by Ray Small
The Gazette has been running articles by volunteer journalists for several years. Community journalists write about events and news in their towns and do phenomenal work. A big thank you to all the community journalists who have contributed to the Gazette in the past! Your work has been critical to the paper’s survival. If you would like to join the ranks of our community journalists, please read through the rest of this piece and help the Gazette cover your town.
Why does the Gazette need community journalists?
Two reasons: to survive (that’s a biggie) and to provide better coverage of your town (also very important). Like many local weekly newspapers, the Gazette needs to change its business model – or close. Volunteer journalists can do a great job covering events in their towns. Our pilot program in Greensboro and Craftsbury has proven that this approach can work. Really well.
Do I need experience in journalism?
Nope. The most important attribute you need is a desire to share what’s happening in your town. The Gazette will edit, format, and publish your article. A news article should answer some (or all) of the following: Who? What? When? Where? Why? How?
What topics can I write about?
Pretty much anything that you think folks in your town should know about: select board meetings, school board meetings, school and community events, what’s happening at the library or historical society or church or care center or general store or community organization, or something interesting that someone in town has done. Or something I didn’t put on this list.
How about photos?
Yes, please.
What if not enough people submit content?
Sadly, and reluctantly, the Gazette will shut down.
What if I have questions or need advice?
An easy first step is to look at articles published in the Gazette: What do they cover? How are they written? If that doesn’t do the trick, send your question(s) to [email protected]. We’ll be happy to help out via email, over the phone, or over a cup of coffee (COVID permitting).
