The Rapidian to honor, celebrate citizen journalists at local restaurant

Top Conversation Starter (for those whose words were read and shared and talked about an incredible lot):

Purple Quill (Being willing to say- for all the world to hear- what your community isn’t quite getting right takes real bravery):

Quick Draw (Turning around a story quickly as a reporter is serious business. Turning around a story quickly as a *volunteer* reporter is amazing):

Prolific Nonprofit (For those who know that often times, educating others about your work is just as important as the good work you do):

Old-Timer (Along with many new voices this year, we’ve also had long-standing reporters that kept coming back with important news this year):

Photographer of the Year (These photographers gave not only their time but their formidable talent to make sure that we could tell our stories not only with words but with visuals that helped capture the reader’s interest and tell the story):

The Librarian (Whether it’s researching historical anecdotes or technical or political facts, these reporters put in the time to make sure their story was full of information and sources to help us better understand the full picture):

Neighborhood Champion (Call it placemaking, call it city-building, call it being a good neighbor. These folks are proud of their neighborhoods, and it shows):

Congratulations to all our nominated community reporters- your hard work is what makes The Rapidian possible! We look forward to announcing our winners on January 25- and a good handful of surprise awards as well!

Join us at The Rapidian in celebrating Grand Rapids' citizen journalists and local conversations at our Reporter Celebration on January 25. It will be hosted by Luna GR and feature a free appetizer bar.

We’ve said it over and over, but it bears repeating: 2015 was one of our strongest editorial years thanks in large part to contributions from Grand Rapids’ citizenry, many of whom were first-time contributors with no formal background in journalism. And we wouldn’t have it any other way. Ease of access, a variety of perspectives and journalism as a way to connect with one another and communicate across various social planes is what we’re all about. People’s desire to talk is all that they need to get started. We are proud to be able to direct, facilitate, support and educate community and all of the ways that community returns the favor for us here at The Rapidian.

We will be highlighting and honoring the community writers, reporters and storytellers that brought us all the most loved, impactful and dialogue-creating pieces throughout 2015 with food, friends an award ceremony, and as always, discussions about what was important to us in 2015 and what we want to read and write about in 2016.

It will be an opportunity to meet and commune with the writers behind your favorite news pieces and articles and, for those aspiring reporters, to get insight and inspiration for your next piece as well. We ourselves are excited to be able to talk and meet everyone who makes us possible, and The Rapidian such an amazing place to work at.

The event starts at 5 p.m., with awards announced at 6 p.m.. Check out the event page for more information and to RSVP here. Luna GR is at 64 Ionia Ave SW. We hope to see you there!

The Rapidian to honor, celebrate citizen journalists at local restaurant

Nominees for Outstanding Citizen Journalists of 2015:

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