The most important of these inventions are those media which, such as the press, movies, radio, television and the like, can, of their very nature, reach and influence, not only individuals, but the very masses and the whole of human society, and thus can rightly be called the media of social communication. – Pope Paul VI, Inter Mirifica, 1963 It is essential that social communications should assiduously defend the person and fully respect human dignity. – Pope Benedict XVI, World Communication Day, 2008 Our Mission
No longer are end users content with visiting a website, receiving email blasts, or just getting a message. They are ready to participate fully in an interactive world of information where words become the connecting point between persons. Social networking, while still incorporating the traditional expressions of the digital age, such as websites, has broadened the field of communication to include weblogs (commonly known as blogs), podcasting, Internet radio, Wikipedia, You Tube (and other video streaming services), as well as interactive online communities such as MySpace, Facebook, LinkedIn, Ning and others. Our mission is fourfold:
Association: As a community and center for social networking, TCMA can be a place where you can meet and get to know other Catholics who are called as communicators. Individuals can build relationships with others who are in the same field, share a common interest, or have a similar call to use their gifts for the Church. In addition to the virtual world of online relationships, TCMA members will also be gathering together for conferences and workshops on a regularly scheduled basis. We also are working to provide a number of important benefits for our members, including manufacturer and vendor discounts, health insurance resources for freelancers, etc.
Education: The educational mission of TCMA involves both information and certification. Through our member network and the relationships built with others in the communications industry, we want to provide current and cutting-edge reports on such things as:
We also want to be a place where upcoming events and activities by member ministries and organizations are given visibility. Webinars and Internet-based learning will become the mainstay for much of the dissemination of information to learners. In addition, an Annual TCMA Conference as well as Regional and Media-specific conferences and workshops will be offered periodically around the country. TCMA will also be the first faith-based organization to offer a certification program for new technologies. Through a series of continuing education and practical experience, members of TCMA can become a “Certified Religious Media Specialist” (CRMS). The certification is not only a sign of expertise in the field of media, but also will incorporate the dynamics of our Catholic faith, social teachings and ethical practice as they relate to work in communications.
Collaboration: We are very excited about TCMA serving as a place for interaction and collaboration among our members. This can be a place where “one beggar can tell another beggar where he has found some bread.” The Catholic Media Association then becomes a virtual forum for the mutual sharing of media expertise, information and training opportunities. In online gathering of communicators can also assist members in collaboration and development of cutting-edge technologies. We are also planning to offer webinars, podcasts and workshops featuring TCMA members.
Mobilization: Not only is technology moving quickly, but culture is careening down a course as well. As communicators, we see our mandate as moving beyond talk to action. Together we can strengthen our message and harness methodologies that can effectively carry the gospel of Christ to our culture. In this great mobilization effort, TCMA will be present to support the unique callings and careers in communications for those in our association family and for the work of our member-ministries.
Concerning our Future:
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Print media, while still holding a place in the world of communications, first shared the stage in the digital age with Internet, email, and instant messaging. In the years since these three technologies appeared, a brave new world is upon us… the world of social networking.