Video: Richmond Fights Back with Solar

Richmond CA is home to one of the US' largest oil refineries. Originally built by Standard Oil in 1901, the plant has been owned by Chevron since 1984 when a merger formed the oil super-power. For a century much of the cities work force, economic growth and eventual depression has been linked to the giant plant. Now the city of Richmond is fighting back. By teaching young people how to install Solar Panels on low income roofs they are creating jobs, reducing crime and fighting global warming.

Originally Posted at Think.MTV.com

Produced by: Corduroy Media

VIDEO: Ping Pong for Rwanda

"Think Globally, Act Locally" is a phrase that came about in the late sixties. Well in 2008 young coffee drinkers in San Francisco are doing just that to ensure that the cup they are about to enjoy is supporting the far-away farmers that grew the beans. Ritual Coffee Roasters held its first annual Ping Pong Fundraising Tournament for Bikes to Rwanda. A west coast non-profit providing cargo bikes to coffee farmers to help them get their crop to market. Ensuring a higher price and a better brew.

Originally Posted at Think.MTV.com

Produced by: Corduroy Media

Pride in San Francisco

Home to one of the most vibrant and diverse queer communities in the US, it is no surprise that San Francisco boasts one of the world's largest Gay Pride Parades. I spent the morning watching the parade and speaking with a couple of young people about why they turned out to support this community.

Originally Posted at Think.MTV.com

Produced by: Corduroy Media

VIDEO: Refugee Youth: Using Pictures To Speak A Thousand Words

The adage goes a picture speaks a thousand words. That may have been the idea behind the foundation of the AjA Project. In San Diego, The AjA Project runs Journey, an after school participatory photography program for refugee youth. On top of vast cultural differences, many of refugee youth come to the US speaking very little English if any at all. The AjA project teaches these youth how to express their religion and culture through photography.

Originally Posted at Think.MTV.com

Produced by: Corduroy Media

Video: Teen Filmmakers talk about Teen Pregnancy

All this month I am highlighting young people that make media to educate their peers and parents. This week we are looking at TILT, Teen Pregnancy and St John's Educational Threshold Center. With support of this powerful partnership a group of Mission High School girls are making a film on teen pregnancy. This project is designed to educate other teens about safe sex and the reality of raising a child. The film is written, directed shot and edited by teens and will be shown in SF schools.

Originally Posted at Think.MTV.com

Produced by: Corduroy Media

VIDEO: Street Side Productions

Since the beginning of 2008 California's governor has been cutting educational programs and services. Supposedly this is an attempt to close the state budget gap. While state parks are being closed and educational programs cut the state has increased spending on police officers and juvenile correctional facilities. One of the programs that has been forced to close their doors is Street Side Productions. This is a program that teaches youth on probation professional video production skills.

Originally Posted at Think.MTV.com

Produced by: Corduroy Media

The Big Picture

With a world full of services like netflicks, youtube and myspace who needs to go to the theater to watch movies. Well the founder and director of the Santa Cruz Film Festival believes that people should watch films on the big screen surrounded by community members. She also believes that young filmmakers should be honored along with their adult peers. That is why since the inspection of the SCFF youth films have always been a valuable part of their programming.

Originally Posted at Think.MTV.com

Produced by: Corduroy Media