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You believe. We explain. IN
THIS ISSUE:
The best part is these sessions are free to journalists—an important factor with so many cutbacks in news organizations across the country. We invite journalists of all beats to join us for this unique series of 75-minute Web-based seminars. Here are some of the specifics of our first session, now in the planning stages:
Webinars are a great tool for busy, deadline-conscious journalists who have few opportunities for training. In about an hour, they get background, facts and story ideas—everything to make stories that mention Islam more accurate, more thoroughly sourced and more contextual. "Studies continue to show that journalists and the public seek more and better information about Islam," said RNF Executive Director Debra L. Mason. "We're pleased to help fill that gap. No other organization provides more resources directed at journalists and created by journalists. "The McCormick Foundation is a leader in supporting journalism foundations. We're honored to be included among their grantees."
Religion Newswriters is pleased to announce a new project to help journalists understand some of the complexities of beliefs here and across the world. Religion Newswriters in November received a grant from The Henry Luce Foundation for training and online resources to help the news media with some of the most complicated subject material they will encounter. The first training event, in early spring, will be a seminar on Chinese culture and religion. The seminar, to be held in Washington, D.C., will provide information essential for any journalist covering events at the 2008 Olympics. This session will feature experts who will give an overview of faith practices in China, detail how the government has dealt with religious diversity, and discuss the work of religious organizations that frequently travel to China. The Luce grant also supports development of online resources to help journalists in their reporting on China and religion, women and religion on the global stage, faith-related issues facing African countries and the role of faith-based concerns in U.S. foreign policy.
The New York-based Nathan Cummings foundation has awarded Religion Newswriters Foundation funding toward a source guide for journalists about Judaism. Thanks to interest from board member Michael Cummings, we are developing the only online guide for journalists that features extensive academic and institutional sources to help with such topics as:
"No other organization provides as much training on religion for journalists," said RNF Executive Director Debra L. Mason. "The support of donors and foundations is critical to our ability to continue this work, especially at a time of industry cutbacks." For the second year, Religion Newswriters announces the publication of its 2008 calendar of religious celebrations. This unique resource includes a variety of holidays from diverse faiths. The calendar also contains our annual report. Readers can learn about Hanukkah and Religion Newswriters' 2007 accomplishments at the same time. It is free to donors and members, who should have received a copy the week of Dec. 1. The supply is limited. For an extra copy, contact Ruth Sternberg Portnoy at Ruth@RNA.org.
Religion Newswriters wants to improve the public's understanding of religion. Our resources and materials reach editors, writers, news directors, news producers, CEOs, clergy, homemakers and policy analysts. Your support enables us to continue as the country's premier educator about religion and public issues in the mainstream media. Please join the many others who help support Religion Newswriters with your tax-deductible gift. It's easy to do online. To reach Religion Newswriters' Development Director, e-mail Ruth Sternberg Portnoy at Ruth@RNA.org. |
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