Following the successful relaunch of The Rapidian newsroom in October 2023 and the introduction of the Grand Rapids Documenters Program, The Rapidian is excited to announce a new and improved Rapidian Reporter Program to make local newsmaking more accessible and collaborative.
These changes are geared toward refining the editing process, spotting and improving mentorship opportunities and providing personalized feedback for reporters’ articles. The ultimate goal is to simplify and enhance citizen reporting at The Rapidian.
Whether you're a seasoned contributor or looking to dip your toes into community journalism, here's your guide on how to navigate the new Rapidian Reporter Program.
Instead of solely creating an account on The Rapidian website, prospective reporters are now required to complete a Rapidian Reporter Interest Form which asks about their experience and skills, interests and preferences, equipment and training, as well as their goals.
Once The Rapidian staff reviews a new interest submission from a prospective community reporter, they will be added to the Rapidian Reporter Program Google Drive, or a Rapidian staff member will initiate further conversation.
Once added to the Google Drive, Rapidian Reporters will have access to a story pool of ideas, a new process to pitch stories they wish to write and a form to submit story tips for fellow Rapidian Reporters.
The Rapidian Reporter Drive also includes individual folders for each reporter that will be private to the reporter and editor. Once an article reaches the editing stage and is submitted through therapidian.org, it will be copied into a Google Docs file inside the reporter’s folder. There reporters and editors will be able to work together on edits, leave comments, see changes and suggestions. This change is designed to enhance collaboration between our contributors and editors.
Want more information? Contact The Rapidian Program Manager at [email protected] or 616-272-5314.
Note for Nonprofit Representatives: If you're submitting nonprofit dispatches, rest assured that your process remains unchanged.
The Rapidian, a program of the 501(c)3 nonprofit Community Media Center, relies on the community’s support to help cover the cost of training reporters and publishing content.
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If each of our readers and content creators who values this community platform help support its creation and maintenance, The Rapidian can continue to educate and facilitate a conversation around issues for years to come.
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