Solutions Journalism Network

SJN's Lagipoiva Cherelle Jackson, PhD is teaming up with Canadian Journalism Foundation for a fresh and increasingly vital climate solutions journalism training. Sometimes, people wonder what will happen if we only cover what's showing promise in the fight against climate change. Well, you're in luck, because you don't have to cover only that. Instead, solutions journalism is part of a healthy, well-rounded, more complete view of climate that includes the problems and latest developments. Surveys and studies abound showing that people want both/and, not either/or. So let's help fill those info needs. In just an hour, you'll learn the foundations of solutions reporting and discover ways to integrate it into your climate coverage. Best of all, you'll learn more about an approach that journalists say brings fresh energy and possibility to their reporting, and that audiences say makes them more likely to trust and value the news. You'll be doing your part to ensure people don't tune out when they're needed. Join up at the link. It's free, and everyone's welcome. https://lnkd.in/gJie8agM

We’re jazzed to announce that Sara Catania, formerly our chief program and operating officer, has been promoted to president of SJN! Over the years, she has put her stamp on everything from our journalism school work to a revamping of our strategy. She will be working in partnership with SJN’s co-founder and CEO David Bornstein. What does David want the world to know about this? "Sara has done a fantastic job as SJN’s chief program and operations officer. She has helped guide the organization to ensure that everything we do is focused on supporting and connecting a growing network of journalists, journalism educators and trainers, and many other partners working to transform journalism — so it can be radically helpful to communities around the world. I am hugely grateful for Sara's strategic brilliance, commitment and dedication." And Sara wants to tell you all this: “As a lifelong journalist with a deep commitment to a robust future for journalism, I can think of nothing more meaningful I can do right now than to forge ahead with SJN — a place of hope, action and impact. I’m grateful to be able to continue this work with amazing colleagues and with journalists everywhere.” We’re all incredibly excited to walk with her into a bright future for solutions journalism. 

Solutions journalism reminds us problems can be addressed. It reminds us we aren't powerless. And it boosts accountability by highlighting what's working in the face of failure and inertia. Increasingly, the people who bring this to the world are the growing group of accredited solutions journalism trainers — journalists, educators, and media makers from around the world who embrace journalism's possibilities and promise. The latest batch just finished their training, and we couldn't be happier to watch them flourish. Now they'll be off to give their own trainings and make it all official. Say hello to the newest group! Hannah Covington, Mischa G., Misty Harris, Ghazala Irshad, Austin Lewter, Kris Vera-Phillips, Samantha Schalit, and Susan J. Schultz! https://lnkd.in/grdVRb-A

Reminder: You've still got a few more days to apply for SJN's latest round of Train-the-Trainers. The deadline is Nov. 10, and this call is GLOBAL. You'll get incredibly in-depth solutions journalism training with a focus on how to teach it and train others in it. You'll learn from and with a fantastic cohort of journalists, and — if previous rounds are any indication — you'll leave invigorated by journalism's possibilities. We figured no one could describe the training and SoJo better than the people who have already been through the program. So read their words, and if they inspire you, tap the link for the full details and application: https://lnkd.in/g5SRxXfj

It's Election Day in the U.S. The newest How to SoJo features resources for reporting deeply amid conflict, understanding social change, community listening, and more skills every journalist needs regardless of any election. It doesn't share any polls. There are no projections. You won't hear about swing states, undecided voters, betting odds, electoral maps, or a single incendiary quote. Does this count as a break? 🤷♂️ Maybe not, but we hope it helps.

Author, fundraiser, gardener ... Amy Brady is all of this and more. And she's also SJN's new vice president of development. Want to learn about her houseplants? Or her amazing book about ice? Or why she wants to raise money for solutions journalism? Now you can. Welcome, Amy!

Want to host a community conversation ... but not sure how? SJN Complicating the Narratives Fellow Shia Levitt has a tool for you. She and her News Ambassadors team have gathered a few thought-provoking, narrative-complicating questions for you to help you listen differently and help your community feel heard. It even includes notes on how to frame the question to help people understand WHY you're asking. (Did you know lots of folks getting interviewed have no idea why journalists ask what we ask, what we want to do with that information, or whether we're really listening? That's a problem!) So snag this PDF for yourself here or click the link to download it. Then put it in your reporter's notebook or on your mirror as you brush your teeth before bed: https://lnkd.in/gy2CEH8X Then get the News Ambassadors newsletter here: https://lnkd.in/g-5jYf2R

When was the last time you witnessed a debate between two people that didn’t turn into a heated frenzy? From talk shows to cable news to round tables, we’re often subjected to conversations that don’t shed much light on the actual issues at hand, but do reinforce the sense of intractable conflict so many feel. In “'Complicating the narrative’ around cash reparations for Black Americans,” journalist Dana Amihere hosts a conversation about cash reparations between two people with opposing views. While the participants explore those disagreements, the audience gets a front-row seat to a constructive conversation that springs from interviewing and listening with intention and respect. It leads not only to a hopeful moment, but eventually allows listeners and readers to learn the nuances of a topic they might not have known much about previously. And in an original twist that contributes to transparency for the audience and to a template for journalists, Amihere explains in detail how she set up the conversation and approached the process. In a world where divisive rhetoric often overshadows meaningful dialogue, AfroLA founder and SJN Complicating the Narratives Fellow Dana Amihere's approach serves as a vital reminder of the power of facilitated, curious conversation. By engaging with opposing viewpoints and emphasizing active listening, we can create spaces for understanding and *healthy* conflict. Amihere demonstrates how we can break the cycle of polarization and encourage conversations that truly matter. This is a must-experience for anyone interested in how journalism can build understanding and healthy dialogue. https://lnkd.in/gyUr7yVi

It's back! The latest call to become an accredited solutions journalism trainer is open right this moment. You might know the deal by now, but just in case: Across five three-hour sessions you'll get quite possibly the most in-depth solutions journalism training anywhere, delivered by Kyuwon Lee, Caroline Karobia, and Sanne Breimer; the chance to bond with the rest of the cohort (which, typically, is one of people's favorite parts); and strategies for teaching solutions journalism in your community, country, school or organization. What do you need to apply? A plan to teach solutions journalism and the ability to make all five sessions. Who should apply? We move the timing of these trainings around, and this batch is especially geared to Europe, Africa, and much of Asia, though of course one rule always applies: "If you can stay awake, your application we will take." So apply by Nov. 10! https://lnkd.in/g5SRxXfj