New nonprofit news organization Uplift Local holds introductory events in Gorge
Uplift Local-The Dalles Focus Group: Community members discussed their feelings and desires regarding local news at a focus group in The Dalles in late 2023. Credit: John Schrag
By Emily Harris, co-founder and director of community journalism
Nov. 8, 2024 – A new nonprofit news organization, Uplift Local, which will offer expanded public meeting coverage in English and Spanish in the Gorge, plus a Spanish-language community news service, is holding a series of introductory events in communities around the Gorge in mid-November.
All events are free and open to the public.
The events are designed for people to learn more about the news service, including paid and volunteer opportunities, and provide input on coverage. Uplift Local plans to launch in early 2025 in four Gorge counties — Hood River, Wasco, Klickitat and Skamania.
Uplift Local plans to offer expanded coverage of local public meetings in English and Spanish by bringing a national program called Documenters to the Gorge. The program trains and pays people to attend public meetings that journalists can’t get to and take notes. Documenters’ notes are then fact-checked and edited before being shared publicly. Uplift Local will also provide additional community news and information in Spanish. The information will be distributed online, through email newsletters, and direct to mobile via text. It will also train people from the community for jobs as journalists.
Uplift Local works in collaboration with existing local news organizations by sharing its meetings notes for distribution, collaborating on coverage. And sharing information, including follow-up story tips with local news partners. It follows the national model of Documenters, which was started by City Bureau in Chicago in 2018.
The events introducing Uplift Local will include opportunities to provide input on coverage and learn how to be involved. Light refreshments, good conversation, and the chance to win a $100 grocery gift card at each event will add to the festivities.
Uplift Local-White Salmon Focus Group-1: Community members discussed their feelings and desires regarding local news at a focus group in White Salmon in late 2023. Credit: John Schrag
Uplift Local is part of a renaissance of local news innovations that have developed in response to the decline of local newspapers in the face of drastic economic and technological change. The Uplift Local model is about engaging and empowering communities, pushing back on misinformation, and involving more people in solving the problem of how to get communities the information they need. The organization is funded by the American Journalism Project, Oregon Community Foundation, Ford Foundation and donors.
The six events will be held in communities around the Gorge on the following dates and locations:
Wed., Nov. 13, The Dalles. Gorge Discovery Center’s Basalt Rock Café. 5000 Discovery Dr 6:30-7:30 pm
Thurs., Nov. 14, Stevenson Community Library, Gallery room, lower level. 120 NW Vancouver Ave. 6-7 pm
Sun., Nov 17, White Salmon, Mt. View Grange #98. 1085 N Main Ave. 4:30-5:30 pm
Mon., Nov 18, Goldendale, Grange #49. 228 E Darland Dr. 6-7pm
Tues., Nov. 19, Hood River, Ferment Brewing, Beer Hall. 403 Portway Ave. 6-7pm
Wed., Nov. 20, Odell, Wy’East Middle School, cafeteria. 3000 Wyeast Rd #8424., 6-7 pm IN SPANISH
Contact Information:
1-503-320-7862
