Connect with participatory media organizers and advocates

Interested in joining the Documenters Network?

At City Bureau we believe that anyone can be informed, engaged and equipped to be a local news producer. With new infrastructure and an institutional commitment to democratizing local media the journalism industry could unlock a movement; equipping communities to generate the knowledge they need to hold the powerful to account.

Our Documenters program is a participatory journalism network building that future, one city at a time, by offering free, public trainings and hourly pay to local residents who report on local government in collaboration with newsrooms, community groups and civic organizations.

When the Documenters Network is looking to add new affiliates, we are on the lookout for organizations that: 

• operate a geographic area is historically underserved by charitable foundations

• are based in and serve communities of color in rural and/or low income areas

• demonstrate strong ties within its local information ecosystem

• run at least one ongoing participatory media initiative 

• show how programming and staff reflect justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion principles

What you get that isn't already in this guide:

• A customized Documenters.org account for your local site, including new features and tech support

• Access to Documenters training curriculums, surveys and insights

• 1-1 role/team onboarding for 

• Access to the Documenters Network staff Basecamp for conversations and collective learning opportunities

• Long-term fundraising support to ensure program resilience over time

• At least one member of the City Bureau team will to travel to your city to co-host a Documenters engagement event with your organization prior to launch (in the event of COVID-19 restrictions, launch event may be held online)

Interested in launching a Documenters program in your area? Fill out the form below and we'll contact you to set up a date.