To Be Honest, Inc.
Frequently Asked Questions
IS THERE AN AGE REQUIREMENT TO PARTICIPATE IN TBH?
Because TBH is meant to be filmed, written and directed by teens and because the program is predominantly in high schools, this program is geared toward 13-19 year olds. However, TBH is in a few Jr/Sr highs as well as alternative education programs. Therefore, there are occasionally a few participants who fall outside the TBH target age range.
WHERE CAN I GO TO PARTICIPATE IN TBH?
TBH is currently in several northern Indiana high schools. Season One (pre-covid) was at Riley, Adams, St. Joseph High Schools in South Bend, Prairie Heights in Lagrange, Hamilton Jr./Sr. High in Hamilton, Garrett High School in Garrett, South Side, Bishop Luers, Wayne Tech, Homestead High Schools in Ft. Wayne and Cahoots Coffee Cafe in Angola, Indiana.
Season Two is in fewer schools due to the fact that many schools have been on e-learning and not in classrooms with the needed editing and camera equipment. However, four high schools in South Bend including: Adams, Clay, Riley, and Washington High Schools, two high schools in Ft. Wayne: Wayne Tech and Bishop Luers, as well as Cahoots in Angola are all working on shows for 21-22.
The only program currently open to anyone 13-19 is at Cahoots Coffee Cafe, 218 W Maumee St., Angola, Indiana. The program is held Monday afternoons from 3- until 5 pm.
MAY I CONTRIBUTE TO THE TBH BLOG?
Maybe. Are you between the ages of 13 and 19? Is it a topic that hasn't previously been covered or do you have a different angle on the subject? Then the answer is likely yes. Contact TBH on the contact page or by email at tobehonestinc@gmail.com. Be sure to put the word BLOG in your subtitle. Blogs must be 300 words or less. They may not contain profanity or slander another individual. You may include one JPEG photo to go with your blog. Be sure to also include your name, age, and where you go to school, or if you're home schooled or rely on an alternative form of education.
HOW MUCH DOES TBH COST PARTICIPANTS?
TBH is free to participants. HOWEVER, those taking part are expected to WORK on the project. TBH is a program for teens with a serious interest in writing, journalism, film, production and influencing social media. It is NOT a babysitting service for parents wishing to drop off tweens! TBH maintains sole authority to suspend or expel anyone from the group who is disruptive, refuses to work or acts in a distracting manner.
APPROXIMATELY HOW MUCH OF MY TIME WILL TBH REQUIRE?
TBH meets once a week for 2 hours. Participants will work in groups to create 2-3 minute videos. Some videos may take longer than others. Some videos may require outside filming, interviews, and editing. We ask that those who start projects follow through. The other participants of the project are counting on you to keep your word and produce your video. We need all videos to create the half hour show, if one or two people don't complete their projects, we won't be able to fill the time slot and the show will either not be able to air, or others will have to pick up the slack and produce an additional piece to make up the difference! This is truly a team project. The time it takes to finish the project is up to you. If everyone is finished before the May end date, we may start some extra side projects or take some media related field trips.
HOW MANY STUDENTS ARE INVOLVED IN TBH?
The amount of students taking part in TBH varies slightly throughout the year. However, it's estimated that there are approximately 300 teens involved at any one time.
WHERE CAN I SEE TBH'S SHOW?
TBH is unusual in that it is a cross platform media experience. That means it can be seen on several social media sites (check the bottom pages of this website) as well as on WFWA Channel 39-4 in Ft. Wayne. Hopefully it will be on more PBS stations in the future.
HOW CAN MY SCHOOL GET INVOLVED IN TBH?
TBH is happy to welcome new high schools, home school groups, and after school organizations for additional chapters. Groups must have one responsible adult, either commit to doing a full episode or find a partner group to team up with for an entire 26:46 episode, and supply most of their own equipment. all students appearing on air must also have parental consent. Email TBH at tobehonestinc@gmail.com for more information.
WHAT ARE TBH'S FUTURE PLANS?
TBH will go where the road leads us! We would eventually like to expand to the entire state of Indiana as well as surrounding states. In addition to the TBH TV series, we would eventually like to start a summer film program and work on a few student produced full-length documentaries or short films.
DOES TBH NEED ANYTHING BESIDE MONETARY DONATIONS?
Yes! TBH is always in the market for video cameras and other film equipment. However, we need compatible technology. That means only digital cameras. We also like microphones, lighting equipment, new SD cards, extension cords, working computers (desktop or laptop), external hard drives, and computer monitors.
Adults with skills such as IT know-how, equipment repair, photography/videography, journalism backgrounds, web design, social media or public relations savvy, attorneys, and accountants are all welcome to donate their time and talent.
Pre-packaged snacks! TBH's production teams work hard. It's nice to reward them when we can. Pre-packaged food is always welcome. Unfortunately, due to health concerns we cannot except homemade food or food from unknown sources. If you have something you would like to donate, please call and we'll make arrangements to pick it up.
HOW CAN I JOIN THE TBH BOARD?
The TBH Board currently has openings for 6 additional members, including 2 teen members. Those wishing to be considered should call or email TBH for more details. The board currently meets once quarterly. Board members serve for one year with officers elected annually in January.
WHERE CAN I FIND A COPY OF TBH'S BYLAWS, MINUTES FROM THE LAST MEETING OR A LIST OF MAJOR DONORS?
TBH will make a copy of its bylaws available to the public upon request written request. Proceed to the contact page for more information. Minutes from the meetings are posted in the drop down menu below About. A list of TBH's major donors is currently available upon request. A page with more information will be coming shortly. It will be located under the Donate tab.
