May 22, 2009
Re-invigorate Change: Interview with Maggie Berndt, IL Humanities Council
-What value do you see in communicating effectively in times of austerity?
As not only individuals, but also libraries and museums and schools, are hurting, it’s important for us an organization to get the word out about our FREE high-quality public humanities programming for individuals and all of the other resources we offer for nonprofit organizations in Illinois. Communication is more crucial than ever so that we can expand our audience and broaden the reach of the IHC, which will eventually help us be a stronger organization and better serve the state of Illinois.
-What do you love most about working at the IL Humanities Council?
I love being involved in an organization that does its own public programming but also gives out grants. It’s a great way to reach out with the humanities to audiences across Illinois, but I also get to learn about the many fascinating humanities exhibits, programs, and projects being done by nonprofits all over Illinois. It’s also very rewarding to be a part of an organization that is committed to bringing lifelong learning to everyone in Illinois, especially during tough times.
-Why did you feel it necessary to invest in attending this year’s Making Media Connections Conference?
The conference challenges me to get out of my PR-rut, so to speak. It reinvigorates me, gives me new ideas, reinforces some of the good things we’re already doing, and give me helpful ways to improve my communications strategies.
-What do you plan to do with what you learn at the conference?
I hope to revamp and refresh my approaches, coming up with more effective ways to reach not only the media, but also our audience directly. We have started branching out into a Web 2.0 presence (facebook, twitter) and we hope to learn some strategies on how to make those more effective, as well as hear about the new ways the internet is changing communication.
