Freelance Journalism Assembly launched to offer free online training and more
The European Federation of Journalists (EFJ) has joined the “Freelance Journalism Assembly”, a free of charge programme to train and connect freelance journalists in Europe. The ambitious programme is organised by the European Journalism Centre (EJC) with the support of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. The original conference was planned in Berlin, which is why several German organisations have partnered including both EFJ affiliates the Deutscher Journalisten-Verband (DJV) and the Deutsche Journalistinnen- and the Journalisten-Union (DJU).
The programme consists of four tracks, each one covering one topic essential to freelance journalists: personal branding, personal finances, well-being, and pitching and negotiation.
Each track includes activities to provide freelancers with tools and networking opportunities:
1. Online training sessions: The online training sessions are designed to build skills and provide
the members of the Assembly with practical tools.
2. One-on-one mentorship activities: Participants will have the opportunity to receive personal
advice from experts on specific topics.
3. Online unconferences: These are participant-driven meetings where freelancers can connect
and exchange knowledge, experiences and ideas.
4. In-person event to be held in 2021: The programme includes an in-person Assembly that will
bring together the freelance journalism community in Europe.
After you sign-up for the Assembly, you can enrol for free in the different tracks and activities depending on personal interests, needs and availability. Participation in all the activities is not mandatory, journalists can pick what’s most useful to you.
The Assembly should help freelance journalists to:
● Learn practical skills that will help face the daily challenges of freelancing successfully.
● Enjoy networking opportunities and build new connections.
● Be part of the mentorship activities and receive personalised advice from experts.
● Get a chance to propose and lead conversations about priority topics for the community.
How to apply to be part of the Assembly?
The Assembly is designed for the freelance journalists based in any of the member states of the Council of Europe. Once you sign up, you can enrol for free into the different tracks, activities and resources.
For more information visit the Assembly website
Sign-up will begin on 9 June 2020.
