Your work matters to us. So do your ideas.
After seven months with the Institute, I still feel like a newbie. Thankfully, our team has helped me learn a lot about my new city and community.
At the Institute, you are our community. We’re here to provide the training and support that helps you do your best work. In turn, you educate and engage the public in the world around them. 
That’s why, at the suggestion of NPC members and publication editors, we’re offering our first half-day workshop on covering public policy in fresh ways that focus on people and impact. It’s why we’re hosting How-To sessions in the Eric Friedheim National Journalism Library and a series of open records workshops , to connect you to the resources that help you do your work. It’s why we’ve started livestreaming our training, so that journalists around the globe can tune in for advice on international reporting , covering coronavirus , and more. 
Supporting your work is why the Institute has taken the lead on challenging presidential candidates to state their positions on press freedom , and why we vocally support domestic and international journalists .
Last week, we met a few of our newest Club members. Their ideas — and yours — will help shape what the Institute takes on in 2020. Last year, 56 first-timers attended Institute programming and dozens volunteered during events. We hope to see you again soon — and to entice those of you who haven’t attended to join us.
Your craft, career and sense of community matter to us. We value your voice, and you always have a seat at our table - and next to me on the Metro, if you’re on the Green line — or was it the Red? Like you, I'm learning every day.
Senior Director
Public policy: Writing to inform & engage

Covering policy starts with people ― but how do you get the public to read about policy? Learn how on Friday, Feb. 28, 2020, during a half-day workshop on covering policy for the public at the National Press Club. Developed from ideas shared by Club members and editors, the workshop will give you the tools and knowledge to produce exclusive stories that reach people who don’t typically read about policy ― and also make insiders sit up and take notice. Sessions include:
  • How to write policy stories that engage the public;
  • When and how to humanize your policy stories; and
  • Finding (and interpreting) the data your readers want and need.
Participants will have an opportunity to submit a story or piece of policy reporting you’d like to see transformed.  
This National Press Club Journalism Institute program will be held from 1 to 4:30 p.m. Feb. 28 at the National Press Club. Doors will open at 12:45 p.m; the program will begin promptly at 1 p.m. Registration is required. The cost is $25 for members of the National Press Club and $50 for non-members. Registration is open.
Hurricane Dorian spurs support for Bahamian journalist
Bahamian journalist Deandre Williamson (above) has been covering Hurricane Dorian and its effect on her country since it hit in September of 2019. When the National Press Club offered to help journalists covering the storm, Williamson responded. NPC Journalism Institute board member Kathy Bonk (shown at right) stepped up to coordinate support. Earlier this month, Bonk delivered to Williamson a Sony XF405 video camera, donated by Canon, along with accessories provided by the Institute, shown here. Williamson is a multiplatform reporter at Jones Communications Network and a Poynter-Koch fellow working on a project that examines how Hurricane Dorian impacted the lives of people in The Bahamas, causing them to relocate to other countries and cities.
PROGRAMS AND EVENTS

National Press Club Journalism Institute programs help journalists enlighten and empower all the stakeholders in our democracy. From teaching journalists how to stay safe on the job to helping them build trust, overcome reporting roadblocks or write with their audience in mind, our programs provide concrete skills that support the Fourth Estate’s vital role in our society.
UPCOMING EVENTS

February 28, 2020
A half-day workshop focusing on covering policy stories in a way that engages readers beyond the screen.

COMING SOON:

March 24, 2020
Conflict Zones - Coverage, Crisis, Closure
Learn practical measures to cope with the emotions and complex situations that can arise when working overseas.

March 26, 2020
New Models for Sustaining Local News: Solutions that Strengthen Community
Experts from the fields of journalism, philanthropy, and policymaking will focus on advancing effective, equitable approaches to rebuilding local journalism.

Bookmark our programs page for announcements and registration information.

To suggest a training subject, or if you'd like to teach, email us at institute@press.org.
PROGRAM HIGHLIGHT


Filing a Freedom of Information Act request should be your last resort when seeking out public data, experts shared on Feb. 19 during “FOIA as a last resort: Getting public information through the front door.” Tara Copp, national military and veterans correspondent at McClatchy; Alex Mann, crime and courts reporter for the Capital Gazette; and Jerry Zremski, Washington Bureau Chief for the Buffalo News (shown above, teaching), walked the audience through best practices and the incredible stories they've reported using data they found hiding in plain sight.

What participants said:
Because of this program, I ...
" have a better understanding how the system works."
"have more ammo to not take NO for an answer!"


Watch videos and find resources
from previous programs here .
PRESS FREEDOM NEWS
Night Out For Austin announced
During a press conference Jan. 27, 2020 , Tice’s mother, Debra, shared an update on efforts to bring Austin home swiftly and safely. During the press conference, Debra Tice and the National Press Club announced it would hold the second Night Out For Austin on April 29 . That night, restaurants across the country will donate a portion of their sales to a reward fund for information leading to Austin’s safe return. 

Sen. John Cornyn (R-Texas) last night shared the update below. We hope you'll also share Austin's story to show your support.
SUPPORT THE INSTITUTE
The National Press Club Journalism Institute promotes an engaged global citizenry through an independent and free press, and equips journalists with skills and standards to inform the public in ways that inspire civic engagement. Support our important work with a tax-deductible contribution today.