This summer, our Director of Operations at Wander Creative, Katie Rose, traveled to Uganda to teach social media and storytelling at Watoto Worship Camp. Hosted through Watoto Worship Academy with worship leaders Brad + Rebekah, the camp brings creative professionals together with young people developing their gifts in music, dance, media, and the arts.
For us, it was an opportunity to have one of our own share skills we use every day at Wander with church communicators and young creatives who could put them to work in their own communities.
Equipping Church Communicators
Katie’s time in Uganda began with a three-day training for Watoto staff and leaders from other churches. Together, they worked through the practical challenges of church social media: finding a voice that reflects the church’s mission, planning content that serves its community, and responding to criticism online.
Much of the conversation centered on reaching people beyond the congregation. That’s a question we bring to every account we work on: Who might need to hear from this organization, and what would help them connect with it? For a church, a post can do more than announce a Sunday service. It can speak to someone who feels isolated and show them there’s a community ready to welcome them. A business can take the same approach by showing how its work helps someone in a real situation, instead of simply listing its services. Katie helped the church teams put that audience-focused thinking into the content they create every day.
Helping Students Tell Their Own Stories
The student camp brought young creatives from Watoto’s villages together at Suubi. Katie worked with students interested in capturing and sharing what was happening around them. Some had to borrow a phone to participate, but they brought plenty of ideas and a willingness to learn.
One student who hadn’t found her place in the music classes borrowed Katie’s phone to capture footage for a project. She returned with a thoughtful shot of grass moving in the wind and a new sense that she had something to contribute. Another student, a Watoto graduate hoping to build a career in social media, has continued sending Katie videos and asking for feedback since camp ended.
We take that same approach with our clients, helping them recognize the moments that show who they are and why their work matters to the people they serve.
What You Can Take From It
If you’re responsible for telling your organization’s story, start with the people you hope to reach. Consider what they’re facing, what they care about, and what part of your work would be meaningful to them. Then use the tools and people you have to show it. The students at Watoto were a reminder of how much creativity can grow when someone has the chance to practice and be encouraged.
We’re grateful Katie could share Wander’s experience with people serving their communities. Giving back this way lets the skills we use with clients here at home serve people far beyond our own projects. Katie came home energized by the care and creativity she saw at Watoto, and we’re excited to see what its students share next.
