Advocacy Journalism (Spring 2025)

Spring 2025

Advocacy Journalism

Leverage creativity and interest in world events, storytelling, and media technology to help shape society. You’ll learn how journalists pitch stories, interview subjects, write news articles and maintain high ethical standards. Great for mentees who would like to be journalists.

Learning Objectives

Defining Objectivity

Explore different interpretations and definitions of journalistic objectivity, considering its historical evolution and contemporary relevance.

Ethical Considerations

Discuss ethical dilemmas and decision-making processes journalists encounter when striving to uphold objectivity in reporting.

Bias and Perception

Examine the role of bias, both conscious and unconscious, in shaping news coverage and how it impacts public trust and perception.

Navigating Controversies

Analyze case studies of high-profile news events where objectivity was challenged or questioned, and explore strategies for maintaining journalistic integrity.

Emerging Trends

Discuss how digital media, social platforms, and audience engagement are reshaping perceptions of objectivity and influencing news reporting. Through expert-led sessions and collaborative activities, participants will gain a deeper understanding of the complexities involved in achieving and sustaining objectivity in journalistic practice. They will also develop practical skills and insights that can enhance their ability to critically evaluate news sources and contribute to informed public discourse.

Apply Here

Deadline: January 15, 2025

As a mentee or mentor in the Advocacy Journalism Journey, you’ll have access to an online course designed to help you learn about the impact of journalism on social justice. You’ll be paired with a mentee or mentor for one full cycle, and you’ll meet with them at least twice each month. You’ll attend at least one community engagement experience a month.

Apply Here

Cycle(s) Spring 2025
Time 3 hours per month
Areas of Focus Journalism, Activism, Career Development, Media, Nonfiction
Available Spots Per Cycle 20

Advocacy Journalism Courses

Unveiling Perspectives: Objectivity in the Modern Newsroom

Discover how editorial decisions impact the breadth and inclusivity of news content through selected segments from Breaking the News, a PBS Independent Lens documentary. The film explores the initial stages of nonprofit news venture The 19th*, highlighting its efforts to establish a diverse newsroom and cover significant national events.

Apply to Journey Explore Courses

Advocacy Journalism Mentoring

Mentees and mentors in the Advocacy Journalism Journey will be matched for one cycle. Pairs will meet for at least two hour-long sessions each month.

Apply Here Explore Mentorship Opportunities

Advocacy Journalism Community Experiences

Mentees and mentors in the Advocacy Journalism Journey must attend at least one Community Experience per month. It is strongly recommended that you attend the following Advocacy Journalism Journey meetings:

March 15, 1-2 pm ET

April 17, 4:30 – 6 pm ET

May 3, 2025: 3-4 pm ET

Apply to Journey Explore Community Experiences

Journalism 360, Multimedia 360, and Public Policy 360 Adventures

Advocacy Journalism is a Journey in the Journalism 360, Multimedia, and Public Policy Adventures.

Journeys in the Journalism 360 Adventure focus on building skills to investigate, analyze, and write about world events. It is recommended for mentees and mentors who want to embrace journalistic integrity.

Journeys in the Multimedia 360 Adventure focus on creating in particular medium. It is designed for mentees and mentors who want to express ideas with digital and audio techniques.

Journeys in the Public Policy 360 Adventure focus on the ways that writing and creating can impact public policy. It is designed for those who want to learn more about how to make change in technology, reproductive health, climate change and more.

Learn more about the other Adventures offered at Girls Write Now below.

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