COMMUNITY STORYTELLING
Centering Community Voices
People of District 9
Centering community voices through photography, interviews, and digital storytelling.
How do you communicate what makes community special?
Council District 9 is one of San Diego's most diverse collections of neighborhoods, each shaped by people with different backgrounds, identities, experiences, and dreams.
Government communications often focus on policies, programs, and meetings. But those things only tell part of the story.
People of District 9 was created to highlight the people who live work, organize, and build community in our neighborhoods — because it's the people who make District 9 so vibrant.
The People
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Alex & Alex
City Heights
“We want the people in our community to also have access to free and quality books.”
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Doug
Rolando Village
"It's all about building power for workers."
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Nao
City Heights
“We want San Diego to be a place where everybody can belong.”
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Lauren
Normal Heights
"I found a faith community that affirmed my identity and my commitment to social justice.”
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Jen & Stacy
Normal Heights
“I really love the community that comes together. What I like the most is watching how it brings out the best in everybody.”
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Monica
Rolando Park
“It was just a big blessing to be a part of District Nine, and I continue to be a part of it so I can advocate for my community.”
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Mark
City Heights
"There are people at the heart of it."
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Ashley & Marine
City Heights
“I feel like we celebrate Pride in San Diego every day. Just walking down the street.”
What I Did
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Story Development
Concept development
Story identification
Narrative strategy
Editorial direction
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Interviewing
Interview planning
One on One interview
Active listening
Story editing
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Photography
Portrait photography
Environmental photography
Photo selection
Photo editing
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Writing & Editing
Profile writing
Social media copy
Story editing
Bilingual content (as needed)
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Digital Storytelling
Content development
Social publishing
Audience engagement
Performance tracking
The Impact
Building a stronger, more connected District 9.
People of District 9 created a platform for authentic, community-centered storytelling that amplified local voices, highlighted the diversity of our neighborhoods, and helped residents feel seen and heard. The series expanded the Council District 9 digital presence beyond traditional government communications and strengthened community engagement through shared stories and real connections.
