Guidance and Instruction Provided Over Six Months; Mentors of All Backgrounds, Varied Expertise Available
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT Justin Silverman | 774.244.2365 | justin@nefac.org
The New England First Amendment Coalition is providing a free mentorship program for all journalists working in the region.
The program — NEFAC Mentors — was offered exclusively to Rhode Island journalists last year but is now open to anyone working in New England.
Reporters, editors and producers looking for guidance in a variety of professional areas can apply to be paired with a veteran journalist with relevant expertise.
Mentorship focus areas include community storytelling, public records and open meetings, use of data in reporting, navigating the industry as a bilingual reporter, building relationships as a journalist of color, audio production and mining stories from beats.
“NEFAC Mentors is an invaluable resource for all journalists but particularly those in smaller newsrooms or those covering underrepresented communities,” Silverman said. “We have a deep roster of mentors ready to give their time and expertise to help those in the profession.”
“NEFAC Mentors has been a great resource. Starting the program coincided with starting a new job. Being able to talk to my mentor on the phone or even with a quick text in a pinch has helped me through problems that come up as a young journalist.”
Colleen Cronin, ecoRI
Program Overview
Applicants must submit the form linked below and email their résumé with links to their portfolio. When applying, applicants will be asked to name their top three mentor choices based on their specific goals and mentorship needs. Once the application materials are received, NEFAC will begin working to pair the applicant with a preferred mentor. When a match has been made, the applicant will be notified.
Mentors are required to provide at least an hour of their time each month for six months as part of the program, but mentees can agree to other time arrangements that work for both parties. Due to demand and the limited availability of mentors, NEFAC will only respond to applications once a match has been found.
How to Apply
Step 1: View our list of mentors and mentorship areas.
Step 2: Submit application.
Step 3: Email résumé and link to portfolio to justin@nefac.org.
Once we receive all your application materials, we’ll begin looking for a match based on your mentorship preferences. When a match has been made, we’ll provide an introduction to your mentor.
NEFAC was formed in 2006 to advance and protect the Five Freedoms of the First Amendment, including the principle of the public’s right to know. We’re a broad-based organization of people who believe in the power of an informed democratic society. Our members include lawyers, journalists, historians, academics and private citizens.
Our coalition is funded through contributions made by those who value the First Amendment and who strive to keep government accountable. Please make a donation here.
Leadership Circle donors include the Rhode Island Foundation, Hearst Connecticut Media Group, The Boston Globe, Paul and Ann Sagan, and the Robertson Foundation. Major Supporters include Boston University, the Academy of New England Journalists, the Society of Professional Journalists Foundation, Genie Gannett for the First Amendment Museum, Linda Pizzuti Henry, the Champa Charitable Foundation Fund, Connecticut Public and GBH-Boston.