ONA Community Circles are designed to address important challenges within the digital journalism community.
Community Circles are small virtual project and discussion groups consisting of 10-20 members ONA is bringing together to tackle an important issue in the digital journalism community. These circles:
- Provide a way to connect with peers in an unprecedented global crisis
- Create a space to talk about common challenges
- Create resources to share with the broader community
In March 2020, ONA reached out to the community to ask how people were doing and what they needed during the COVID-19 crisis. We heard that first and foremost, people miss one another, and could use some solace among peers. Beyond that, we noted a range of needs from addressing immediate logistical issues to anxiety over the long-term implications of this global crisis.
Applications for the second round closed Oct. 23, 2020. Please explore the resources created by the groups below.
News and Updates
We are pleased to introduce the COVID-19 Misinformation Playbook — a collection of tip sheets, expert source lists, explainers and other resources for digital journalists reporting on the COVID-19 vaccine. The … Read more.
Today, we are sharing a comprehensive database of resources for journalists to engage communities that are underrepresented in their reporting. It’s a central, easy-to-access hub with guidance for identifying gaps … Read more.
Applications are open for the second round of ONA Community Circles, small groups gathering virtually to tackle a specific issue in digital journalism. ONA matches journalism peers who are working on the … Read more.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who should join Community Circles?
Anyone who is interested in collaborating with peers to produce a resource on one of the topics in a working group setting is welcome to join. You’ll have a chance to learn from journalism peers who have similar expertise and be a part of creating a rich resource for the rest of the community on the topic you tackle.
How will my Circle collaborate?
Each Community Circle will have a kickoff video call on Zoom in late October 2020 and meet 3-4 more times for shorter weekly check-in meetings to update on progress on the project. ONA will set up a Slack channel for each project in the ONA Local Slack community. We’ll also create a collaborative Google Doc for each circle.
What do you expect to come out of this?
Both Community Circles have a specific project outcome they will collaborate on and come up with a final resource.
What is the time commitment involved?
Participants will be expected to join a one-hour kickoff meeting in late October and then 3-4 shorter, half-hour check-ins up to once a week for the next 4 weeks, until the project is completed in late November. Participants can expect to spend around 2 hours asynchronously researching and contributing to the project between meetings, as well.
Can I join both Circles?
Given the time commitment involved, we want to make sure everyone who joins is able to devote the amount of time needed to be a true contributor to the project. Therefore we’re asking you to choose just one of the working groups.