Carson McAfee is the Communications Coordinator at NAMLE.
What do you do?
I am the latest addition to the NAMLE team, the Communications Coordinator, which means I work on all communications efforts, including strategy, social media, website, organizational partnerships, newsletters and more. One aspect of my previous experience that I look forward to bringing to NAMLE’s websites in particular, is a Search Engine Optimization (SEO) strategy. Of course, I love all aspects of communication, but there’s something about all of the research and copywriting that go into the overall SEO strategy that make it incredibly fun and rewarding.
Tell us about your latest work or project in media literacy.
My first project in media literacy is assisting NAMLE with communications efforts for the 7th annual U.S. Media Literacy Week. Much of my time has been spent meeting organizational partners and members of the community, and researching the opportunities for growth from a communications perspective.
Why is media literacy important to you?
During my time at Indiana University, I took courses centered on media literacy. Because I was obtaining my B.A. in Journalism, they wanted to ensure that we were cognizant of the ways in which we interpret, analyze and evaluate information, sources, studies, etc. and then inform, educate and influence our readers. Then I saw a change in my behavior. I would read articles and want to see how the questions were framed while surveying, check how large the sample size of the study was, and wonder what, if anything, was left out of the story.
Before, I would have considered myself a Gobblin’ Goblin. Now, I wonder why I was only required to take these courses because I was a student in the media school. My peers in medicine, business or any field should have these skills, too, I thought. To advocate for that education for all ages with NAMLE, I feel my mission is fulfilled. Media literacy is important because it is life-changing.
What are you most excited about in the media literacy field?
Since I’m new to the media literacy field, there’s a lot that I’m hopeful for and excited about. In my role, I’m excited to work with members of our organizational partners on innovative ways to communicate, advance and eventually achieve our common goal.
Why did you become a NAMLE member, what benefits do you see to membership, and how will it support your work?
“We are stronger together” always rings true. Becoming a NAMLE member is an incredible way to communicate and network with individuals and organizations and stay up to date with the latest information, news and resources.
The views and opinions expressed in the M-Passioned Member blog are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of NAMLE or its members. The purpose of the M-Passioned Member blog is to highlight our members and give them a place to share their reflections, opinions, and ideas.