For Immediate Release:
Dateline: Indianapolis,
IN
Wednesday, June 9, 2021
CONTACT: Irwin Gratz, SPJ Foundation President, (207) 874-6570, igratz@spj.org
David Cuillier, NFOIC Board President, (520) 248-6242, nfoic@nfoic.org
Jennifer Royer, SPJ Director of Communications and Marketing, 317-361-4134, jroyer@spj.org
INDIANAPOLIS — The National Freedom of Information Coalition, in partnership with the Society of Professional Journalists, is launching a new training program for journalists of color in accessing government information.
The FOI Bootcamp for Journalists of Color will provide online training in finding, acquiring and visualizing government records and data, and will connect mentees with an expert in their states for long-term assistance.
“The FOI community has traditionally been dominated by white men, and proactive initiatives are critical for bolstering diversity and inclusion,” NFOIC President David Cuillier said. “Freedom of information means freedom of information for all.”
Each participant also will be invited to attend the SPJ21 in-person and virtual conference Sept. 2-4 and NFOIC’s 2021 virtual summit Sept. 28-30 to further network and foster engagement. Participants will also receive follow-up assistance in acquiring public records and overcoming denials.
The program, funded through a $5,000 grant from the SPJ Foundation, is open to professional journalists of color, as well as student journalists of color.
"Government documents are the window into what officials are doing and thinking," said SPJ Foundation President Irwin Gratz. "They can reveal patterns of systemic discrimination and point the way to reforms."
Application deadline for the bootcamp is July 9. Contact Erika Benton with questions.
The SPJ Foundation is taking grant applications through July 31 for the current cycle. SPJ Foundation grants support organizations and causes that further SPJ’s mission.
The Society of Professional Journalists Foundation is a public foundation dedicated to ensuring that those who carry on the tradition of a free press are prepared for the challenge. The SPJ Foundation supports educational and professional needs of journalists and journalism students. Support excellent journalism and fight for your right to know. Give to the SPJ Foundation.
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