Somali Culture Video Project

Because the funding we received was less than our request, we revised our project to focus on cultural competency videos to be used for outreach and education with community partners. The timeline was revised as follows:

May- June: Stakeholder interviews and needs analysis,
June- August: Develop content and narratives, develop contact and interview list,
July- Nov 30th: Filming begins with identified community members and background footage.

We are on schedule with our milestones to date. To begin the project, we interviewed community members and community partners with a focus in Rice County. Our community partners included: Healthy Communities Initiative, Workforce Development, Metro Youth Diversion, Jennie-O Turkey, and others. As we progressed, we identified common themes that arose in our conversations. The interviews revealed a need for a greater understanding of Somali culture in the following three areas: Somali youth engagement, Somali culture in the workplace, and Somali women in their community.

Through referrals from our community partners and our own networks, we developed a list of people whom we'd like to interview. Poet Nation Media developed a list of questions related to our narratives and began interviews. In December, the Program Team was shown a preview of the content thus far. Our filmmaker has called his work 'edutainment.' Through this approach, we strive to address misconceptions and ignorance with humor and art, using video as our medium.

We believe the videos, when complete, will be useful in many sectors: from business HR departments, workforce development partners, community health professionals, and community organizations such as the Rotary and local churches. The need for this work to be presented to businesses in Rice County is great.

; The funding provided through this grant has yielded substantial and impactful results, greatly advancing our mission to enhance understanding and support for the Somali community. Through careful planning, dedicated execution, and rigorous evaluation, we have achieved significant milestones.

Work Accomplished:
Local communities had the opportunity to learn about Somali culture and heritage. Also, many second-generation Americans with Somali parents were able to gain an understanding of their ancestral backgrounds that they hadn't had before. This has inspired conversations for the younger generations to take pride in their culture and act as a bridge between both sides.

Video Series Production:

Poet Nation Media and the Somali Community Resettlement Services collaborated to produce a comprehensive video series that delves into key topics relevant to organizations working with Somali communities. Among the segments, there are explorations of Somali youth, Somali women, Somalis in the workplace, and the integration of Somali youth born and raised in America into their cultural heritage. The series provides insight into changes within the Somali community as it adapts to new surroundings.

Expert Interviews:

Working in collaboration, Poet Nation and the Somali Community and Resettlement Services conducted a collection of in-depth interviews with experts. The interviewees consisted of both Somali Americans and recent arrivals who possessed extensive knowledge of Somali culture, tradition, folklore, language development, evolving communities post-resettlement to different parts of the world, and many other topics. These interviews offered valuable insights into various aspects of Somali life such as unique cultural practices and challenges encountered during the immigrant experience when settling in Minnesota.

Scripting and Storyboarding:

Developed meticulous scripts and storyboards for each video segment, ensuring a clear, cohesive, and culturally sensitive narrative. This process involved careful consideration of the information to be conveyed and its resonance with the intended audience.

Filming and Production:

Filmed interviews at SCRS's offices, providing a conducive environment for experts to share their knowledge. Poet Nation Media's expertise in video production ensured high-quality recordings with professional visuals and audio.

Post-Production and Editing:

Engaged in thorough post-production and editing, seamlessly integrating graphics, visuals, and overlays to enhance the overall viewing experience. The final product is a polished, informative, and engaging video series.

Achievement of Goals:

The goals set forth in the training units have been effectively addressed through the video series. These include:

Understanding Somali Culture:

The videos offer comprehensive insights into Somali culture, covering topics such as cultural and religious distinctives, communication styles, and diverse cultural facets. This information serves as a foundational resource for organizations working with Somali communities.

Navigating Challenges and Opportunities:

By addressing challenges faced in the immigrant experience, including issues related to youth, mental health, language, and racism, the videos equip organizations with a nuanced understanding of the unique hurdles Somali individuals may encounter. They also highlight opportunities for building stronger connections within the community.

Thriving in Organizations:

The videos shed light on how Somalis have not only adapted but thrived in Minnesota. This includes discussions on faith, cultural celebrations, and practical considerations like prayer spaces and communication pathways within organizations.

The collaboration with Poet Nation Media and the creation of these training videos represent a significant step forward in providing valuable resources for organizations working with Somali communities. These videos are poised to serve as a vital tool in enhancing cultural competence and improving the effectiveness of services provided. We look forward to the positive impact this initiative will have on the community and the organizations involved.