Vita Activa

Key words: Volunteer, Mentoring

The Media Resilience Network (MDRnet) Presented by Vita-Activa.Org | Powered by Press Forward

MDRnet aims to strengthen the emotional and organizational resilience of journalists and newsroom leaders working in under-resourced and underserved communities across the United States. We are competently positioned to address the urgent challenges burnout, trauma, systemic instability and lack of community support pose to journalism and media organizations..

We meet the compounding stress of political instability, online harassment, economic precarity, organizational collapse, and emerging threats like AI-driven disinformation journalists face with urgency and empathy, centering healing, collaboration, and community resilience as essential infrastructure for a free and sustainable press. MDRnet goal is to enhance the well being and capacity of journalists and media organizations by building resilience from the inside out supporting the people who keep local democracy alive.

Our Core Services:

● Peer Support, Coaching & Counseling. Confidential, culturally competent care online and in-person, support for journalists

● Task Forces & Training. Practical, context-sensitive programs that co-create solutions with underserved newsrooms

● Community-Based Partnerships. Building bridges among journalism organizations, schools, and local allies to reinforce ecosystems of support

Ways for DCI Fellows to get involved:
We are interested in mentors to support us in the following fields:

- Fundraising efforts in the US and globally

- AI integrations in mental health-driven tech

- Networking with journalists, media leaders, and media entrepreneurs.

Contact:

Luisa Ortiz Pérez - MDrnet Lead, lu@vita-activa.org

Joe Ruiz - Managing Director, Communications joe@vita-activa.org