Special Edition

Belonging is more than feeling welcomed into a room — it is about being recognized as a full participant, with the agency to shape the meeting experience itself. It arises in tension with “othering,” and it prompts us to take into account who has been excluded, why and what systems made that possible.

Conflict is often an emotional state as much as difference of opinions. Resolving it is not possible if all parties don’t feel seen or heard.

Grief is not just a personal loss; it can also be part of the civic infrastructure. It allows journalists to explore the question: How can we create the kinds of gatherings that provide a safe place for vulnerable stories and grief?

This conversation underscored how gathering is a relational practice that, when done attentively, leads to more relevant and responsive community engagement. And that, in turn, leads to storytelling that more meaningfully reflects the communities we listen to and serve.

Gatherings or listening sessions benefit when the facilitator understands that hosting is in service to others. Here’s what that can look like.

We have an opportunity to facilitate civic discourse within our communities in a way that’s mutually beneficial. But if we don’t do this work thoughtfully — if we show up with a rigid agenda and our own goals — it can cause more harm than good.

The Birmingham Dreams event offers a template for newsrooms that not only want to connect people with journalists but also provide avenues for art, connections and future action.

Jenna Welch shares how local news organizations can try a similar approach of deep listening, bringing together a diverse group of storytellers and offering practical training to platform community voices.

When people realize their story matters, something fundamental changes. And the public conversation shifts in ways that strengthen communities and journalism.

When local newsrooms give people the tools and platforms for creative storytelling, they’re also building trust and supporting the creative and cultural health of their communities. Here's how for news leaders did just that.