“I just wanted to bring recognition to the community and show people a rural county is not as boring as people think it is”
In This Episode
In this episode of The Forgottonia Project, host Joe Brewer sits down with Ellie Patterson, a student at Cuba High School and winning entry creator in our first-ever Unforgettable Forgottonians: Youth Civic Pitch Challenge. Inspired by projects like Humans of New York, Ellie pitched Places in Cuba—a youth-driven social media initiative designed to showcase local businesses, highlight historic landmarks, and reignite community pride in the digital age. Tune in to hear how student perspective and digital literacy can push back against small-town deficit thinking and bring local history into focus.
Key Points
- Countering Deficit Thinking: Using social media as a positive force to highlight local businesses, landmarks, and community strengths rather than focusing on what rural towns lack.
- Digital Literacy & Ownership: Navigating the real-world logistics of digital storytelling, such as obtaining permission, respecting private property, and practicing good digital citizenship.
- Youth Representation in Civic Spaces: Exploring opportunities for youth-led digital content to integrate directly with official town initiatives, like municipal websites and local economic promotion.
Additional Questions for Discussion
- What local landmark or small business in your town do you think deserves a spotlight, and why?
- How can social media platforms be repurposed to build authentic, real-world community pride rather than distraction?
- What are some constructive ways young people can advocate for a seat at the table—or “pull up a lawn chair”—in municipal planning and town promotion?
Resources
Unforgettable Forgottonians Youth Civic Pitch Showcase Padlet Board
The Forgottonia Project 