Host & Partner with Other
Organizations to Inform and Educate

Friends of Oakland Communications plans to offer a series of educational courses that will be open to all residents of Oakland, New Jersey and to residents of towns that could volunteer on any Communications Commission committee. These programs are designed to provide valuable skills in communication, technology, and media production—areas that are becoming more essential for both personal and professional development. The goal is to make learning accessible, practical, and engaging for participants of all backgrounds.

Course Ideas Include:

• Storyboarding and Presentation Planning

  • This three-hour session will introduce the fundamental steps of preparing a presentation, whether it is for a business meeting, a community project, or a video production. Participants will learn how to organize ideas visually, create a narrative flow, and build strong supporting visuals. By the end of the class, attendees will better understand how to bring structure and clarity to any type of presentation.

• Using Artificial Intelligence in Your Communications

  • This three-hour class will explore how AI tools can support clearer and more effective communication. The session will provide practical demonstrations of how artificial intelligence can be applied to tasks such as drafting content, analyzing audience response, and enhancing digital messages. Participants will come away with an appreciation of how these new technologies can enhance their personal projects, community outreach, or workplace efficiency.

• Personal Computing Workshop

  • This three-hour course would provide an introduction—or refresher—on the fundamentals of personal computer use. Topics will include file management, navigating common software applications, protecting data, and addressing typical computer issues. The class is ideal for those who want to feel more confident and comfortable with technology they use on a daily basis.

• Video Editing Workshop

  • Spread across two sessions of two hours each, this course will provide both a conceptual overview of editing techniques and time to practice with software tools. Participants will learn the basics of sequencing, transitions, audio adjustments, and visual effects, with the aim of producing a short edited video by the end of the program.

Additional subject areas could also potentially be added if there is interest from the community for topics such as graphic design, creating animations, and writing articles for a professional reason.

These workshops and classes will benefit those interested in media projects, nonprofit communications, personal creative endeavors, and those who might be interested in these subject areas but don't feel confident volunteering because they don't know the topics and latest technologies. Together, these courses should encourage learning, creativity, and practical skill-building for the community. By providing hands-on training in communication and technology, we hope to empower residents to take on new projects with confidence while strengthening community connections through shared learning experiences.