YP4 understands the impact that media has and media training is actually a part of it's program.  for fellows that want to specialize in that skill set, to serve as spokespeople for the young progressive movement, more specialized training has been offered and a more comprehensive program is in the works.

adam conner
2006 YP4 Fellow

I want to echo Adam's comments.  Young People For is committed to helping students clearly articulate their values in a way in which people can relate.  

In addition to receiving comprehensive media training, Young People For Fellows are also offered opportunities to work with professional media coaches one-on-one through progams such as the Front Line Leaders Academy. Moreover, Young People For Fellows implement self-designed Blueprints For Social Justice on their campuses and in their communities.  As Fellows implement their Blueprints, they work with media specialists to help promote their efforts in the local media.

Check out this Fellow's profile to see how Fellows are utilizing the media as a resource and tool.  

I actually had a extensive e-mail exchange with the author of the original article. Young People For is doing a great job of filling this hole in the progressive infastructure.

That said, there is obviously more work to do. However, my original diary may have seemed like I thought no one was doing anything. Media work is a big part of Young People For's training program and that's great.

Still, there is no progressive organization dedicated to building our media bench. It's not just about training people to do good interviews. We need to be able to navigate the professional media world. We need schedulers, agents and everything else that pundits need....