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September 15, 2020
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Safety for journalists has taken on a renewed sense of importance as newsrooms grapple with the convergence of hostility toward those in the field and systemic racism that pervades even the most revered journalistic institutions. It seems journalists have more reason than ever to be allies for each other as the industry confronts itself while serving conflicted communities. 

This program will be moderated by Jill Geisler, who will join Alex Marquardt, Sarah Matthews, Abby Phillip, and Michael Santiago to discuss “Journalists in peril: Creating a safer, equitable future together,” drawing on their experiences at CNN, the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press and their knowledge of journalism, allyship and equity. 

Registration is open for this program, which will take place from 11:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 16, 2020. 
Conflict will happen, and distance can escalate disagreements quickly. Brevity can be efficient, until it’s deficient; don’t let a text, email or Slack message carry meaning you didn’t intend. Take a breath and talk face-by-face. Video chats can allow people to read body language and other cues that convey connection, and remind us to give each other the benefit of the doubt as we work longer days under more challenging circumstances.

Advice from Jill Geisler, Bill Plante Chair in Leadership & Media Integrity, Loyola University Chicago, Freedom Forum Fellow in Women’s Leadership

Click here to read Jill’s previous posts.
A lot can happen in 15 minutes. Why not claim a quarter-hour for self-care in the morning? 

It may seem counterintuitive, but setting your clock to wake up even a few minutes earlier can set you up for a better sleep cycle over time. Focusing that extra time in the morning on self-care brings a bonus: a positive mood to start the day. 

In 15 minutes, you could: 

  • Do a reflective writing session. These prompts can get you started.
  • Take a mile-long walk at a leisurely pace. Bonus: Being outdoors can improve your overall well-being.  
  • Call or text to check in with a friend.  
  • Meditate using a guided session. While many are available at no cost on YouTube, this one clocks in right at 15 minutes.
  • Prepare your meals for the day. Measuring out your snacks and the act of making your sandwich in advance gives you a sense of control — a powerful way to start the day.

Read on for more self-care tips, or share how you are taking care of yourself right now.
In a departure from her typical beat as a New York Times journalist, Sarah Maslin Nir has turned her reporter’s eye on herself in her new book, “Horse Crazy, the story of a woman and a world in love with an animal” which upacks her and others’ obsession with horses. Nir began riding horses as a two-year-old but it wasn’t until she started writing a memoir about her passion that she realized the role they played in helping her heal from trauma. 

Registration is open now for this free online program, which will be held on Sept. 21, from 11:30 a.m.-12 p.m. Nir will be in conversation with Rukmini Callimachi, a fellow New York Times journalist, Pulitzer Prize finalist, and horse lover. They will discuss: 

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This newsletter is written & edited by the National Press Club Journalism Institute staff: Beth Francesco, Holly Butcher Grant, and Julie Moos. Send us your questions and suggestions for topics to cover.

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