Listening: the key to community engagement journalism
From in-person listening sessions to online surveys, there are a multitude of ways you can start learning about your communities’ needs. You can (and should!) also get feedback on the work you’re already doing, and check back in to make sure the work you produce after listening is still on target.
How to host a town hall, forum, or listening session
This planner is designed to help you host a community listening session with a focus on serving the information needs of your targeted community.
Listening In Practice: learn from others’ experiences
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Tips from Our Stations: Listening Sessions 2.0
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How journalists can learn from the cultural history of “deep listening”
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Listening sessions helped WITF measure the impact of its solutions-focused climate reporting
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Tips for tough conversations and divisive issues.
Templates and Tools
Practical Tip Sheet for Listening Sessions
Listening sessions are efficient ways to build trust with your community. Here are the basics of how to host one!
Listening Sessions Shortcuts
The foundation of community engagement is listening. Here are a few shortcuts to get you going.
Create a “community portrait”
Refine your understanding and keep track of what you learn about your community with this worksheet.
Send a community survey
Start with this community survey template to better understand what content your audience needs.
Recommended Reading
“Eight tips for hosting a successful, inclusive listening session”
American Press Institute offers eight tips for hosting a successful AND inclusive listening session. Make an effort to ensure all voices are heard and appreciated
“Opinion | How and why we should bring the living room into our newsrooms”
The way to earn trust in our journalism is not more information, it’s connection. Journalists become connectors across the divide. Read more from Poynter.org.
“Trust in elections”
Check out this guide for a conversation about trust in elections. Living Room Conversations improve listening, better understanding of other perspectives, and foster connection– all building blocks of trust.