When I set out to create a promotional history video for the Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA) Ryde, I was faced with the unique challenge of condensing the centre’s 40-year history into a digital format that would engage and inspire a diverse audience. The project, now completed, has been a highly rewarding journey, of course it had its challenges, but these only highlighted the importance of adaptability and perseverance in public history projects.
The Vision
The inspiration for this project arose from a gap identified during my initial meetings with Ryde. While the centre’s general history had been documented in the book ‘Celebrating 50 Years of RDA NSW’, there was not an accessible digital medium that captured the essence of its four decades of service. My project aimed to address this gap by creating a video that resonated with modern audiences whilst also acting as a promotional tool to encourage greater participation and support for the centre, as it is not-for-profit and run wholly by volunteers. Therefore, I adopted a digital approach to ensure accessibility and outreach, making the history of Ryde accessible to anyone, anywhere. By creating a video intended to be broadcasted across YouTube, social media platforms and the RDA’s website, my project leveraged technology to bring RDA Ryde’s history to life for current and future generations.
The Process
Bringing the project together required an intertwining of research, adaptability, and community engagement. This included:
- Extensive Research:
– Photographic Archives: Sorting through decades of photographs presented both an opportunity and a challenge. Some of the images were undated and not organised chronologically, but they became invaluable in illustrating milestones such as events, riders, and the contributions of long-term volunteers.
– Oral Histories: Interviews with long-standing volunteers added depth and authenticity to the narrative. Selecting key moments from hours of footage was a meticulous process but ultimately introduced elements of emotional resonance to the final project.
– Firsthand Observations: volunteering weekly provided me with invaluable insights into the RDA’s present-day operations and mission, enriching the historical narrative with contemporary context.
– Secondary Resources: Books like ‘The Spirit of RDA’ and ‘Celebrating 50 Years of RDA NSW’ ensured the accuracy of key dates and events.
2. Community Collaboration:
– Engaging with the RDA community was central to the project’s success. The enthusiasm of long-standing volunteers demonstrated the importance of preserving the centre’s legacy.
Themes and Messages
The video is structured around key themes that highlight the RDA’s enduring values and impact:
- Community Resilience: Showcasing how volunteers and the local community have sustained the RDA through challenges, including the relocation of the centre.
- Inclusivity and Empowerment: Emphasising the transformative power of equine therapy for individuals with disabilities.
- Legacy and Progress: Bridging the past and present to underscore the continuity of the RDA’s mission.
- Volunteerism: Celebrating the volunteers who form the backbone of the organisation.
- Key Riders: Highlighting inspirational figures like Paralympian Jan Pike to demonstrate the profound impact of the RDA’s work.
Impact
The completed video serves multiple purposes:
– Preservation: It documents and celebrates the RDA Ryde’s history, ensuring that its legacy is not forgotten.
– Promotion: As a digital resource, the video is a tool for attracting new volunteers, donors, and participants.
– Inspiration: By sharing the stories of resilience, empowerment, and community spirit, the video inspires deeper appreciation of the RDA’s work and greater involvement from a wide audience.
The project has also laid the groundwork for future initiatives, providing a comprehensive history of the Ryde centre for future volunteers, and a model for other RDA branches to document their histories in engaging and accessible ways.
Personal Reflection
Working with the RDA Ryde has been a profoundly enriching and rewarding experience. Witnessing the beaming smiles of riders as they arrive every week is a testament to the organisation’s impact. I am deeply grateful to the RDA for allowing me to contribute to their mission and I look forward to continuing my volunteer work with them in the future.
Looking Ahead
This project is not just a celebration of the past but a step toward ensuring the RDA’s future. The involvement of long-term volunteers proved fundamental in adding depth to the project and formed the heartbeat of the video. By making the centre’s history accessible and engaging, it paves the way for greater community involvement and sustained support. I hope this video inspires others to explore and share the stories of other community organisations for the generations to come.
* (video will be attached when officially approved by RDA NSW.) *