Our Life in the D is a youth-driven multimedia training and leadership project intended to provide young people living in Detroit with a Web site and a voice as they explore issues they face in their communities.  Our Life in the D has a special focus on the  Skillman Foundation's six Good Neighborhood communities that include Chadsey-Condon, Southwest Detroit, Cody-Rouge, Osborn, Northend-Central and Brightmoor.

Under the guidance of professional journalists, the young people will produce content for the site, including stories, videos and other media.

In addition to learning storytelling and Web skills, youth reporters will have the chance to become emeshed in civic life, gaining an understanding of their roles as active citizens and how policies affect them and how they can affect policies.

At its broadest level, Our Life in the D will give families, policy makers, business leaders, mainstream media and community leaders a new perspective from which to view current debates about education, health, the economy, politics and other issues of interest to young people at the local, state and federal levels.

If you are interested in participating in the project or know of a young person who would benefit, or if you just have a story idea, please contact China Cochran of Michigan's Children.

The project is possible through funding from the McGregor Fund, the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation and the Skillman Foundation.

Read some stories by Our Life in the D youth writers