SA 2020 Video Project to capture opinions of youth, everyday San Antonians and those on the wrong side of the digital divide
-Rackspace Hosting donates 20 flip video cameras to ensure all voices are heard-

Two days before the second public gathering of SA 2020, Mayor Julián Castro announced the donation of 20 flip video cameras that will be part of a larger community-wide video project to increase feedback on the visioning process.

The donation from Rackspace Hosting will enable more high school students, college students and grassroots organizations to fan out and gather information from all sectors of the community.

"At the end of the day, we don't want language, computer access or the lack of transportation to be barriers for any San Antonian who wants to have their voice heard," Mayor Castro said. "The success of SA 2020 hinges upon getting feedback from folks from all walks of life."

Rackspace Chairman Graham Weston, one of the SA 2020 effort's tri-chairs, said the flip cameras will add to the video resources being made available by local arts and education groups to gather the opinions of local residents on what kind of city they would like San Antonio to be in 10 years.
 
The six-month SA 2020 visioning process continues Thursday night with a community forum at McCollum High School, 500 W. Formosa, from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Registration and dinner begins at 6:00 p.m.

"In this era of YouTube and Facebook, it only makes sense that we take advantage of the technology at our disposal to increase citizen feedback to this very important visioning process," Weston said.

Tuesday's announcement was held at SAY Si Media Arts Studio, a non-profit multidisciplinary arts program for students from area high schools and middle schools.

Jon Hinojosa, SAY Si's executive director, said his students are excited about the opportunity to participate in SA 2020. "Video is a great equalizer for people who either can't make the public meetings or who don't have access to a computer," Hinojosa said. "The project will also give our students some real-world experience on a project that is looking to the future of our city."

Mayor Castro invited other interested groups and schools to join the effort by calling 207-7083. The video content will be uploaded regularly to the www.SA2020.org website.