Evidence from the last politic beat's meetup /Chelsea LaForge
Each Rapidian beat has a leader, someone who facilitates the group and is able to answer any questions you may have about getting involved on The Rapidian or in their beat. You can contact any of them to learn more.
Talk to Nick about the politics beat.
Or ask in person at their meetup this Friday.
Our music beat met recently at a coffee shop to talk about concerts and venues that the group should cover. While there, they were able to get to know each other and come up with some great series ideas.
Our politics beat is meeting for the second time at a local restaurant/bar this Friday. There is sure to be heated political discussion once again (along with media badges for its members).
Our food beat is currently debating which restaurant is the best place for its foodie members to gather at 5:00 on a Thursday in the near future.
These communities of reporters often collaborate in emails and on their Facebook groups. Although much of what they do happens online, they also know the importance of getting together face to face. These meetups give their members a good chance to brainstorm, share ideas and compare notes while they get to know each other better.
Joining a beat, of course, doesn't mean the beat reporter can only write about that topic. It just means he or she is a member of a community sharing a similar interest, making sure the citizens of Grand Rapids hear all about this area of life they're passionate about.
Beat meetups are also a wonderful chance for someone new to learn more about the beat. Whether you're already a reporter or this is your first time landing on a Rapidian page, beat meetups are open to anyone wanting to learn more. Beat leaders and its members are happy to answer any questions that newcomers and visitors may have, and they're always looking for more passionate, informed or interested citizens to join their group of citizen reporters. Contact Nick on the politics beat, Ken on the music beat and Holly on the food beat to find out more.
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