Step #1: Where to Explore?

 Journalists’ Challenge

As America changes, so too does the definition of community. No longer do geographic lines alone drive the definition.

Beyond exploring a particular geographically based neighborhood, some journalists may want to look into “communities of interest,” such as people concerned about a particular issue, those engaged with an avocation, users of the Internet. Or they may want to explore a particular segment of the community, such as the business community, evangelicals, African-Americans or white supremacists.

Also, some civic conversations once thought to be tied to a specific area or associated with particular groups may no longer be. For instance, an inner-city church that once drew its congregants from its immediate area now may draw many congregants from suburban areas where members have moved over the years. In these situations be careful not to assume that the congregants of a church can talk as residents of a neighborhood.

One last point: The newsroom definition of an area may be quite different from how people themselves think and talk about their “community.”

WHERE TO EXPLORE?

Step one is to identify the area of the community the newsroom wants to target. For instance, does the newsroom plan to explore the entire community or a particular neighborhood? Will the focus be on a certain segment of the community, such as the business sector, or on a “community of interest,” such as people involved with the environment or Internet users?

Here are questions to help the newsroom decide.

What areas of the community most interest you? 

Are there some areas you know more about than others? 

Initially, do you want to build on that strength, or target areas about which you know less? Why? 

How much effort might this work take? Is it too great?

What kinds of resources might you need to move ahead? Is this realistic? Have you over- or underestimated what might be required? 

What are the implications for your plans? 

What do you think are the dimensions and boundaries of the target area? 

Moving Ahead

“STAYING ON TRACK”

USE WHAT YOU LEARN. For the newsroom to see the benefit of this work, start applying what journalists are learning right away, both in the newspaper and the newsroom.

ADDRESS SKEPTICISM. The people doing this work, as well as those who are not, will raise doubts about it. “What are you doing?” they’ll ask. These doubts come with the territory and often provide a healthy dose of skepticism. Keep reminding people what this initiative is about: Finding civic spaces and conversations that journalists can tap to strengthen their daily journalism.