Why look out of the box?
Every day, we consume media—by reading the news, watching TV, spotting ads, playing video games, Googling, tweeting, sending e-mails and text messages, and so on. This has become too ordinary and automatic for all of us that we may not get the point of studying or learning about media anymore.
Since our entry into the 21st century, the challenge has evolved: to be well-educated not only in our consumption but also our own creation of media. We need a brand of education which will enable individuals to: (1) evaluate and analyze messages that they receive, and (2) express themselves by producing their own media content effectively and responsibly.
Media Literacy answers this need. Apart from enabling individual empowerment, it will allow the formation of a democratic society which proactively responds to pertinent issues.
Globally, Media Literacy is abundant with researches and studies of pioneer organizations like the Center for Media Literacy (CML) which was conceived in the late 1980s. What is media literacy?
Though there are efforts to introduce and support media literacy programs in the Philippines, we have been obviously lagging behind. OUT OF THE BOX (OOTB) is a humble yet ambitious initiative to promote Media Literacy in the country.
Following the lead of successful media literacy programs in other countries, we are developing a program fit for Filipino media consumers. Our mission is to empower the youth by providing them with innovative tools and information in both formal and informal educational settings. Learn about OOTB’s Media Literacy Workshops and ML Bootcamp
Now, more than ever, we are faced with the task of being literate beyond the 3R tradition (reading, writing and arithmetic). Either you take a step back or move in closer to your TV screens, newspapers, or mobile phones; it’s time to look—think, write, read, watch, listen—out of the box!
Meet the OOTB Team
Out of The Box is the brainchild of three UP College of Mass Communication alumni. Long-time friends and student union colleagues, they share the same passion and aspirations for the Philippine society and the media industry.
Sarah is an art enthusiast who works for a Philippine NGO advocating for children’s reading literacy. She hopes to become a media professor in two years.
Marlon is a full-time college instructor and freelance artist. His future plans include volunteering in Africa, shooting documentary films, and being a member of the academe.
Darlene is a journalist. She is part of the GMA News Special Assignments Team. She is happiest when she is able to write and produce in-depth and investigative stories.
Out of The Box Media Literacy Initiative is an enterprising project put up by a team of young advocates dedicated to advancing media literacy in the Philippines.
MISSION
Out of The Box is dedicated to advancing media literacy in the Philippines. We empower the youth by providing them with information and innovative tools in both formal and informal educational settings.
VISION
For the Filipino youth to acquire the essential skills to engage with media as active and informed citizens of a 21st century democracy