What's a "media giraffe"? Help us define

A-About MGP
What's a "media giraffe"? Help us define
By MGP Staff
Feb 11, 2005, 4:02pm

In the media context, a giraffe is taking financial or professional risk to advance participatory democracy and community.

The giraffe is an independent voice, although he or she may be part of a large, established media organization. Their commitment to "giraffe" ideals is longstanding and is making a difference. In some way, their efforts appear financially sustainable, through profit, collaboration or grants.

We examine entrepreneurs within both independent, local, new-media efforts as well as "giraffes" who are sticking their necks out in traditional, major media.

Both “giraffes” selected for profiling will (a) be passionate, even idealistic, about truth telling and fostering democracy, (b) have or are taking significant personal risk (financial or to their reputation), (c) often will be pioneering in "new" media, and (d) recognize that "you have to eat" -- their efforts are in some way sustainable as an enterprise, profit or not-for-profit.

Advisors and nominators for the Media Giraffe Project (MGP) will help identify precise giraffe traits through actual sightings and observations of giraffes at work. And you can help, too.

The MGP shares a vision with -- but is totally separate from -- the Giraffe Heroes Project, an international organization that since 1982 has been moving people to stick their necks out for the common good. John Graham, Giraffe Heroes Project President, is a member of the MGP Advisory Board.

Have you observed a giraffe lately?

Let us know! You can report your sighting, by email or by phone. Include some details and conact information or URL for you or the "giraffe." If it appears you've observed a giraffe in action, we'll do two things:

Post a note on this blog under the thread: "Did you sight a giraffe in action?". We will not identify you as the source of the referral unless you have specifically authorized us to do so.
Forward your recommendation to members of the Media Giraffe Project advisory board for potential giraffe nomination.

Email your "sighting" information to: mediagiraffe (at) journ.umass.edu. Or phone 413-577-4370.

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