As part of our commitment to providing Sonoma County with even more meaningful and revelatory content, Press Democrat is one of dozens of newsrooms across the country and has received grants to fund new press jobs. I am proud to receive
The Report for America program selects The Press Democrat among hundreds of other applicants and hires reporters to cover everything from devastating wildfires and floods to the disruption of learning caused by the global COVID-19 pandemic. , awarded a grant to investigate how the traumatic events of the past five years happened. — impacted the emotional health and educational benefits of Sonoma County students.
It’s no secret that the unprecedented out-of-class challenges our children, especially those in grades K-12, have faced over the past five years have led to poor academic performance.
Reading comprehension is declining, graduation rates are declining, and worse, teachers are dealing with emotional and psychological problems in a growing number of students.
Press Democrat has been considering this topic for the past year. Last October, on his fifth anniversary from the 2017 wildfire storm, investigative health reporter Martin His Espinoza revealed an increase in acute trauma in students reported by teachers and mental health professionals. provided a special report.
Nearly one in six middle and high school students in Sonoma County say they’re still feeling the effects of the 2017 wildfires, according to a local survey.
However, even deeper coverage is essential. Investigating the long-term effects of trauma on the next generation of young people is why we turned to Report for America for journalists who can explore this topic in greater depth.
Over the next two years, reporters (currently recruiting) will frame the challenge and seek solutions that may be found elsewhere in the country. I think he will be one of the most important positions in the newsroom.
There are two ways to make this even more successful.
First, if you are a journalist eager to tackle this enterprising spirit or know of a candidate whose skills match the expectations of your readers, bit.ly/3Ho0gVs.
You can also share your interest by contacting us at [email protected].
Second, Report for America pays a portion of the salary of reporters, and press democrats must seek tax-deductible contributions to raise the balance. We’ll share more details about that process and how you can help as an individual, charity, or nonprofit in the near future.
Report for America is a national non-profit organization that staffs journalists in local newsrooms across the country. At a time when American newsrooms are facing unprecedented economic and financial challenges, the organization is helping media organizations such as The Press Democrat to address unreported issues and underserved communities. Helping you report.
I recently learned of the award after making several presentations to the leadership of the organization in late 2022. We won a grant he’s only one of three California newsrooms. This makes us incredibly proud as it expands our ability to pursue and publish even stronger journalism for our readers and subscribers. This role leverages Watchdog’s reporting and storytelling skills.
The initiative is part of a national effort by The GroundTruth Project, a Boston-based non-profit news organization that supports emerging journalists around the world with a special focus on social issues and public service journalism.
When I took over as editor two years ago, I promised a new commitment to strong journalism that would make a difference in this beautiful piece of California. Funded by our community and Report for America, this position plays an important role in keeping that promise.
Thank you for reading The Press Democrat.
Richard Green is Editor-in-Chief of The Press Democrat and Chief Content Officer of parent company Sonoma Media Investments. Please contact [email protected]. Follow him on Twitter @EditorRAG.
