SAJA offering $20,000 reporting grants

Check it out. Deadline November 30. -mia _______________________

One of SAJA’s most high-visibility, high-impact programs is the SAJA Reporting Fellowships, which help journalists do better stories on South Asia or the diaspora. This year we are once again giving out upto $20,000, thanks to the Mahadeva Family Foundation. Please let your journalist friends know. You DON’T have to be South Asian to enter – and your story can be set anywhere in the world.

DETAILS FROM: http://bit.ly/sajasrf

The SAJA Reporting Fellowships program is aimed at promoting a rare element in 24/7-news-cycle journalism — in-depth and follow-up reporting on major events relating to South Asia or South Asians, long after the breaking-news crews have moved on.

Questions to Laura Griffin, SAJA Administrative Director: sajamember@gmail.com

As part of their mission to encourage in-depth coverage of South Asia and the South Asian Diaspora, SAJA & SAJA Group Inc. are pleased to announce a call for submissions for its fifth Annual SAJA Reporting Fellowships (SRF). Open to freelancers and staff journalists in any medium, the fellowships are meant to encourage in-depth reporting projects by providing grants to cover a portion of reporting expenses.

A total of up to $20,000 may be given out annually, divided among projects or a single project at SAJA’s discretion. Each fellowship award is typically between $3,000-$7,000.

These Fellowships, launched in 2005 to ensure follow-up reportage about the 2004 tsunami and its victims, were initially funded by SAJA members, corporate donors and friends of SAJA. For the last three years, SRF received a major financial boost thanks to the support of the Mahadeva Family Foundation, which will make an annual contribution of $20,000.

“The support of Kumar Mahadeva and Simi Ahuja, who have been part of the SAJA community for more than a decade, is critical to SAJA’s core mission of improving the coverage of South Asia through the SAJA Reporting Fellowships and similar programs,” said Sandeep Junnarkar, the group’s president and a professor at the CUNY Graduate School of Journalism. “This will continue to have a major impact on the kind of stories that the Fellows do and how Americans learn about what’s going on in South Asia today.”

The fellowship is open to proposals on any in-depth topics covering South Asia or the South Asian Diaspora.

Again, the application deadline is Monday, Nov. 30, 2009, 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time.

To be eligible for this year’s fellowship, applicants must:

/ Have at least five years of journalism experience. / Produce content in the English language. / Be able to publish or broadcast the finished work in North America (U.S. and Canada). / Publish the work in a U.S. or Canadian media outlet. / Be willing to work with an editor, chosen by SAJA, who will oversee the successful completion of the project. / Be available to discuss the project at SAJA events, including but not limited to the annual SAJA convention and/or panel discussions and SAJA webcasts.

In addition, the news organization(s) that publish(es) or air(s) the finished work(s) must agree to provide a prominent credit to SAJA.

Proposals must include the following: / Project Proposal which describes the thesis of the project and explains why it’s an important story. What is the news hook? Why should a news outlet publish, broadcast or post this story? / A preliminary list of people to be interviewed. / A DETAILED budget that spells out what expenses the fellowship funding will cover and how the rest of the project will be funded. / A realistic timeline that shows SAJA’s deadlines (see below) will be met. / A resume and three work samples. We’re looking for applicants with a successful track record in producing print, broadcast, radio, photographic or multimedia pieces. The applicant must provide the work samples either as URLs, attachments, or by cutting and pasting to the application. Broadcast applicants can also provide digital samples. / Support letter(s). If the applicant is an employee of a U.S. or Canadian media outlet, a letter of support from the editor/employer/supervisor. The letter must show that the applicant’s employer will give the applicant the time to report, produce and complete the work to meet our deadlines, as well as allot time for the fellow to speak about the project at SAJA events. The letter must show the company’s willingness to share publication rights with SAJA after an initial, exclusive first-run period is over. The letter MUST also contain contact information for the employer. If the applicant is a freelancer, the proposal must include a letter from a U.S. or Canadian media outlet expressing support and a strong interest in running the piece. Even a South Asia-based freelancer must include a letter from a U.S. or Canadian media outlet expressing support and a strong interest in running the piece. An employee of a South Asia-based media company must include a letter from a U.S. or Canadian media outlet expressing support and a strong interest in running the piece. / A list of at least three references. INCOMPLETE APPLICATIONS WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED.

***Please read the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) on SAJA’s Web site, http://www.saja.org/programs/fellowships before emailing questions.***

Timeline for the Fellowships is as follows: Oct. 26, 2009: Applications process opens. Nov. 30, 2009: Application deadline. Jan. 10, 2010: SAJA fellows announced. Between Jan. 10 – April 15, 2010: Reporting completed. May 15, 2010: Finished project submitted to SAJA.

May 15-29, 2010: First-use period, for exclusive publication by the fellow’s employer, or if a freelancer, by the media company with whom the freelancer is contracted.

May 30, 2010: SAJA disseminates the work widely, through the web, other media and panel discussions.

Judging: The pool of applicants will be narrowed down to approximately five finalists. A panel of judges will review the finalists, and rank the projects from first to last. The SAJA board will make the final determinations on what amount of money will be awarded. Finalists will be notified and expected to be available for interviews with the judges if necessary.

Disclaimer: 1. All decisions are final and subject to the discretion and judgment of the judges and the SAJA board. 2. SAJA board members and members of their families are not eligible to apply. 3. SAJA is not responsible for any financial or legal liabilities (or any other liabilities) that arise from the actions of the fellow(s). 4. SAJA reserves the right to amend or extend deadlines or changing other procedures relating to the fellowship program.

HOW TO SUBMIT A PROPOSAL: After reading this page carefully, fill in this online form: http://www.formsite.com/columbiaspj/form605725715/

Deadline is Nov. 30, 2009, at 11:59 pm Eastern Time.

Questions to Laura Griffin, SAJA Administrative Director: sajamember@gmail.com. Before sending questions, please review the Frequently Asked Questions at www.saja.org/programs/fellowships by clicking on SRF FAQs.

Roy Peter Clark, writing coach extraordinaire, in a rare NYC appearance

For any of you NYC folks who might be interested. (Let me know if these posts are still interesting/relevant/etc.) -mia __________________________

Short notice, folks, but if you have ANY interest in ANY kind of writing (and are in NYC), try and stop by this free, public event. He’s amazing (he’s been on “Oprah,” among a million other places). No RSVP required.

“Writing Tools” with the Poynter Institute’s ROY PETER CLARK

7-9 p.m. Lecture Hall, Third Floor, Columbia Journalism School, 116th & Broadway

ROY PETER CLARK has taught writing at every level — to school children and Pulitzer Prize-winning authors — for more than 30 years, and has spoken about the writer’s craft on “The Oprah Winfrey Show,” National Public Radio and “Today”; at conferences from Singapore to Brazil; and at news organizations from The New York Times to the Sowetan in South Africa. He is the author of “Writing Tools: 50 Essential Strategies for Every Writer,” the book and the blog. In addition to teaching us tricks of the trade, he has also promised to give a small musical performance. THIS EVENT IS OPEN TO THE PUBLIC. FOR MORE INFORMATION: csk2112@columbia.edu.

LEARN ABOUT COLUMBIA J-SCHOOL EVENTS IN ADVANCE: http://bit.ly/columbialectures

Nov 10th – Winter DIY Workshop Series

Seems like an informative and fun event. Check it out! -Mia _____________________________

Click to view this email in a browser *JOIN US!*

[image: indy-arts-logo-medium.jpg] The 2009 Winter DIY Workshop Series continues with…

*Get Your Sh*t Together!*

*A Hands-On Action Accelerator for Artists * *When* Tuesday, Nov 10th – 6-8pm *Where*

IndyArts’ New Office

222 Sutter Street, Suite 600 Sutter @ Kearny, San Francisco

Google Map

*Click here to RSVP *

*SPACE IS LIMITED to 20 Participants * http://cts.vresp.com/c/?1254Missi/30fcd7b947/ac7a582847/18a8bb0ad3

About this Workshop:

What are your *NEXT STEPS*?

Build a bridge between your inspiring ideas and daily life, finances, and career. Audette Sophia of CatalystArts will present tools and resources that can harness all that messy, fabulous potential and creativity, and help your ideas find their way to action.

Topics Included in this Workshop:

– *Clarifying & Prioritizing Goals* – *Time & Project Management* – *Creating Dynamic Action Plans. *

Join usfor hands-on instruction on how to build a Customized Action Blueprint that you can start to implement as soon as you get home! *About our Presenter:*

*Audette Sophia* is a writer, multi-disciplinary performer and creative career [image: audette.jpg]consultant. She has a B.A. in Integrative Arts from Prescott College and is a certified coach from the Life Purpose Institute. She has over 11 years professional arts background including founding and directing two performance troupes, publishing an interactive poetry book, and teaching many expressive arts classes and workshops.

http://www.catalystarts.com/

About the Winter 2009 DIY Workshops:

This winter, Indy Arts’ DIY SURVIVAL SERIES will present workshops and social gatherings targeted to the grassroots arts community — organizations and individuals alike — with the goal of strengthening community, building capacity, and letting off some steam! As always, No One Turned Away for Lack of Funds! Forward this message to a friend| www.artsandmedia.net

J fellowships, prize contests from Columbia J-school Continuing Education program

Hey folks. A few prizes and continuing ed programs out of Columbia. As far as I can tell, you don’t need to be associated with Columbia to win/participate. Good luck! -Mia ______________________

1. When Veterans Come Home: A Workshop for Working Journalists

The Columbia Graduate School of Journalism is collaborating with the Dart Center on Journalism and Trauma and the Carter Center Mental Health Program to offer a workshop on “When Veterans Come Home: A Workshop for Working Journalists” on Jan. 7-9, 2010 at the Carter Center in Atlanta, Ga. The workshop will address the special challenges facing local and regional news organizations seeking to improve their coverage of critical issues facing returning veterans, with a special emphasis on journalists in communities with high concentrations of veterans or military families. Former First Lady Rosalynn Carter will be the opening speaker.

The workshop is underwritten by generous grants from the McCormick Foundation and the Carter Center Mental Health Program. All selected participants will receive a full scholarship to cover travel, hotel and workshop registration and materials.

Application Deadline: November 20, 2009

Application Information: http://dartcenter.org/content/workshop-when-veterans-return

o o o o o

2. Want to Get Smarter About Your Work? Become a Punch Sulzberger News Media Executive Leadership Fellow

The Columbia School of Journalism is seeking applicants from news organization leaders for the Punch Sulzberger News Media Executive Leadership Program fourth year, which starts January 25, 2010. (See http://www.sulzbergerleadership.com)

This program springs from a simple observation: Leaders in the news business grow as they themselves tackle their companies’ most critical business challenges. The program is offered to 20 high-ranking executives over a 12-month period. During that time, the participants learn to use strategy, innovation, and other critical approaches to undertake challenges confronting their companies. We spread classes over four sessions of 3-5 days at the Columbia campus. The program is augmented with peer learning, business advisors, specific assignments, and tailored content – all designed to achieve a project or workplace challenge that participants bring to the program. For more information, contact Associate Dean Arlene Morgan at am494@Columbia.edu or at 212-854-5377. She can put you in touch with editors from the Providence Journal, the Christian Science Monitor, ABC, the Associated Press as well as some start-up digital media leaders who have completed this unique leadership initiative. Application deadline is Nov. 20.

o o o o o

3. Seeking Entries for John H. Oakes Award for Environmental Reporting

The deadline for entries for the John H. Oakes Award has been extended to Nov. 20, 2009 and now includes original stand-alone online work and websites that accompany newsprint projects. The winner receives a $5,000 prize and trip to New York’s Columbia Graduate School of Journalism to appear on a panel on environmental reporting issues. The story can be a single topic or series, published between October 1, 2008 and September 30, 2009. A series must be designated as such by the publication when it is printed. A regular column may also be submitted as a series. An entry form and additional information are located at the Columbia Journalism School website at www.journalism.columbia.edu under Oakes Award. For more information, contact Lisa Redd, program director, at lsr21@Columbia.edu or 212-854-6468.

FreelanceFolder is Looking For Writers

Hey folks. I’ve been reading this blog for awhile and it definitely speaks to me. Perhaps there’s some work in it for some of you writers? -Mia ______________________________

FreelanceFolder is Looking For Writers! via FreelanceFolder http://freelancefolder.com by Mason Hipp on 10/29/09

Are you an avid FreelanceFolder reader or someone who has always wanted to write for an audience of freelancers? Are you a top professional in your field with unique skills and the ability to write? Have you been freelancing for so long that you just have plenty of wisdom to share?

If any of that describes you, or if you just want to write for FreelanceFolder — then now is your chance. We are looking to expand our core FreelanceFolder team, and we are ready to hire two new paid writers on a long-term basis. Here’s what’s in it for you:

– Payment for every article written. – Exposure to an audience of over 20k subscribers. – Author by-line and photo on everything you write. – Become a part of our team and help a lot of freelancers.

If you’re interested in applying to write for us, you can find all of the requirements and instructions after the read more link. Job Requirements

So you’ve decided that you want to write for FreelanceFolder — that’s awesome.

Before you send us an application, though, make sure to check out the requirements below to see if you’re a good fit for the job. Here’s what we’re looking for in our new writers:

– *Excellent Spelling & Grammar.* We do edit all of the posts that get published, but you need to have really great spelling and grammar so that it’s not too difficult for our editors. – *Long-Term Commitment.* Some of our writers have been with us for over a year — and that’s how we like it. This could be a very stable income for you if the fit is right, so make sure you can write at least 4 articles per month and are committed to helping out over the long-term. – *Practical & Valuable Writing.* We want to provide the best possible content for freelancers, so we’re looking for authors who are comfortable writing practical, hands-on, concrete stuff. We’re looking for tutorials, how-tos, and other *really useful* articles. – *Basic HTML and Image Editing Skill.* Most of the posts you’ll be writing will require some basic HTML (like headlines, lists, etc…) and basic image editing skills. It will be really helpful if you have these already, though we can teach them pretty easily. – *Unique Ideas and Information.* A big part of having great content is coming up with great ideas for articles or content that aren’t written about everywhere. We’re looking for authors who can think ahead of the crowd and write articles that are new, unique, and exclusive to FreelanceFolder.

How To Apply

If you’re interested in applying, just send us a message using this contact form http://freelancefolder.com/contact/. In the subject line, put “Writer Application” and then in the body of your message include the following information:

1. Why do you want to write for FreelanceFolder? 2. Where can we see examples of your previous work? 3. Do you meet all of our above requirements? Why or why not? 4. How much do you charge for an 800-1200 word article with lots of usable information and detail? 5. Can you write How-Tos and Tutorials? 6. Do you have a specific topic or specialty you’d like to write about? 7. Any questions for us?

Apply to be a FreelanceFolder writer → http://freelancefolder.com/contact/

We’re all looking forward to expanding our team, and I’m really excited to start working with some of you. Please feel free to contact us with any questions, and we will definitely be in touch shortly!

FreelanceFolder is Looking For Writers!

Sent to you by Mia Lobel via Google Reader: FreelanceFolder is Looking For Writers! via FreelanceFolder by Mason Hipp on 10/29/09

Are you an avid FreelanceFolder reader or someone who has always wanted to write for an audience of freelancers? Are you a top professional in your field with unique skills and the ability to write? Have you been freelancing for so long that you just have plenty of wisdom to share?

If any of that describes you, or if you just want to write for FreelanceFolder — then now is your chance. We are looking to expand our core FreelanceFolder team, and we are ready to hire two new paid writers on a long-term basis. Here’s what’s in it for you:

– Payment for every article written. – Exposure to an audience of over 20k subscribers. – Author by-line and photo on everything you write. – Become a part of our team and help a lot of freelancers. If you’re interested in applying to write for us, you can find all of the requirements and instructions after the read more link. Job Requirements So you’ve decided that you want to write for FreelanceFolder — that’s awesome.

Before you send us an application, though, make sure to check out the requirements below to see if you’re a good fit for the job. Here’s what we’re looking for in our new writers:

– Excellent Spelling & Grammar. We do edit all of the posts that get published, but you need to have really great spelling and grammar so that it’s not too difficult for our editors. – Long-Term Commitment. Some of our writers have been with us for over a year — and that’s how we like it. This could be a very stable income for you if the fit is right, so make sure you can write at least 4 articles per month and are committed to helping out over the long-term. – Practical & Valuable Writing. We want to provide the best possible content for freelancers, so we’re looking for authors who are comfortable writing practical, hands-on, concrete stuff. We’re looking for tutorials, how-tos, and other really useful articles. – Basic HTML and Image Editing Skill. Most of the posts you’ll be writing will require some basic HTML (like headlines, lists, etc…) and basic image editing skills. It will be really helpful if you have these already, though we can teach them pretty easily. – Unique Ideas and Information. A big part of having great content is coming up with great ideas for articles or content that aren’t written about everywhere. We’re looking for authors who can think ahead of the crowd and write articles that are new, unique, and exclusive to FreelanceFolder.How To Apply If you’re interested in applying, just send us a message using this contact form. In the subject line, put “Writer Application” and then in the body of your message include the following information:

– Why do you want to write for FreelanceFolder? – Where can we see examples of your previous work? – Do you meet all of our above requirements? Why or why not? – How much do you charge for an 800-1200 word article with lots of usable information and detail? – Can you write How-Tos and Tutorials? – Do you have a specific topic or specialty you’d like to write about? – Any questions for us? Apply to be a FreelanceFolder writer →

We’re all looking forward to expanding our team, and I’m really excited to start working with some of you. Please feel free to contact us with any questions, and we will definitely be in touch shortly!

Thanks for subscribing to our RSS Feed! 🙂

You can subscribe to the Freelance Folder blog posts feed or to the (recently added) Freelance Community News Feed

Things you can do from here: – Subscribe to FreelanceFolder using Google Reader – Get started using Google Reader to easily keep up with all your favorite sites

FreelanceFolder is Looking For Writers!

Sent to you by Mia Lobel via Google Reader: FreelanceFolder is Looking For Writers! via FreelanceFolder by Mason Hipp on 10/29/09

Are you an avid FreelanceFolder reader or someone who has always wanted to write for an audience of freelancers? Are you a top professional in your field with unique skills and the ability to write? Have you been freelancing for so long that you just have plenty of wisdom to share?

If any of that describes you, or if you just want to write for FreelanceFolder — then now is your chance. We are looking to expand our core FreelanceFolder team, and we are ready to hire two new paid writers on a long-term basis. Here’s what’s in it for you:

– Payment for every article written. – Exposure to an audience of over 20k subscribers. – Author by-line and photo on everything you write. – Become a part of our team and help a lot of freelancers. If you’re interested in applying to write for us, you can find all of the requirements and instructions after the read more link. Job Requirements So you’ve decided that you want to write for FreelanceFolder — that’s awesome.

Before you send us an application, though, make sure to check out the requirements below to see if you’re a good fit for the job. Here’s what we’re looking for in our new writers:

– Excellent Spelling & Grammar. We do edit all of the posts that get published, but you need to have really great spelling and grammar so that it’s not too difficult for our editors. – Long-Term Commitment. Some of our writers have been with us for over a year — and that’s how we like it. This could be a very stable income for you if the fit is right, so make sure you can write at least 4 articles per month and are committed to helping out over the long-term. – Practical & Valuable Writing. We want to provide the best possible content for freelancers, so we’re looking for authors who are comfortable writing practical, hands-on, concrete stuff. We’re looking for tutorials, how-tos, and other really useful articles. – Basic HTML and Image Editing Skill. Most of the posts you’ll be writing will require some basic HTML (like headlines, lists, etc…) and basic image editing skills. It will be really helpful if you have these already, though we can teach them pretty easily. – Unique Ideas and Information. A big part of having great content is coming up with great ideas for articles or content that aren’t written about everywhere. We’re looking for authors who can think ahead of the crowd and write articles that are new, unique, and exclusive to FreelanceFolder.How To Apply If you’re interested in applying, just send us a message using this contact form. In the subject line, put “Writer Application” and then in the body of your message include the following information:

– Why do you want to write for FreelanceFolder? – Where can we see examples of your previous work? – Do you meet all of our above requirements? Why or why not? – How much do you charge for an 800-1200 word article with lots of usable information and detail? – Can you write How-Tos and Tutorials? – Do you have a specific topic or specialty you’d like to write about? – Any questions for us? Apply to be a FreelanceFolder writer →

We’re all looking forward to expanding our team, and I’m really excited to start working with some of you. Please feel free to contact us with any questions, and we will definitely be in touch shortly!

Thanks for subscribing to our RSS Feed! 🙂

You can subscribe to the Freelance Folder blog posts feed or to the (recently added) Freelance Community News Feed

Things you can do from here: – Subscribe to FreelanceFolder using Google Reader – Get started using Google Reader to easily keep up with all your favorite sites