The Media Community Action Team (Media CAT)
in Novato, California is a group of volunteers, women and men (mostly women!) who came together to change violent, racist and sexist images in the media. They have initiated write-in campaigns to advertisers that have successfully challenged violent and offensive images. National advertisers including Sharper Image and Mindscape have changed their ads in response to the Media CAT's pressure. They also write a monthly column in the local paper, the Novato Advance, as a community voice for safety, equality and justice. The Media CAT has worked to educate the reporters and editorial boards of local newspapers to improve their reporting on issues of violence against women and children, and other hate-motivated crimes. The Media CAT, facilitated by Transforming Communities in Novato, also carries out diverse community actions related to this issue. Contact the Media CAT