If you are a local nonprofit news publisher, editor, reporter, board member or donor, please mark this on your calendar: On Thursday, April 3, from 7 to 8:15 p.m., the What Works project on the future of local news, part of Northeastern University’s School of Journalism, will sponsor a free webinar titled “The Ethics of Nonprofit News: What Board Members and Donors Need to Know.” Issues will include conflicts of interest and understanding the boundaries between the news and fundraising sides of a community journalism organization.

Our panelists will be Josh Stearns, managing director of programs at the Democracy Fund; Kara Meyberg Guzman, CEO and co-founder of Santa Clara Local, a nonprofit startup; and Joe Kriesberg, publisher of CommonWealth Beacon, a larger nonprofit based in Boston. The moderator will be Dan Kennedy, a professor journalism at Northeastern University and the co-author, with Ellen Clegg, of “What Works in Community News: Media Startups, News Deserts, and the Future of the Fourth Estate” (Beacon Press, 2024). Clegg and Kennedy also host a podcast and write about developments in local news at the What Works website.

The What Works project is part of Northeastern’s School of Journalism.

Space is limited, so please register today. Information on how to log on to this free webinar will be sent out closer to April 3.

Are you a dedicated news professional currently navigating the changing landscape of the industry? Is your newsroom’s toxic environment wearing you down? Do you wrestle with whether to embrace or be cautious about AI? Are you contemplating a career pivot due to corporate layoffs, or are you striving to reach the next level in your career? Perhaps you’re stuck in a cycle of relentless stress, sacrificing personal relationships and well-being to stay on top of breaking news, all while struggling to find that elusive work-life balance. Or maybe you want to ask the boss for a raise or some time off. If any of this resonates, join us for an insightful webinar designed to help journalists harness coaching as a powerful tool for success.

SPJ recognizes that the time has come to prioritize self-care and wellness in journalism. In this engaging session, Aquiline Coaching’s Founder, Stephanie Cassidy, will share how coaching is transformative and a leading-edge resource for journalists.

Key Takeaways:
– Understanding Coaching
– The Need for Coaching in News
– Benefits for Companies and Organizations

Don’t miss this opportunity to gain valuable insights into the role of coaching for your personal and professional development. Whether you’re an individual seeking support through coaching or if you work at a company committed to the self-care and wellness of its industry professionals, this webinar will provide the knowledge and tools you need to make the right decision for you and your employees.

This is an intro to our webinar series with Aquiline Coaching, open to both SPJ members and non-members. To participate in future Aquiline offerings, visit spj.org to become an SPJ member.

Maritza L. Félix will share how she built Conecta Arizona — a Spanish-language news service that connects communities along the U.S.-Mexico border. What began as a WhatsApp group during the pandemic has grown into a multi-platform news organization, reaching audiences through social media, newsletters, WhatsApp, and podcasts.

You will get essential takeaways on:

• Building trusted channels: How to create accessible, community-driven media platforms that reach underserved audiences.
• Fighting misinformation and reclaiming narratives: Strategies to identify, debunk, and prevent the spread of false information while restoring accurate and authentic community stories.
• Local journalism today: Exploring the challenges and opportunities for journalists in the current political and media landscape.
• Empowering BIPOC publishers: Lessons, tools, and resources to enhance impact, ensure safety and promote sustainability.