Last Updated: September 23, 1999
Printer-friendly version
Diversity
Once you’re back in Kansas (your newsroom), a conference of heady discussions
and ideas quickly can begin to feel surreal, like Oz. Transplanting the
lessons and vision from a conference in an environment filled with indifference
or resistance often is more than most people can manage.
Sig Gissler was determined not to let that happen. The organizer of
the “best practices” conference wanted the weekend to be the beginning
of a change in journalism.
He repeatedly asked participants how they planned to implement the ideas
that emerged from the conference in their newsrooms. And he created a listserve
for them.
Nearly every day, our e-mail includes thoughts of fellow “best practices”
alumni about race and ethnicity reporting. Some messages have been reflections
on statements made at the conference; others have been recommendations
to read a particular new article related to issues raised in the workshop.
There has also been an ongoing “e-discussion” about a suggestion that media
organizations at the conference band together to produce the kind of race
and ethnicity stories that would lead others.
Our electronic “Best Practices” klatch also informs us of the comings
and goings of fellow participants — a touch that I think helps maintain
a bond among us. It is, of course, too early to tell how effective our
klatch will be in turning the conference into a foundation for real change,
and not just a one-time event. But it certainly keeps me inspired and determined.
— L.L.
