Writers Needed for Conference Newsrooms
Posted by Liz Cutler Gates on April 29, 2009
Volunteer opportunities are available for writers within the Fellowship of Grace Brethren Churches (FGBC). Consider using your journalism and reporting skills to help document the two largest conferences in the fellowship.
Reporters are needed to write stories at:
· Momentum (Brethren National Youth Conference), Monday, July 13-Sunday, July 19, Pittsburgh, Pa. (www.buildmomentum.org/)
· Equip 09 (annual conference of the FGBC), Sunday, July 26-Friday, July 31, Columbus, Ohio (www.equip09.com)
What’s involved?
Be available to write stories throughout each week, either as assigned by the communications director or stories you develop.
At Equip09, you’ll be asked to write five to ten stories of varying lengths. These will be used on the BMH Editor’s Blog, FGBC World, and the FGBC e-newsletter. They will also be used on the Internet during the week of conference.
At Momentum, it is requested you write 10 to 15 stories of 150 to 200 words. These will be used on the Momentum website and with CE National promotions. (See guidelines below.)
Stories could include:
· Human interest features
· Coverage of events
· Man-on-the-Street interviews
· Follow a youth group for a day
· Personality profiles
· Follow-up to a session or events
· Leadership training events
· Whatever else you see is newsworthy!
You may be free to develop stories for your own publication, but it should be unique from what you write for the respective conference.
Church communicators may be interested in participating in Equip 09 track designed especially for you, but conference fees will apply. (If you participate in this session but would still like to write, contact Liz Gates, lcgates@bmhbooks.com.)
If you are interested in leading a workshop or seminar in your area of expertise, such as writing, interviewing, etc., during Equip09, contact Tom Avey, tomavey@fgbc.org.
Skills needed:
· Experience and ability to write in a news or feature style
· Computer skills (Computers will be available at Momentum. You’ll need to bring your own laptop to Equip.)
· Digital photography skills for photos to accompany stories (bring your own camera)
Compensation:
The volunteer services you provide to the Fellowship of Grace Brethren Churches (including the Brethren Missionary Herald Company) and CE National are invaluable. Documenting the events of both conferences will help encourage prayer support; report on proceedings; promote networking, partnership, and fellowship; record activities for historical reference; and promote future events.
At both conferences, we ask that you provide your own transportation to and from the events. At Equip09, you may attend any public session at no charge and housing is available in a local home. Meals and transportation (and lodging, if you choose a hotel) will be your responsibility. See the Momentum information sheet (below) regarding that conference.
Contact Liz Cutler Gates at lcgates@bmhbooks.com or call 574-268-1122 if you are interested in participating in Equip09 or have questions.
CE National Reporters
For The Momentum Youth Conference Newsroom
Use your journalism and reporting skills to help document Momentum Youth Conference Monday, July 13-Sunday, July 19, at Robert Morris University, Pittsburgh, Pa. (buildmomentum.org)
What’s involved?
Be available to write 15 news briefs throughout the week, either as assigned by the communications director or ideas you develop. In return, your conference expenses will be covered. You’ll need to pay your travel expenses to and from the conference.
Stories could include:
· Short interviews with students, stage personalities, staff, etc.
· Coverage of events
· Man-on-the-Street interviews
· Coverage of Saturday We Care Pittsburgh
· Coverage of afternoon outreach events
· Other ideas generated through the week
You should be registered as Momentum staff (not Fusion or Youth Worker) and have no other duties during the week (such as chaperoning a youth group) so you’ll be free to pursue news items. A daily meeting will take place to assign stories.
News items will be used on the Internet during the week of Momentum. Items may also be used in CE National’s CE News Online Email and print publications plus other organizations as granted permission by CE National.
You also may be asked to lead a workshop or seminar in your area of expertise, such as writing, interviewing, etc., through the week at Momentum.
Skills needed:
· Experience and ability to interview and write news briefs
· Computer skills (computers will be available at Momentum)
· Photography skills (optional) for photos to accompany stories (bring your own camera)
Contact Steve Koontz at steve@cenational.org or call 574-267-6622 if you’re interested or have questions.
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