Speaking of citizen involvement in various aspects of media, entertainment and journalism aren't the only avenues being explored. There's also citizen activism. And there's entertainers involved in citizen activism using visual media!

WITNESS was co-founded by musician Peter Gabriel in 1992. The aim of this nonprofit organization (which is, incidentally, based out of Brooklyn, NY) is to promote the use of video as a medium for bringing human rights issues to the fore. WITNESS partners with local human rights organizations around the world, providing them with video and editing equipment. They also train their local partners to use the equipment in an effective way, making stories of abuse as compelling as possible, with hopes that the message will be strong enough to effect a change.

This isn't quite the same as giving audience members video cameras at a music concert. It's two different levels of impact, but the principle is similar. Give citizens the power to use media effectively and you end up with something worth looking at -- whether it's a film that makes it to Sundance or a documentary that brings about a change, improving the lives of millions of people somewhere in the world.

One of WITNESS's recent achievements involved another personality from the entertainment world. Actor Angelina Jolie partnered with Gabriel to host a gala dinner on December 5th 2005 to highlight the progress made in Sierra Leone, where human rights and dignity were consistently violated during the decade-long conflict that engulfed the country. Jolie has been part of the team involved in talks with the country's president on how to execute the recommendations of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission.

It's always encouraging to realize that art is worthwhile not just for itself, but because it can make a difference.