Wednesday, February 25, 2009

Volunteer Event

I am going to cover a volunteer event that one of the TU clubs/organizations helps with. Two possible events involve "YOURS: Youth Organizing Urban Revitalization Systems" and the "3rd Annual Empty Bowls Event."

Here are some questions for the TU Club Leader/Event Organizer:
1) What drew your club/org to this event?
2) How long have you been volunteering in this area?
3) In what other ways does your club serve the community?

Questions for the Contact At Outside Organization:
1) Explain how this TU club helps your organization at this event.
2) What other colleges in the area volunteer for this event?
3) Does your organization have any other needs that have not been fulfilled?
4) Do you see any other TU clubs (on this list) that could support your mission?

Questions for People Being Served By the Event:
1) How has this event helped you?
2) What need does this event fill in your community?
3) Does your community have any other needs that have not been fulfilled?
3) Do you see any TU clubs (on this list) that could support your needs?

Monday, February 23, 2009

MM Feature Ideas

TU Green Map Project
any collaborative volunteer projects
any charity events
I will put feelers out to see if there are any events coming up soon

Sunday, February 22, 2009

Dissection of a Travel Feature

Right now, my home state of Louisiana is hosting the biggest party in the U.S. No, not an Oscar Party…Mardi Gras!!! The official holiday is Tuesday, but festivities and parades are going strong.

Wayne Curtis, of the New York Times, was nice enough to highlight one of the most culturally rich establishments of Mardi Gras season: the Zulu parade. Also, he cleverly used the Wall Street Journal formula.

Criteria #1: Descriptive lead gives specific example
Curtis illustrates an out-of-towner’s typical reaction to the Zulu parade. “Look for those who seem perplexed about what to do with their hands. Applaud? Or cover their mouths in shock,” Wayne says.


Criteria #2: Nut graf relates example to main point of story
Curtis uses the out-of-towner’s reaction to segue into an explanation of how the Zulu Krewe has raised eyebrows over its 100-year history—a theme that is celebrated in their centennial celebration and corresponding museum exhibition. Members of the predominantly black Zulu Krewe literally wear stereotypes, such as blackface.

Criteria #3: Supportive facts, quotes, etc.
Naturally, the story body is full of interesting facts about the origin and development of the The Zulu Social Aid and Pleasure Club who organize the Zulu Krewe and Zulu parade.

Criteria #4: End has anecdote featuring example/person in lead
Finally, the author wraps it up with a question and answer: “So what should you do with your hands when the Zulus roll by?” Referring back to the lead and the perplexed out-of-towner, Curtis says, “That’s simple. Raise them high, and shout for a coconut.”

Monday, February 16, 2009

The Formula vs. The Hook

The Summary Lead
…is a formulaic encapsulation of hard news that offers the most pertinent info needed to understand the story, such as “the 5 Ws and the H.” Active voice, concise language and S-V-O format support the summary lead better than artistry. Though this lead doesn’t offer the writer as much room for expression and creativity,

The Feature Lead
…offers wordsmiths an opportunity to showcase their craft. This lead should use descriptive imagery and intro just enough human interest to draw the reader into the story.

Sunday, February 8, 2009

TU/Baltimore Beat?

I can't decide between 2 beats:

1) Obama wants to put more funds in the hands of faith-based organizations due to their close ties with communities. How will that affect faith-based clubs on campus?

2) Official clubs at TU are required to perform community service. In what ways do they serve the community, and how can they connect with each other to make a greater impact?