#media2012 is a national group of citizen journalists, with the task of giving their local community a voice. After recently winning bronze in the Podium Coubertin’s Olympic Vision award and being recognised by the BBC Torch Relay team; #media2012 is looking to create a West Midlands hub to help springboard a group of creative and talented individuals who care about their community, and want to help spread their message.

The free #media2012wm launch event will take you from an interested citizen to a community reporter. You will learn to create a website, publish news stories online, video production skills, create journalistic photography and how to make the most of social networks.

We have a host of guest speakers on 29 June including Adam Perry of Newsnets Media Trust, John Coster creator of Citizens Eye as well as Jennifer Jones, Franzi Bahrle, Steve Hands and many others. June 30th will see attendees put skills learnt into practice by covering the Olympic torch as it passes through Sandwell. As well as covering the many events happening in local community centres and colleges.

Visitors will be encouraged to trade skills and ideas, helping to build connections between different communities, encouraging engagement with locals and media producers to generate a unique perspective on coverage of the Olympics and beyond.

If you like the sound of using your creative skills to help your local community then pop down to The Public for free on 29 June and take part in what is sure to be a weekend to remember.