Meaning: The quote "Inherently participatory in nature, Community Video focusing on using video to enable communities to communicate amongst themselves as well as with others" encapsulates the essence of community video and its role in empowering and uniting communities through the medium of video. This quote is attributed to Ben Edwards, an entertainer known for his work in community development and participatory media. Through these words, Edwards emphasizes the interactive and inclusive nature of community video, highlighting its capacity to facilitate communication and collaboration within and beyond local communities.

Community video refers to the practice of creating and sharing video content within a specific community or among a network of communities. It is a form of grassroots media production that prioritizes the voices and perspectives of community members. Unlike traditional media, community video is not driven by commercial interests or external agendas but rather by the needs and priorities of the community itself. This participatory approach to video production allows community members to tell their own stories, express their concerns, and engage in dialogue with one another.

The participatory nature of community video is a key aspect highlighted in the quote. It underscores the idea that the process of creating and sharing video content is inclusive and open to all members of the community. This inclusivity empowers individuals who may not have access to traditional media platforms to make their voices heard and contribute to the collective narrative of their community. Through the act of producing and sharing videos, community members become active participants in shaping the media landscape and representing their own experiences and perspectives.

Furthermore, the quote emphasizes the role of video in enabling communities to communicate both internally and externally. Internally, community video serves as a tool for intra-community dialogue, allowing members to exchange information, share knowledge, and address local issues. It can be used as a means of documenting community events, preserving cultural practices, and fostering social cohesion. Externally, community video facilitates communication with the broader public, enabling communities to showcase their unique identity, advocate for their needs, and connect with external stakeholders, such as policymakers, non-profit organizations, and the media.

In essence, community video serves as a bridge that connects communities with each other and with the outside world. It has the potential to amplify the voices of marginalized groups, challenge stereotypes, and foster cross-cultural understanding. By harnessing the power of video, communities can leverage their collective creativity and resourcefulness to address social, environmental, and political challenges, thereby promoting positive change at the grassroots level.

Ben Edwards, the individual credited with the quote, has been a proponent of using entertainment and media as tools for community development. His work in this field has emphasized the importance of empowering communities to tell their own stories and advocate for their own interests. Through his involvement in participatory media initiatives, he has sought to elevate the voices of underrepresented communities and promote a more inclusive and diverse media landscape.

In conclusion, the quote by Ben Edwards encapsulates the essence of community video as a participatory and empowering tool for community communication and engagement. It underscores the significance of enabling communities to use video as a means of self-expression, dialogue, and connection with the wider world. Community video has the potential to foster a sense of agency and solidarity among community members, while also serving as a platform for raising awareness and advocating for social change. As a form of grassroots media, community video exemplifies the power of storytelling and representation in shaping the narratives of communities and promoting greater inclusivity in the media sphere.