The decline in local news coverage has been a cause for concern across the country, with significant consequences for communities.
According to a report by the Columbia Journalism Review, fewer newspaper newsroom employees since 2004 has contributed to this alarming trend, resulting in a lack of crucial information for citizens, and a decrease in voter turnout and government accountability.
In response to this pressing issue, the Granite State News Collaborative, Nackey S. Loeb School of Communications, and the New England First Amendment Coalition are offering a new round of Civic Documenters (CivDoc) training, a project aimed at addressing the challenges facing local newsrooms and increasing civic engagement in communities.
Applications are now open for the Fall 2026 CivDoc program, a free six-week course that prepares community members to cover local government meetings and support reliable local news. The program equips participants with practical journalism skills while helping expand coverage of public meetings across the state.
You’ll learn how to:
- Cover public meetings
- Take accurate, objective notes
- Apply journalism ethics
- Identify newsworthy developments
- Use AI responsibly to assist with drafting meeting summaries
No journalism experience is required.
After completing the training, participants may be assigned to cover up to two public meetings each month and receive a $50 stipend for each meeting they document.
Program Details
- Online classes, Mondays, Sept. 14 – Oct. 12, 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
- In-person orientation at your assigned newsroom during the week of Oct. 19
- Apply by Aug. 21 by emailing melanie.plenda@collaborativenh.org
- Selected participants will be notified by the end of August
Additional questions about the Civic Documenters program? Contact Melanie Plenda, executive director of the Granite State News Collaborative, at melanie.plenda@collaborativenh.org.
NEFAC is the region’s leading defender of the First Amendment and open government. The coalition began 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 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.
NEFAC appreciates the support of all its donors and contributors. In particular, we would like to recognize the Estate of Gloria L. Negri, the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation and the following Leadership Circle donors: Rhode Island Foundation, The Boston Globe, Paul and Ann Sagan, The Harbus Foundation, Boston University, the Champa Charitable Foundation and the Robertson Foundation. Major Supporters of NEFAC’s work include Hearst Connecticut Media Group, Gravel & Shea PC, the Academy of New England Journalists, and Truro News.