May 11, 2009
Interview with Kathy Cheney, Development/Communications Director Metropolitan Tenants Organization
-What value do you see in communicating effectively in times of austerity?
Most of us- who attend the Making Media Connections conference – work in organizations providing essential public services. In difficult times, it is more important than ever to make sure folks know what resources are available. And because we want to reserve the bulk of our resources to provide services – we need skills and resources available to us to get our message out effectively and efficiently.
-What do you love most about working at the Metropolitan Tenants Organization?
I’m all about working with organizations where people really believe our work can change the world. The folks at MTO really care about what they are doing and really collaborate with the people we are working to support. I value that commitment.
-Why did you feel it necessary to invest in attending this year’s Making Media Connections Conference?
Community Media Workshop is a real asset to Chicago. I wonder how many cities have an organization that is committed to supporting their non-profit community tell their stories? This conference brings the non-profit community face to face with the cities’ preeminent journalists. We learn from their experience and have the opportunity to workshop ideas and learn new approaches. It’s like an annual one-stop-shopping opportunity for the non-profit communications professional.
-What do you plan to do with what you learn at the conference?
We just completed a strategic planning process that we will be working to implement over the next three years. We want to increase our visibility in the community. I’m hoping to take what I learn at the conference and implement it to get our message out in fresh new ways. This conference really provides you with ideas you can immediately implement. You don’t have to ‘hire a consultant’ or ‘invest in a program’. You can go back to the office and start trying ideas out!
