Apply to 2023-2024 Philly Movement Media Fellowship
Just Media is a national hub supporting emerging storytellers to cover the justice issues that define our generation. In the current moment, we’re seeing years of grassroots power-building coming to a head — with the uprisings, movements to defund and abolish carceral systems, voting rights restoration for 100,000s of formerly incarcerated people, referendums on DAs, and more.
At the heart of our work, we ask: What if the story being told in the media matched the one being told in the streets? And what if young, directly impacted, movement-aligned writers were the ones to cover it?
We’re excited to announce our 2023 Philadelphia Movement Media Fellowship. Through this paid, 6-month cohort program, fellows will receive comprehensive journalism training, mentorship, community-building opportunities, and support publishing their writing with partner outlets.
To apply: Complete the brief form on this page by Sunday, January 31st, 2024 at 11:59pm EST. We will be reviewing applications on a rolling basis.
Fellowship timeline: The fellowship will run from mid-January 2024 through June 2024.
Reporting Focus: Philadelphia, a city left reeling by a bombing carried out against its own citizens in 1985, continues to be an epicenter of justice reform efforts nationwide. Despite grassroots movements supporting working-class communities, the prison population continues to rise. This year’s cohort will focus on local, Philly-born organizing efforts and movements for change within the city that continue to shape national conversations about justice and incarceration, as well as the challenges faced by local organizers in mobilizing their communities. We want fellows to develop an understanding of the justice-organizing landscape in Philadelphia that is informed by the city’s history as well as current social issues like rising rates of incarceration and gentrification that are plaguing the city. We also encourage our fellows to explore other media and art forms that complement their writing.
Who’s eligible: The fellowship is open to emerging writers based in the U.S., ages 18-25, with a relationship to communities impacted by prison and policing issues. Young writers of color and those with firsthand experience with the criminal legal system are strongly encouraged to apply.
Our ideal candidate:
A junior, senior, recent graduate, or graduate students enrolled in journalism degree program, or with a demonstrated interest in storytelling
Is between the ages of 18-25
Has a relationship to communities impacted by prison and policing issues
Has experience writing about and demonstrated interest in criminal justice-related issues
Open to growth, feedback and learning
Has a passion for community-based reporting practices
Demonstrated experience working as part of a team and being a self-starter
Preferred Qualifications:
Prior editorial experience as part of a student or professional newsroom
Enrolled in a journalism degree program
In alignment or in communication with Philadelphia or national based movement groups
We strongly encourage people of color, women, LGBTQ+, and people with disabilities to apply
Fellowship benefits
A $1,000 stipend, paid in 2 installments in February and June, in addition to any fees offered by partner publications.*Payment of the final installment is contingent upon successful completion of the program and its deliverables.
Comprehensive and sustained political education, editorial training, and mentorship.
Support publishing writing at local and national partner publications.
Opportunities to build relationships with grassroots groups, professional mentors, and fellow young writers.
Access to Just Media’s growing alumni network and reporting resources.
Roles and expectations:
Participate in weekly evening training and regular check-in calls with Just Media staff.
Pitch, report, write and publish at least one journalistic article or series of articles covering policing, prisons, or justice issues.
Overall, expect to commit an average of 5-10 hours per week to the fellowship.
Questions? Email rjaa@justmediaproject.org. We encourage folks to get in touch even if you don’t think you meet the guidelines above; we may still be able to connect you with relevant resources or opportunities.