Over the last several decades, many journalists saw hometown community columns as quaint links to how newspapers once operated.
But with few journalists left in the Pacific Northwest applying for jobs since the COVID-19 shutdowns two-and-a-half years ago, we’re hoping to revive the idea of publishing content from local community correspondents — no formal training needed.
We’re looking for volunteer correspondents who like to tell the world what’s going on in their part of the world on a regular basis. No meetings, no assignments, no crimes and no politics – just community comings and goings of everyday life.
In our area, looking for community correspondents for Cheney, Medical Lake, Four Lakes, Marshall, Sprague, Spangle and places in between. Maybe your community isn’t a town or city, but an organization like the Eagles, the local grange or other group. Or maybe you’re a student and the community you want to write about is your school. We’re happy to recruit correspondents for those “communities,” too.
We’re looking to revive the old-fashioned columns in which correspondents proudly wrote about the happenings in their neighborhoods, communities and civic groups, and about local people, clubs and visitors.
Did someone’s son just finish “boot camp?” Was there a big family reunion you heard about? Did the neighborhood have a barbecue? You get the idea.
Maybe you’re not a writer, but still want to give your community or organization a voice. In that case, how about sending us a photo or two with names, places and dates? You provide the information, and our staff will write it up for you.
If you like to write and want to know and recognize your neighbors, this may be a fun, uplifting volunteer opportunity. Express your interest with a short letter and writing sample via email to [email protected] journal.com.
We look forward to hearing from you.
Roger Harnack is the co-owner/publisher of the Cheney Free Press. Email him at [email protected].
Roger Harnack is the owner/publisher of Free Press Publishing. Having grown up Benton City, Roger is an award-winning journalist, columnist, photographer, editor and publisher. He's one of only two editorial/commentary writers from Washington state to ever receive the international Golden Quill. Roger is dedicated to the preservation of local media, and the voice it retains for Eastern Washington.
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