning non-profit youth media and social justice organization dedicated to teaching documentary video as a means to develop the artistic, critical literacy, and career skills of young people, while nurturing their idealism and commitment to social change. EVC challenges structural inequities and harmful narratives that disadvantage young people of color in education, careers, and life. We do this by teaching documentary filmmaking to help young people thrive as learners, artists and social justice leaders; building the capacity of teachers and public schools to create youth-centered, culturally responsive classrooms; mobilizing youth-produced media to inspire action; and disrupting systems that harm BIPOC youth, their communities, and the world. The Manager of External/Professional Development Programs (PDP Manager) is a core staff position at EVC that is responsible for integrating our educational model in schools and afterschool programs. In addition to other areas of professional growth, this role specifically includes opportunities to gain knowledge of and experience with educator professional development such as workshop facilitation, instructional coaching, and other supports. The PDP Manager will report to the Deputy Director, Programs and assist with the oversight of freelance media coaches and instructors. The PDP Manager will work at EVC’s offices in the West Village and partner school sites across NYC. RESPONSIBILITIES Support the development, management, and evaluation of a strong team of media coaches and instructors Support the Deputy Director with recruitment, onboarding, and support of media coaches and instructors Coordinate and otherwise support the cycle of observation, feedback, and professional growth planning for EVC coaches Provide coaches and instructors with curricular resources and support to strengthen their work with teachers and in afterschool settings Collect program updates from coaches regularly and provide feedback and support based on the needs of each site Manage in-school EVC coaching activities and serve as main point of contact with school partners Monitor EVC fulfillment of contractual obligations including coaching/instruction sessions, workshops, etc. Communicate with school leaders and teachers regularly regarding program progress Visit each site regularly to observe classes and meet with EVC coach/instructor and teachers to discuss practices and problem solve as needed Collect teaching materials from coaches for each session completed Track sessions and materials for each contract and submit documentation for invoices Submit bi-weekly coach/instructor timesheets to EVC administration for payroll processing Supervise completion and submission of final video projects Ensure proper care, maintenance and inventory of EVC production and post-production equipment used by PDP Write reports for work in schools for school leaders and funders Collect program feedback from students, teachers, and media coaches Assist in the management of Accounts Receivables for each project Recruit new schools to PDP Disseminate EVC’s PDP promotional materials at local conferences and networking events; Co-facilitate informational workshops for school principals and teachers Develop contracts for schools in collaboration with EVC Deputy Director, Executive Director, school principals, and teachers Provide coordination of grant and project contracts with the New York City Department of Education and other city agencies and funders as determined by contracts Support EVC Professional Development workshops Assist in planning and conducting outreach for EVC’s Summer Teacher Institute and Youth & Community Voices Workshops Assist with the submission of proposals and required materials to NYC Department of Education’s Afterschool Professional Development Program for professional development courses Assist other key EVC staff in planning and facilitation of customized professional development workshops as required by contracts and grants Additional responsibilities Provide program updates to organizational leadership; Share information as needed with the Development & Communications Department to support the writing of grant proposals and reports for funders Attend and contribute to EVC study groups and weekly staff meetings Advocate and promote EVC and its mission Other responsibilities as assigned QUALIFICATIONS Required: At least five years experience working directly with youth/leading instruction in a school, afterschool, or other educational or youth development setting; Experience developing effective, engaging lessons and activities for young people Experience in education, nonprofit management, or related field Demonstrated understanding of the principles of positive youth development and a strengths-based approach Creative problem solver who possess the patience and perseverance to accomplish exciting work in challenging and complicated settings Experience with managing staff required; Enthusiasm for coaching and developing staff and a strong desire to build this skill set highly preferred Strong, clear communicator on all fronts: writing, speaking, and listening Commitment to and track record of building and maintaining relationships with school partner communities Knowledge of the filmmaking process and experience with pre-production, production, or post-production Demonstrated project management and other key organizational skills A can-do attitude and willingness and eagerness to lead in an entrepreneurial environment Preferred: Bilingual, English and Spanish CULTURE AND VALUES: Demonstrates commitment to EVC’s educational philosophy rooted in Freirian and Popular education Establishes and leads a culture that results in a love of learning, student agency, and full range of student learning and growth Operates in an assets-based framework for working with youth, adults and families from diverse cultural backgrounds Has an anti-racism and social justice lens, and an ability to talk fearlessly about race, class, gender, sexuality, migration, ability, and structural injustices Creates and sustains a race equity culture, including skill building and leading self and others through awareness, growth, and development towards a more just and equitable world Deeply committed to supporting youth, staff, and other stakeholders to adopt humanizing, healing-centered restorative practices Demonstrates self-awareness, humility, an accurate idea of one's own strengths and weaknesses, and an ability to treat all stakeholders with respect Flexibility, resourcefulness, and a sense of humor COMPENSATION: This position is a 5-day per week position eligible for EVC’s health, vacation, and other benefits, compensated at an annual salary of $65,000. The PDP Manager reports to, and is supported and evaluated by the Deputy Director, Programs. APPLICATION: Please submit your resume and a thoughtful cover letter detailing how your experiences match the responsibilities of the position to programjobs@evc.org. Please include the title of the position in the subject line. As an organization EVC is committed to engaging in work that disrupts and roots out systems and structures that perpetuate racial inequities and oppression. We intentionally seek to build and maintain a diverse and talented team that reflects the backgrounds and experiences of our students and creates an inclusive environment for all employees. As an Equal Opportunity Employer, EVC encourages applications from all individuals regardless of age, gender, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, marital status, physical ability or any other legally protected basis.

The Educational Video Center (www.evc.org) is seeking an exceptional candidate to join our team as EVC’s first Associate Director of Development at this time of strategic growth. EVC is an award-winning non-profit youth media arts and social justice organization dedicated to teaching documentary video as a means to develop the artistic, critical literacy, and career skills of young people, while nurturing their idealism and commitment to social change. EVC challenges structural inequities and harmful narratives that disadvantage young people of color in education, careers, and life. We do this by teaching documentary filmmaking to help young people thrive as learners, artists and social justice leaders; building the capacity of teachers and public schools to create youth-centered, culturally responsive classrooms; mobilizing youth-produced media to inspire action; and disrupting systems that harm BIPOC youth, their communities, and the world. The Associate Director of Development’s primary focus will be proposal and report writing, prospecting and research of funding opportunities, cultivation of new and existing funding relationships, liaising with EVC’s programs teams and other departments to understand needs and programming, and effectively and compellingly communicating EVC’s mission, programming, accomplishments, and needs to external audiences in both verbal and written form. Extensive grant writing experience is required; communications experience is a plus. The Associate Director of Development’s responsibilities include: In collaboration with the Executive Director, the Associate Director will develop and implement a comprehensive fundraising strategy to ensure that EVC’s revenue meets its annual funding objectives and broadens its donor base through foundation and government grant writing, corporate giving, individual and major donor recruitment and retention, digital fundraising, and in-person and virtual events planning. In addition to opportunities to grow technical and non-technical skills, the Associate Director will be positioned to work closely with EVC leadership in planning for the sustainability and growth of EVC’s work to develop the artistic, critical literacy, and career skills of young people, while nurturing their idealism and commitment to social change. Grant writing and reporting (75%) Write, review, and edit foundation, government and corporate grant proposals and reports, funder emails and other grant-related materials (one-pagers, information summaries, program briefs). Coordinate language development with Executive Director and other staff, including development of new language as appropriate, as well as splicing, synthesizing, and expanding upon existing language, depending on the specific needs and aims of each piece of writing. Work closely with program staff to gather data, client stories and program news to prepare compelling narratives for funder audiences. Sift through information from disparate sources, and then identify and prioritize the key pieces, and synthesize and organize them into coherent narratives. Conduct prospect research on foundation, government and corporate funders and prepare briefing documents; attend pre-proposal conferences and other informational sessions. Develop and manage fundraising calendars of LOIs, proposals, and report deadlines. Help to cultivate relationships with new foundation and corporate funders in collaboration with Executive Director including thank you calls, high stakes emails, periodic email updates, virtual tours, and other opportunities for funder engagement. Research trends in the field to support team learning, coordinate stewardship of existing foundation donors, and identify and strategize around new private funding sources to meet ambitious annual fundraising goals. Individual giving, major donors and fundraising events (20%) Oversee individual and major donor engagement activities, including donor research, cultivation and stewardship; creating and launching campaigns; peer-to-peer fundraising; and identifying new opportunities in collaboration with the Executive Director and Board of Directors. Manage all aspects of donor-focused events including marketing communications. These events range from virtual events, annual Benefit in June, annual Winter Cocktail in January, to intimate cultivation events that occur throughout the year. Systems, Processes, and Department Administration (5%) Oversee fundraising operational systems including donation processing, tracking, and acknowledgement. Oversee maintenance of EVC’s donor database (Salesforce). Oversee maintenance of all department files, systems, and processes. Schedule, coordinate, and participate in external and internal meetings as requested. As needed, assist with volunteer, visibility, and employee engagement opportunities throughout the year. Other responsibilities as assigned. Candidate Qualifications: A passion for youth media and social justice, as well as a familiarity with current social, political, cultural, and economic issues. 3 to 5+ years of grant writing experience with a proven record of success; multi-year grants and six-figure grants experience preferred. Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience required. Experience raising revenue for general operating support is a plus. Exceptional writer, storyteller, and communicator; ability to see “big picture,” think strategically, and translate strategy into goals and actions. Ability to manage multiple strategic writing projects and deadlines in a fast-paced, results-oriented work environment, while maintaining a very high bar for quality. Has an anti-racism and social justice lens, and an ability to talk fearlessly about race, class, gender, sexuality, migration, ability, and structural injustices. In depth awareness of the New York philanthropic community and youth development and education foundations nationally. Compensation: The position will be compensated at a full time rate with benefits in the range of $75,000 - $85,000 commensurate with experience, and will be supervised by EVC’s Executive Director. This position is eligible for vacation, sick days, and organizational holidays with health and dental insurance, commuter benefits, and more. Location: This is a hybrid position that will work in-person and remotely as determined in collaboration with supervisor. Application: Please submit your resume, writing sample, and a thoughtful cover letter detailing how your experiences match the responsibilities of the position, and how you heard about this position, to jobs@evc.org. Please include the title of the position in the subject line. Applications will be considered on a rolling basis and handled with confidentiality. As an organization EVC is committed to engaging in work that disrupts and roots out systems and structures that perpetuate racial inequities and oppression. We intentionally seek to build and maintain a diverse and talented team that reflects the backgrounds and experiences of our students and creates an inclusive environment for all employees. As an Equal Opportunity Employer, EVC encourages applications from all individuals regardless of age, gender, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, marital status, physical ability or any other legally protected basis

Zuri is a young New Yorker of Jamaican, Cuban, Guyanese, and Bangladeshi descent. When Zuri first joined EVC from Lower East Side Preparatory High School, a transfer school (so-called “second-chance schools”) he was already a strong communicator. By participating in two consecutive semesters of EVC workshops, Zuri developed his strong people skills into community leadership. He learned to share his opinions publicly and lead class discussions, while building values around community including a commitment to service, equitable collaboration, and empathetic listening. While at EVC, Zuri learned to turn toward his community in the following ways: He presented his group's film “1822: Hear Our Testimony” to EVC’s board of directors at their annual retreat. The documentary included an original rap performance, in support of the LGBTQ+ community, performed by Zuri and another student and filmed in front of the famed Stonewall Inn. Zuri also co-hosted EVC’s virtual Docs & Dialogue screening of the 2021 film “Behind My Happy Face,” for Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, and of the 1992 film “We, The People,” for Native American Heritage Month. Finally, he gave his time to support new educators in EVC’s inaugural Credible Educators cohort. He served as an expert interviewee in their practice documentary, which asked whether teaching and producing documentary films could help dismantle oppressive systems, such as racial inequalities in schools. In short, as Zuri became immersed in EVC’s pedagogy—which deepens the skills and wellbeing of young individuals by embedding them more deeply in their communities’ culture, stories, struggles, and solutions—-he developed his communications talents as a tool for lifting up his community. Reflecting on his time at EVC, Zuri notes: “[EVC] is a beautiful thing, and I can say that I will certainly use their open-minded approach in my future life. Thank you EVC.” Zuri now attends Borough of Manhattan Community College where he studies engineering. *** Zuri’s story is just one of the many things EVC community members can celebrate about this past year. As a cherished member of the EVC family, you have so many reasons to be proud of the organization that your hard work supports. It’s time for our winter campaign! To help celebrate EVC’s tremendous accomplishments this past year, I hope you will consider making your tax-deductible gift today, by following this link. Any donation you make before the end of this year can, of course, be claimed on your 2022 taxes. Please make your donation today, right now, and stay tuned for an announcement about our Jan. 11th Winter Cocktail, which this year will be held in-person at New York City’s SVA theater!

Recently–in anticipation of EVC’s upcoming Docs & Dialogue on Native American identity and representation– EVC had the opportunity to interview prolific Native American filmmaker and activist/scholar, Terry Jones. Terry Jones is a member of the Seneca Nation of Indians, located in western New York State, and founder of TornJerseyMedia: an independent Indigenous media production company. Through his award-winning short films, Jones shares his Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) heritage to both entertain and educate audiences. Currently, Jones is pursuing his MFA in film at York University in Toronto, Ontario and serves as Secretary on the Board of Trustees at the Seneca-Iroquois National Museum on the Seneca Territory. You can read his full interview with EVC below. — EVC: Please introduce yourself and your film experience. TJ: I am Terry Jones and I am a member of the Seneca Nation of Indians. As a teenager, I was introduced to photography and video doing summer enrichment programs on the Indian reservation where I grew up in western New York. I was told by my high school guidance counselor that only 5% of artists make a living through art and was encouraged to pursue a business degree instead. To make a long story short: I graduated high school a year early and made an unsuccessful attempt at an Information Systems degree at Pace University in NYC. I then spent almost two decades exchanging my time for a decent wage working in corporate America as a number cruncher. In 2010, following the economic downturn in 2008, I moved back home to Seneca territory. Then, in 2012, I enrolled in the College of Visual and Performing Arts at Syracuse University where I graduated at the top of my class in 2016. Once I started submitting the films I produced at Syracuse to film festivals, my presence in the film and media industry took off. In the six years since, ten of my short films have been screened in over 25+ festivals worldwide. It was during this time that I realized that I have a distinct aesthetic and a way of storytelling that resonates with viewers outside academia. Am I in it for the long-haul? I believe so. I feel there is so much more to learn about film and media in its traditional, past form and in the ever-evolving forms of today and tomorrow. In September of 2022, I started pursuing an MFA in film at York University in Toronto. I would like to eventually make a living as a filmmaker and perhaps even teach an Indigenous media course at the university level. EVC: In your opinion, what are some of the biggest issues impacting the lives of Native Americans today? TJ: Like many other Native communities, my home territory is confronted with many issues that negatively impact our quality of life, such as: loss of language, drug abuse, diabetes, environmental dangers, public safety, and injustice. I hope that my prior and future film projects can facilitate discussions that can promote changes in public perceptions and public policy. EVC: The EVC film, We, The People, explores the racial stereotyping of Native Americans by mainstream media, as seen in cartoons, sports teams, and liquor and cigarette advertisements. In your view, what role do stereotypes play, or have historically played, in shaping the lives of Native Americans? TJ: For me as a filmmaker, I see Native American stereotypes in mainstream media in coded, ingrained, or romanticized images (still and moving) produced by people who do not come from those communities but who have historically had the equipment and the platform to show those images. I believe this is changing! As Native Americans, we now have more control over how we are portrayed on screen. The context of our image comes directly from us and not from the dominant-culture lens. EVC: Since the film’s premiere in 1992, what has or hasn’t changed about Native American representation in the media? Can you think of recent examples of positive or negative representations? TJ: Rather than accentuate the negative aspects of Native American misrepresentation or under-representation in the media, I would like to highlight some of the positive changes I have noticed. For example, I am encouraged to see the larger streaming platforms in the U.S. including Native American creatives on shows like Reservation Dogs and Rutherford Falls. I am also very inspired to see more grassroots or non-mainstream organizations foster emerging Native voices in media and film. For instance, imagineNATIVE Film + Media Arts Festival is the largest film festival to screen Indigenous film and media arts in the world. The festival takes place in mid-October every year and it just celebrated its 23rd convening. Additionally, Wapikoni Mobile is a non-profit organization based out of Montreal, Quebec. It hosts educational workshops and film screenings to help raise awareness and educate the wider public about Indigenous cultures, issues and rights. I celebrate the expansion of Native American representation not only in acting but also in those Native creatives who work behind the camera. We are now occupying spaces in media and in film as producers, writers, directors, cinematographers, costumers, and so much more! We now define what stories are told, how they are told and why they are told. I am thrilled by how far our representation in the media and film has progressed over time and in recent years. EVC: What would you like people to know about Native Americans? What does being Native American mean to you? TJ: We are still here! It’s challenging to be a Native filmmaker. Producing a Native film, whether a narrative or a documentary, is like pitching a foreign film within the U.S. For example, when I watch a foreign film, aside from trying to understand the narrative and characters while reading subtitles, I am also trying to observe these new environments, such as: where do they live, where do they go to school, and what is their way of life. In the U.S., Native films have that same problem. We live in a society where the dominant culture does not fully understand us. Our films need to not only entertain our audiences but inform them as well. — Interested in hearing more from Terry Jones? Join EVC on November 17th from 6-7:30 PM at Docs & Dialogue, a virtual film screening and community dialogue on Native American identity and representation. EVC’s young people will be screening the 1992 youth-produced documentary We, The People. This film explores the racial stereotyping of Native Americans by mainstream media through the lens of Native youth and community activists in New York City. Docs & Dialogue will be hosted by EVC alumni Cirilo Ordonez and Zuri Salehe, with featured guests Terry Jones and Norris Francis Branham, a filmmaker and activist of mixed Lenape, Cherokee, and African descent.

The Alumni Advisory Council of the Educational Video Center (EVC) denounces the overturning of Roe v. Wade resulting from the Supreme Court’s recent ruling in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health. We believe reproductive health care—including abortion— is health care, and that health care is a human right. The Alumni Advisory Council is outraged and deeply concerned about the impact this decision will have on people capable of getting pregnant, and the disproportionate impact on women, youth, low-income communities, and communities of color. As an organization comprised of young people whose backgrounds intersect with the same demographics that this decision directly targets, we remain committed to uplifting and celebrating the voices and the experiences of our communities. As trigger laws go into effect in conservative states across the country, the states where abortion remains legal will become inundated with people traveling from states where bans are already in effect. We anticipate that this will put a strain on New York’s abortion providers and will significantly impact our communities. We encourage those who can, to support their local abortion funds by visiting abortionfunds.org.