Traditional news outlets are in decline. Daily newspapers and regional radio newsrooms that aren’t closing their doors altogether are drastically reducing staff and covering less local news.

“Many groups here in Texas barely have paid staff, let alone a person dedicated to communications,” explains Tomás. But through PCN, Tomás was connected to peers who could provide support.

Veteran communicator Tomás Aguilar, of Colectivo Flatlander, has used communications to work on many issues, but doesn't measure success by counting interviews or photo-ops.

Media professionals and organizers at the first Midwest regional gathering of the Progressive Communicators Network talk abot social networks and social change.