Local Workshop Set to Empower Community with Journalism Skills

By Cynthia Romano

In an era when information is at most people’s fingertips, the role of local journalism has never
been more important. Many communities, however, struggle to produce timely and accurate
news coverage. This struggle can be seen in Menomonie, Wisconsin, where local news content
has been minimal.

An upcoming citizen journalism workshop, taught by UW-Stout professor Kate Edenborg, aims
to make a change by educating and equipping community members with the tools and skills
needed to produce well-researched and accurate content.

“I've connected with many members of the community who want to do something to help ensure
our citizens are well-informed,
” Edenborg said. “Providing this class can help them learn how to
write local news content which can fill the need we have in Menomonie.”

By the end of the course, participants should have acquired the skills to write and produce their
own journalistic content which can be used to fill the gap of local news in the community.
Whether interested in journalism as a career or as a hobby, this workshop provides the resources
necessary to improve the local journalism landscape in Menomonie and surrounding areas.
“I'm especially hoping that those who take the class tell stories of their neighbors and all the
interesting things that happen all the time in our town,
” Edenborg said.

The course will be held in person on Stout’s campus January 28 and March 4 from 5 p.m. to 7
p.m. and virtually on February 4, 11, 18, and 25 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
The cost for the workshop is $29 with a scholarship and $149 regular. Scholarship applications
can be found on the UW-Stout website where applicants will be asked to complete a short survey
and submit a few paragraphs about their interest in the program.

No prior journalism experience is required to participate in the workshop. Throughout six
sessions, those interested in sharing news with their community will gain experience in
interviewing, editing, writing, and publishing stories.

For more information on the workshop and how to register, visit
https://www.uwstout.edu/outreach-engagement/continuing-education-conferences/minicourses/citizen-journalism.

Cynthia Romano is a communications student and journalism intern at UW-Stout focused on
community engagement and local journalism.