We want to expand our coverage of diverse communities. Here’s how you can help.
Since I started working at the Telegraph in March of 2020, we’ve endeavored to build relationships with people and communities traditionally ignored or underrepresented in our coverage.
Over the past 18 months, reporter Jenna Eason has worked diligently to tell important stories from these diverse communities that deserve to be told. She’s provided an in-depth look at Middle Georgia’s eviction crisis, delved into the history of Macon’s first Mosque, told the story of a Black community in Warner Robins destroyed by a federal urban development program and featured Macon drag troupe The Tribe, just to list a few.
Those are important stories, and Jenna’s work has resonated with many of our readers. We understand it’s important to continue and expand our coverage of these people and communities who play such an important role in Middle Georgia.
That’s why we’re creating a paid collegiate internship program to increase our storytelling efforts. The Diverse Communities Intern will help us connect with more people, organizations and communities and tell stories about everyday Middle Georgians doing amazing things. The program will also give young journalists an opportunity to learn and grow in a professional news environment while also sharing their skills and perspective with our readers.
That’s where we need your help. We need to raise money to support this position through community fundraising, which is why we’re launching our fall fundraiser at macon.com/donate. As always, your donation — whether it’s $10 or $1,000 — is 100% tax deductible and will be made to our partner nonprofit foundation.
Philanthropic donations have become more important than ever to the long-term sustainability of community journalism. According to a recent Local Media Association report, “philanthropy has emerged as a viable way to fund essential local journalism, not as charity but as a way to sustain informed communities. Some local publishers have funded up to one-third of their news organizations via philanthropy.”
If you prefer to send in a check, please make it payable to our nonprofit partner “Journalism Funding Partners,” and in the notes field on the check write “Macon Telegraph.” If you include your email address, we’ll send you a tax donation letter confirming your gift. Checks should be mailed to McClatchy, 1601 Alhambra Blvd, Suite 100, Sacramento, CA 95816.
If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to me at cslinkard@macon.com or 478-744-4336. As always, thank you for reading and supporting the Macon Telegraph and our work in Middle Georgia.
