Celebrating eight years of community-powered storytelling

Eight years ago this week, on September 15, 2009, the community journalism platform The Rapidian was launched as a part of Grand Rapids Community Media Center.

In the following eight years, dozens of articles have been published by hundreds of community reporters and writers. Thousands of readers have read and shared these stories. The premise of the platform is simple – anyone with a perspective and desire to be heard can gain access to tools, training and assistance to help tell their story.

A critical component of the work we do at The Rapidian and Community Media Center is media literacy. This emphasis on education helps ensure our readers and writers are crafting fair, balanced stories and seeking out perspective from multiple sources. Across the departments of the media center, including GRTV, WYCE 88.1 fm and Wealthy Theatre, there are opportunities for self-expression in the form of video, music and performance. Each department also emphasizes media literacy and provides opportunities for education.

Many regularly turn to The Rapidian for information, stories and insight into what’s happening in their own neighborhoods and backyards. Visitors to The Rapidian now will see stories including a series written by writers on their experience as first-generation college students. You'll find news from nonprofits on their latest happenings. You'll also see coverage of issues impacting residents from their own point of view.

For those looking to engage with us, you can find our staff at community events throughout the city. On Tuesday, we hosted our first fall Community Journalism Workshop at the Grand Rapids Public Library Main Branch. During our session, we led writers and storytellers through the process of reporting and writing for The Rapidian. We also answered questions on interviewing successfully, such as how to start an interview and the best way to conclude an interview. We highlighted the difference between a news and opinion story, how to secure an interview, how to obtain quotes and the importance of including photos and links with stories. Our second fall workshop will be held at the Cook Arts Center on October 10. Registration is now open.

With ArtPrize Nine around the corner, The Rapidian will once again host a dedicated section of our website for content written by ArtPrize writers. Year after year, readers turn to our platform for insightful content and critique from community writers. This year, we are pleased to soon unveil a fresh look at our homepage.

The Rapidian, a 501c3 nonprofit, relies on the community's support to help cover the cost of training reporters and publishing content. We need your help. Please visit therapidian.org/donate to give today.