Gather is a project + platform to support community-minded journalists and other engagement professionals. Our mission: make journalism more responsive to the public’s needs and more inclusive of the public’s voices and diversity, by helping journalists, educators, and students who share these values find each other, find resources and best practices, and find support and mentorship. Learn more about Gather.
The guide “Taking Care” by jesikah maria ross emphasizes the importance of practicing care in journalism, offering practical tips and insights for creating impactful and healing storytelling.
Prisoncast! is a radio program for incarcerated people inside Illinois prisons and their families and loved ones on the outside. It is a request show, asking families and incarcerated folks for audio requests, musical preferences, and other topics they want journalists to cover. Currently, it is produced by WBEZ and Illinois Public Radio.
Community engagement often happens in real time—through social media, events, or private conversations—which means colleagues and readers might miss valuable insights. Our panel shared what they’ve learned about effective community engagement practices.
“I love learning from the community (case studies! weekly newsletter! pet channel!) — it’s super inspiring to see the different ways individuals and organizations are chipping away at parts of the puzzle.”
“I learned about Gather and it was a complete game changer. Having the opportunity to think and create with innovative media professionals across the world is an absolute dream! It’s impacted my work in immeasurable ways.”
“I find myself more and more drawn to the cohorts who are doing this kind of relationship-building work.”
