Call for Women Journalists/ Writers: World Pulse's 2011 Voices of Our Future Training in New Media/ Citizen Journalism (worldwide)

Deadline: 5 September 2011

Voices of Our Future is an online training program in new media, citizen journalism, and empowerment for emerging grassroots women leaders. At the end of the application process, thirty applicants will be selected to become Correspondents and take part in the full five-month long program where they will gain the tools and knowledge to vocalize and actualize their visions for change. Specifically, Correspondents will learn about the principles of practicing ethical citizen journalism; how to write compelling frontline journals, profiles, feature stories, and op-eds; how to use new media to amplify their voices; and the basics of digital storytelling.
Benefits of the program include:

* New media and citizen journalism training via phone and Internet by renowned experts, including program partners The Press Institute and The Op-Ed Project
* Personal coaching sessions and support via phone and Internet from a Vision Advocate
* Opportunities for publication through World Pulse and partner media organizations
* Opportunities to connect with grassroots women leaders from around the globe
* Personal development, including increased self-awareness, confidence, and empowered leadership
* Professional development, including improved skills in new media, citizen journalism, and networking
* Nurturing and collaborative relationships with women, and our allies, across the globe
* Increased visibility for issues and challenges faced by you and your community
* Technology stipend to offset communication costs*

How Do We Select Applicants?

During the course of the application process, you will be given a set of learning materials each week (for a total of four (4) weeks) through the Voices of Our Future Applicants Classroom, and asked to complete an associated writing assignment. A panel of staff and selected volunteers, called Listeners, will choose 30 applicants based on the following criteria:

* Completion of all assignments
* Expression of a positive vision for the future and solutions-oriented writing
* Commitment to promote global issues through the eyes of women
* Communication of personal experience as an underrepresented voice in your community, nation, or world; living in a developing country or conflict zone; or facing discrimination on the basis of gender, sexual orientation, race, or social class
* Demonstration of leadership on a personal, community, national, or global level

You will have the opportunity to demonstrate the above criteria through your writing assignments and through your interaction with staff, other applicants, and our online community on PulseWire. We encourage you to reach out during this process and begin to build (or expand!) your own online community and discover the amazing women who are active on PulseWire every day.

How do I apply?

The application embodies the spirit of new media. You will need regular and reliable access to the Internet throughout.

Step 1: Join this group by September 5, 2011 by clicking here. If you are not currently registered or logged in to PulseWire, you will be taken to the Login | Registration page. Once you have completed the registration, you will be directed back to this page, and then you can click the Join button above. This group serves as a space where you can ask questions and receive feedback and support from World Pulse staff and other applicants.

Step 2: If you were not previously registered for a PulseWire account, after you click “Create New Account” a welcome e-mail will be sent to the e-mail address you used to register. You MUST log into your e-mail account, open this message, and click on the link to verify your account before you can post in PulseWire.

Step 3: After you have joined this group, please read the post titled “Welcome to the Voices of Our Future Applicants Group 2011.” This post can be found under the Group Journal tab at the top of the page.

Step 4: Please fill out the short intake survey before September 6th (required). Go to http://bit.ly/kb4cXP.

Step 4: From September 6th through October 3rd, applicants will be given a series of four (4) sets of learning materials and assignments to complete. The materials are divided into: Week 1, Week 2, Week 3, Week 4. You can go to the classroom by clicking Application Classroom. We suggest you bookmark this page for easy use.

Step 5: Read through the learning materials and complete the writing assignment by the due date. Post your assignment in your journal, carefully following directions for tagging.

Our panel of staff and Listeners will choose the top 30 most impressive applicants based on the criteria above by October 31st.

Don't miss out on this unique opportunity to speak for yourself to the world and advance your dreams for social change.

Important Dates

• September 5, 2011 Last day to join Voices of Our Future Applicants group.
• September 6, 2011 Application process begins.
• September 12, 2011 Week One Assignment due.
• September 19, 2011 Week Two Assignment due.
• September 26, 2011 Week Three Assignment due.
• October 3, 2011 Week Four Assignment due; Application process ends.
• October 31, 2011 Correspondents announced!
• November 15, 2011 Voices of Our Future Program begins.
• April 7, 2012 Voices of Our Future Program ends.

We welcome women's organizations, NGOs, and other civil society groups to encourage women in your networks to apply for this exciting opportunity.

*Stipends will be determined based on individual need and circumstance. For any further questions, please feel free to contact scott@worldpulse.com

View the complete rules >>

Contact Information:

For inquiries: scott@worldpulse.com

For submissions: register here

Website: http://www.worldpulse.com

Read more +

Part-time Women's News Writer Wanted for one of the Largest Women's Web Publishers

We are one of the largest women's web publishers in the world based here in Chicago with tens of millions of monthly readers, and we are looking for a news junkie to write several current topical articles each day for our collection of websites. Topics would include:

- Fashion & Beauty trends
- Celebrity gossip
- Holidays & seasonal food topics
- Women & Family health research
- Parenting & Family issues in the news
- Women in the news
- Home and Garden seasonal topics

You will be using web tools each day to examine current topics that people are searching or tweeting about, and will write original articles, usually from a mom's perspective. You will the write an SEO-optimized article on the topic designed to capture women readers who may be interested in the topic. Women search the internet differently than men, so part of your goal is to get into the mind of a potential internet searcher and ask yourself what they would type into a search engine to find a women's perspective article on the topic. Since we are NOT a news publication, it is unlikely that we will beat CNN and NYTimes on most mainstream news topics, so we need to alter our content to win secondary female-biased searches.

You will be working from home, and you will need to write articles that will be turned on seven days a week. Since time is of the essence on your content, you will submit your articles directly to our website without editorial supervision, so your grammar, spelling and structure must be PERFECT. You will also be posting information about your new articles out on the internet in social media (tweeting, our facebook fanpages, digg, etc).

You will need to meet personally with our editorial staff in downtown Chicago personally from time to time, so you must be local. However, the vast majority of your time will be spent working out of your house.

You will be paid $10 per hour for your work plus a $2/hour bonus for consistently achieving our productivity goals. You may be writing for multiple publications, and will be submitting articles online. This is an independent contractor position, so you will set your own hours and manage your own time and use your own process to get the job done. You will be writing under your own name or a pen name, so you can NOT outsource this work or have friends/family do it for you.

To apply, please:

1. Reply to this post with word "writer" in the email subject line (to bypass my spam checker)
2. Tell me about your education and experience as a writer
3. Provide writing samples and a resume

You do not need to be a professional journalist, but you DO need to be a very quick and accurate writer and a quick learner/researcher. A quick insightful MIND will get this job.

Location: Chicago Area

Compensation: $12/hour

Telecommuting is ok.

Contact Information:

For inquiries: job-hmjy6-2476401637@craigslist.org

For submissions: job-hmjy6-2476401637@craigslist.org

Read more +

Call for Contributions to the WISE Muslim Women’s Web Portal

Deadline: 27 June 2011

The WISE Muslim Women’s Web Portal is the first-of-its-kind clearinghouse for information relating to Muslim women. The WISE Portal offers balanced and nuanced representation of Muslim women, who are often misrepresented in today’s media. The Website showcases the diverse accounts of Muslim women as artists, peacemakers, activists, scholars and much more. The WISE Portal is also a practical tool, offering Muslim women valuable information and resources to create change in their homes and communities.

In order to ensure the WISE Portal reflects the great diversity of Muslim women’s opinions and backgrounds, we need YOUR contributions. WISE is looking for a variety of submissions that can include newspaper and magazine articles, scholarly papers, and artistic contributions to add to the numerous sections of the WISE Portal.

Please kindly review the Website and send related materials to WISE Program Associate, Lensay Abadula at Lensay@asmasociety.org. Submissions must be sent in .pdf or .doc form; Web links to content will also be accepted given the full URL is provided. The name and email address of the submitter must be included on all materials. The last day for submissions is Monday, June 27, 2011, but we strongly encourage submissions be sent before the deadline.

Only content that is in its final form will be accepted. Previously published materials are highly preferred. WISE is unable to edit any work and regretfully can only accept content in English at this time. Only selected items will be featured. By submitting written content/photos you acknowledge that you are the originator of the content/photos or have explicit permission to do so and have attributed all content appropriately.

Add YOUR voice to the WISE Muslim Women’s Web Portal TODAY!

Contact Information:

For inquiries: Lensay@asmasociety.org

For submissions: Lensay@asmasociety.org

Website: http:/www.wisemuslimwomen.org

Read more +

The Journalism & Women Symposium 2011 Competitive Fellowships

Deadline: 20 June 2011

The Journalism & Women Symposium is now accepting applications for its 2011 competitive fellowships of up to $800 for our fall JAWS CAMP in Asheville, N.C. from September 23-25, 2011.

This year’s JAWS CAMP (Conference and Mentoring Project) will take place at the Crowne Plaza Hotel & Resort in Asheville. It will focus on strengthening core journalism skills, building your brand and career, developing strategies for success in today’s rapidly evolving media landscape and improving the status of women in journalism. Count on a dynamic experience filled with inspiring speakers, motivating career development sessions, rewarding networking and mentoring opportunities — plus time to mix and mingle with friends!

Fellowships are open to professionals in the early stages of their careers. We are looking for young journalists with at least one year of professional journalism experience. Winners will be selected based on a combination of experience, merit, promise and financial need. The fellowships will cover the registration fee and help with the other expenses of attending. In return, fellows will be asked to help cover the programs for the JAWS newsletter, website and blog. Fellows will also receive a free JAWS membership for the rest of 2011 and all of 2012.

Application deadline for the 2011 fellowships is June 20, 2011. To apply, in one email include a one-page resume, a statement of up to 300 words on why you would like to attend, links or attachments to two stories or other work samples, and a letter of reference. Email to fellowship committee chair Arnesa Howell at arnesah@yahoo.com. If you have any questions, please contact Arnesa at the aforementioned email address.

Contact Information:

For inquiries: arnesah@yahoo.com

For submissions: arnesah@yahoo.com

Website: http://www.jaws.org

Read more +

Calling all Mediterranean Food Journalists/ Bloggers: 2011 K. Dun Gifford Journalism Award

Deadline: 1 October 2011

Back in 1990, food enthusiast and advocate K. Dun Gifford started a nonprofit educational organization called Oldways to change the way people eat. He believed that positive and practical solutions, grounded in science, traditions and delicious foods and drinks, would help address the threatening tsunami of chronic diseases.

Gifford invited others intrigued by his vision – scientists, chefs, restaurateurs, cookbook authors, and journalists -- to join him at the Oldways Table to address this important challenge. By documenting and educating others about the healthy “old ways,” Oldways and its partners have made strides toward changing the way people eat.

As a tribute to our founder and visionary who died in May 2010, Oldways announces the K. Dun Gifford Journalism Award, an annual prize to recognize and honor the important role of communications in changing the way people eat.

While journalism has changed in the past two decades with media consolidations, entry into the digital age, the advent of blogs and more, its influence on educating people everywhere about the importance of seeking out the joys and pleasures of good food and drinks is stronger than ever.

The Grand Prize Winner of the Award, selected by a jury including journalists Mimi Sheraton, Judith Weinraub and David Rosengarten, plus Dun’s daughter, Apple Gifford, and Oldways president Sara Baer-Sinnott, will receive a weeklong, all expense paid trip to a region of the world selected by Oldways and reflected in each year’s rotating subject focus.

The 2011 winner will visit the beautiful Mediterranean Region where he or she is free to explore the culture, food, and atmosphere of the location freely, with no expectations or assignments.

RULES: HOW YOU CAN BE CONSIDERED FOR THE K. DUN GIFFORD AWARD

Who is Eligible / How to Enter

* The competition is open to all reporters (print, online & broadcast), freelancers and bloggers.
* Each journalist may submit one (1) piece reflecting the designated subject (i.e., Mediterranean Diet in 2011). To be eligible for consideration, pieces must meet these criteria:
o Must be well-written / well-produced.
o Must have been published or aired during the period from January 1, 2010 through September 30, 2011.
o Must be related to this year's selected subject matter. The inaugural 2011 K. Dun Gifford Journalism Award will celebrate the Mediterranean Diet. Each year our subject matter will rotate to cover a topic we feel passionately about: Mediterranean Diet, Asian Diet, Latino Foods, Whole Grains, Pasta, Cheese, etc.
o Must reflect one or more of Oldways' founding principles: to be positive, practical, science-based, and tradition-based.
o Must celebrate the pleasures of the table.

Submissions

* Entries shall be labeled with name of article/segment, journalist’s name, affiliation, phone, email address, and street address. Broadcast entires should be submitted via CD or email
* Send entries by mail or email to:
o mail: K. Dun Gifford Journalism Award, c/o Oldways, 266 Beacon St, Boston, MA 02116
o email: GiffordAward@oldwayspt.org
* All entries must be postmarked or emailed by October 1, 2011.

Judging and Prizes

* Winner will be announced in December 2011.
* A judging jury including Mimi Sheraton, Judith Weinraub, Apple Gifford, David Rosengarten and Sara Baer-Sinnott, President, Oldways, will select the winning entry based on criteria above. The judges’ decision is final.
* The Prize is a fully paid, week trip to a location reflected in that year’s subject and designated at the sole discretion of Oldways. For our inaugural 2011 contest focused on the Mediterranean Diet, the winner will receive a trip (including coach airfare, accommodations, local transportation and a daily stipend to cover meals) to the Mediterranean region.

Other Important Rules

* By submitting an entry, entrants affirm that they are the rightful author/creator of their piece and that they have not borrowed, stolen or otherwise used copyrighted or intellectual property from another.
* There is no transfer of prize.
* Prize must be redeemed within a one-year period, starting upon award notification. Flight and accommodations to be arranged through Oldways. Blackout dates may apply as designated by our partner airline/hotel.
* Prize is taxable to the recipient, and the recipient is responsible for all taxes. Winner must provide his or her tax identification number to Oldways. Oldways will be issuing a Form 1099-MISC.

These are the complete and official rules of the 2011 K. Dun Gifford Journalism Prize.

Contact Information:

For inquiries: rachel@oldwayspt.org

For submissions: GiffordAward@oldwayspt.org

Website: http://www.oldwayspt.org

Read more +

The Jane Velez-Mitchell Journalism Award 2012 (an Award for Journalists Having a Voice for Women and Girls)

Deadline: 30 September 2011

About the Award:

The Jane Velez-Mitchell Award recognizes excellence in coverage of news of local, national, and international significance, with a single award for either a print or broadcast journalist who uses the power of media and his or her position to highlight the ongoing violence against women and girls, whether domestic violence, human trafficking, kidnapping and abductions, hate crimes, or other despicable crimes and violence against women and girls.

The honoree(s) of this prestigious award will be recognized for her/his ability to keep women and girls a focus point in their messages to their audience and the public. Their dedication and support of Soroptimist principles will be acknowledged in an award presentation every year.

Winner(s):

Winner(s) of the JVM Journalism Award will need to be available for travel in January and will be presented the award by Jane Velez-Mitchell on Saturday, January 14, 2012 in Portland, Oregon.

Download nomination packet >>

Contact Information:

For inquiries: info@nwcat.org

For submissions: info@nwcat.org

Website: http://nwcat.org

Read more +

Apply for the 2011 Women Peace Writers Program

Deadline: 15 June 2011

Peace Writers will document the stories of Women PeaceMakers (WPM) for publication. Writers will interview the WPM and engage in extensive research to become familiar with the histories of the conflicts and the peacemaking efforts of the WPM. Writers will draft narrative stories and write complementary material, such as conflict histories and conflict timelines that will provide context for the WPM narratives.


This position demands a full-time commitment for 12 weeks. Peace Writers will be expected to be at the Joan B. Kroc Institute for Peace & Justice (IPJ) 40 hours per week. Writers will receive a stipend of $600 per week, for 12 weeks, for their work. Housing accommodations will not be provided to Writers; however, program staff will provide Writers with rental listings in the area (campus housing is unfortunately unavailable). Writers must secure reliable transportation to and from the IPJ.

Upon acceptance to the program, Peace Writers will be given a mandatory reading list that will provide background for understanding notions of conflict, women’s role in conflict and peacebuilding, and the histories of the conflicts of the WPM. Writers must participate in an intensive training and orientation the week prior to the arrival of the WPM (September 6 - 9, 2011). Writers will remain at the IPJ approximately three weeks beyond the departure of the WPM to finalize the written narrative (November 6 - November 23, 2011).

About the Women PeaceMakers Program

This program is made possible through a generous grant from the Fred J. Hansen Foundation. The IPJ’s Women PeaceMakers Program invites four women from conflict-affected countries around the world who have been involved in human rights and peacemaking and who are seeking ways to have greater impact on peacemaking efforts in their society to participate in a multi-week residency at the IPJ. Women on the frontlines of efforts to end violence and secure a just peace seldom record their experiences, activities, and insights as generally there is no time, or, perhaps, no formal education that would help women record their stories. This program also creates a network of Women PeaceMakers who become resources to be called on to serve in peacemaking and post-conflict planning processes internationally.

The residency program will require the selected Women PeaceMakers to give presentations at the IPJ and in the San Diego community, and to participate in documenting their stories through writing and videotaping their reflections. Women PeaceMakers will participate in group discussions and take part in an annual Women PeaceMakers event, held at the Institute in early October. Each Woman PeaceMaker will have an assigned Peace Writer to document her story.

Qualifications and Information for Peace Writers

Peace Writer applicants should have a graduate degree or be currently enrolled in a graduate program related to peace studies, conflict resolution, human rights, international relations, gender studies, narrative writing or communications. Applicants should have a GPA of 3.4 or higher. Applicants who do not fit the above description, but have a portfolio of published work, will be considered.

Peace Writer applicants must have outstanding narrative writing and analytic skills and be familiar with narrative writing styles.

Peace Writer applicants should have experience interviewing or interacting with others in a cross-cultural setting. Applicants must be able to work closely with people for whom English is a second language.

Peace Writers should be willing to research the history of the conflict of the WPM and be well-versed in notions of women in conflict situations and peacebuilding processes.

Peace Writers will receive a stipend of $600 per week, for 12 weeks, for their work.

Peace Writers must be able to meet regular deadlines for story segments and produce a complete narrative in a 12-week timeframe. Writers must be willing to submit their work to program staff for editing remarks and to meet with program staff weekly to discuss the writing process and review narrative drafts.

Peace Writer applicants must be willing to share a communal office with three other Writers.

Peace Writer applicants must be able to work independently as well as collaboratively with fellow Writers, WPM and program staff.

Peace Writer applicants must be willing to work flexible hours and attend all program-related events, including some evenings and weekends.

Peace Writer applicants should be willing, on occasion, to help the WPM become acclimated to the community, including accompanying them to off-campus functions on occasion. WPM will have volunteers to help them with the majority of their activities.

Peace Writers must find their own housing in the San Diego area.

Peace Writers must have reliable transportation to and from the IPJ.

Peace Writers must have their own health insurance.

How to apply to become a 2010 Peace Writer in the Women PeaceMakers Program

In order for your application to be considered, it must be post-marked on or before June 15, 2011. Applicants selected for consideration will be notified by June 30, 2011; successful candidates will be notified by July 15, 2011.

All applications must include all of the following:

1. The completed and signed Peace Writer Application and Reference Sheet

2. Personal Essay (2-page maximum stating your interest in the Women PeaceMakers Program and the Peace Writer position)

3. Two Letters of Reference (at least one letter must be from an academic reference or a professional editor)

4. Resume or curriculum vita (3-page maximum)

5. Two writing samples, one narrative and one analytical (10-page maximum each), on issues relevant to conflict resolution, peacemaking, human rights or gender studies

Mail completed application to:

Jennifer Freeman
Women PeaceMakers Program
Joan B. Kroc Institute for Peace & Justice
University of San Diego
5998 Alcala Park
San Diego, CA 92110
USA

Fax: 1.619.260.7570
E-mail: jenfreeman@sandiego.edu

* If sending the application via email to jenfreeman@sandiego.edu please fax a copy of the completed and signed 2011 Application Form.*
IMPORTANT: Your application will not be considered “complete” or reviewed until the cover application forms are received.

Please keep a photocopy of your completed application for your records. We will not be able to send back any of the materials we receive.

Download the Peace Writer application here >>

Contact Information:

For inquiries: jenfreeman@sandiego.edu

For submissions: Jennifer Freeman, Women PeaceMakers Program, Joan B. Kroc Institute for Peace & Justice, University of San Diego, 5998 Alcala Park, San Diego, CA 92110, USA

Website: http://www.sandiego.edu/peacestudies/

Read more +

The Guardian 2011 Journalism Competition: The Challenges Faced by Disabled Girls (worldwide)

Deadline: 13 June 2011

Many crucial issues facing the developing world are often overlooked or underrepresented by the media. The Guardian International Development Journalism competition 2011 aims to highlight some of them. We are searching for enthusiastic writers who want to demonstrate their journalistic abilities by examining these issues.


The competition, in partnership with a group of UK-based international non-governmental organisations (NGOs) – is now in its fourth year, building on the successes of 2008, 2009 and 2010.

The NGOs are Marie Stopes International, CARE International UK, The David Rattray Memorial Trust (UK), Direct Relief International, FHI, International Childcare Trust, Malaria Consortium, Plan UK, and Syngenta Foundation for Sustainable Agriculture.

The competition is sponsored by Barclays and GlaxoSmithKline.

The challenge is to write a feature of 650 to 1,000 words by 10 June on an aspect of global poverty that deserves greater media exposure. The 16 best writers (eight amateur, eight professional) will be selected from a longlist of around 40 entrants, all of whom will have their articles published online at guardian.co.uk.

The 16 finalists will be flown to a developing country to research a new assignment. The finalist pieces will then be published in two Guardian newspaper supplements, after the announcement of the two winners at an awards ceremony in November 2011.

Theme

To enter the competition, you need to write a 650-1,000 word feature on one of the 16 themes listed below.

The page for each theme listed tells you more about the subject, giving background information on the theme, guidance on writing about it and some initial links to help your research. This is the brief.

Make sure that you follow this brief. You can interpret the theme in whatever way you think fit, but should not veer off the subject or your entry will not be accepted.

# Aids orphans and the challenges they face
# Can empowering women end poverty?
# Can long-term disaster recovery lead to improved healthcare?
# Early marriage: what is the right age for a girl to become a woman?
# Emergency Preparedness - how do prepared areas fare better post-disaster?
# From small farmers to big levers: how can smallholders best link up to improve their livelihoods?
# Gender inequality and limitations in impoverished areas
# Increasing access to anti-malaria drugs in sub-Saharan Africa. The role of community change agents
# Long-term disaster response in impoverished areas
# Making the small scale businessman a behavioural change agent for malaria control in Africa
# Socio-cultural barriers to family planning
# The challenges faced by disabled girls
# The impact of unsafe abortions on MDG 5: Improve maternal health
# What are the challenges and the long-term importance of providing shelter after emergencies?
# What role, if any, should the private sector / multinationals play in development?
# What stops children in rural areas going to school?
# Why are Neglected Tropical Diseases neglected?
# Youth unemployment: what future?

The challenges faced by disabled girls

Disability is defined by the 2006 United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities as "long-term physical, mental, intellectual or sensory impairments which in interaction with various barriers may hinder [a person's] full and effective participation in society on an equal basis with others."

Other definitions of disability distinguish three levels at which an individual might experience disability: impairment, functional limitation, and restricted participation. Such definitions emphasise that restricted participation in society might result not only from impairments or functional limitations, but also from contextual factors such as: buildings and transportation that are not accessible to persons with mobility limitations; social stigma; or policies, written and unwritten, that exclude children with disabilities from schools or other settings.

In both developed and developing countries, data on the incidence of child disabilities are rarely available. General household surveys or censuses of all households in a community that include general questions about both adults and children with disabilities have also been found to inadequately identify children with disabilities. Research suggests that children might be overlooked on surveys that do not ask specifically about them. Female children and children of low socioeconomic status might be particularly under represented by this type of general questionnaire.

The Millennium Development Goals have the potential to make life better for billions of people in the world's poorest countries. However, disability is currently not included in indicators and targets set for the MDGs and disabled people are often excluded from international and national poverty reduction plans. Furthermore, people with disabilities and their families are often excluded from governments' agendas for children even though the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) and the United Nations Convention on the Rights of People with Disabilities (UNCRPD) makes a clear statement on the rights of children with disabilities.

It is argued that disabled women and girls experience double marginalisation on account of their gender and impairment. In patriarchal societies, the social role of women and girls is often primarily defined through motherhood and homemaking. With few opportunities to fulfill those ideals, disabled women and girls will often experience more discrimination than non-disabled peers.

Girls who are disabled are especially vulnerable to sexual and physical abuse, especially if living in institutional care where there is a lack of oversight and they are seen as easy targets. Their low value as girls and being disabled make them doubly discriminated against. Cultural beliefs regarding HIV/Aids and virginal rape; and the perception that disabled girls are asexual, compound this further. In addition, negative cultural attitudes and stigma limit expectations of, and opportunities available to, children and youth with disabilities leading to exclusion from education and employment and an increased risk of turning to begging and becoming a street-child – bringing even more risks.

Despite the growing evidence of marginalisation experienced by disabled girls and women, general development programmes rarely include them.

So what are the challenges disabled girls face in accessing their rights under the UNCRC and UNCRPD. To what extent are NGOs (Non-Governmental Organisations) and national governments meeting the needs and rights of disabled girls? Are all the different types of disabilities under the UNCRPD being equally included in development programmes and policies? To what extent is gender exacerbating the issue? How can the larger development community ensure that it includes disabled girls within its own policies and programmes?

Using your own research and investigative methods, you are invited to delve into these issues and make the stories behind them come to life. Make sure you use facts to support your article.

How to enter the awards

All you need to do is write a 650-1000 word article on an aspect of global poverty covered by the themes set, and upload it using our online entry form. The entry period closes on Monday 13 June 2011.

FAMILIARISE yourself with the Guardian and guardian.co.uk. Online, the Katine and the Global Development section of the site provides a good template of the sort of writing the Guardian values.

Judging criteria What the judges will be looking for, particularly in the first round of the competition:

• Clear and concise argument based on the chosen theme
• Supported by factual evidence
• That your piece meets the theme brief
• A piece that "lives" to the reader. Does it feel real? Are the people or situations described vivid and believable to the audience?
• No patronising or sensationalist statements
• Sense that the writer has understood the subject
• Accessible to people who don't know much about the subject.
• Good writing skills, grammatically correct with an absence of jargon
• Readable from a journalistic perspective

Entry guidance

Additional/support material

Please do not send any additional material with your entry

Tips

• Familiarise yourself with the Guardian and guardian.co.uk. This will give you an idea of what we are looking for in terms of tone, style and content.

• Numerous styles of journalism – comment, news reports, personal testimonies – can come under the rubric of development journalism. For the purpose of this competition, however, we are looking for features.

• Don't be sensationalistic or use hyperbolic, objectifying language. Be measured and objective, even if you are writing about a situation that makes you angry. The experience of one person – however interesting – may not be representative of the situation.

• If you are going to write about something that is very controversial, or has not had any publicity in the UK before, you should be able to back up your facts through at least two unimpeachable sources.

• Although many people will have been to the countries they write about, it is not essential to writing a good piece for this competition. One of last year's finalists compared a situation she knew about in the UK with the developing world.

• Make sure you stick to the theme and keep to the maximum word count of 1,000 words.

• Ask someone else to proofread your story. Typos and grammatical errors are a big turn-off for judges and editors.

• One way in which last year's amateur entries stood out from the professionals was in energy, passion and enthusiasm. If you are a professional, we don't want to read cynicism and world-weariness.

Entry to the 2011 International Development Journalism competition opens on Tuesday, 3 May.

Contact Information:

For submissions: click here

Website: http://www.guardian.co.uk

Read more +

The 2011 Jane Cunningham Croly Award for Excellence in Journalism Covering Issues of Concern to Women

Deadline: 2 May 2011

The Jane Cunningham Croly Award for Excellence in Journalism Covering Issues of Concern to Women recognizes journalists who best capture the courage, vision, and spirit of Jane Cunningham Croly. Jane Cunningham Croly was a pioneering journalist who devoted her life to helping women improve their lives and expand their rights. The Croly Award winner must demonstrate a concern for the rights and the advancement of women in our society; an awareness of women’s sensitivity, strength, and courage; and/or an attempt to counteract existing sexism.

AWARD

The Croly Award will be presented in June 2011 at the GFWC 120th Annual International Convention in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Winner will receive a $1,000 cash award and airfare/expenses to attend and speak at the Convention.

JUDGES

A judging panel of prominent journalists, editors, and leaders connected with national women’s organizations will review entries to select an overall winner whose submission (print, broadcast, or online) demonstrates a concern for the rights and advancement of women in our society; an awareness of women’s sensitivity, strength, and courage; and/or an attempt to counteract existing sexism.

GUIDELINES

The contest is open to all journalists—print, broadcast, and/or electronic—who contribute to newspapers, broadcast news programs (radio and television), magazines, news services, or online publications, either on staff or in a freelance capacity.

o Complete entries consist of:

• Original versions of article/segment published/produced in the 2010 calendar year;
• Print submissions must include original work or high quality photo copy of the article, appropriate for duplication on letter-size paper (8.5” x 11”) in black and white;
• Broadcast submissions must be submitted on a DVD or CD;
• $50 entry fee made payable to GFWC;
• Completed application form.

o Although more than one journalist from a news outlet may enter, all individual entrants must submit their own original news piece, a completed application form, and entry fee.

o Each entry must include the entry fee of $50; subsequent entries from the same individual are accepted at $35 each.

o A journalist may submit multiple entries, but each individual entry may only be submitted once.

o All news stories should contain byline of the entrant, name of news outlet, and date published.

o For online publications, original versions are identified as printed copies of articles where the printed copy contains byline of the entrant, name of publication, and date published in the body of the printed copy rather than as an adjustable printed footer.

o Entries must be postmarked by May 2, 2011.

o Winner will be notified by May 13, 2011.

o Award will be presented at the GFWC 120th Annual International Convention on Monday, June 20, 2011, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Winner will deliver an address of 10-15 minutes at the awards ceremony.

o Submit entries to GFWC. Attn.: Croly Award, 1734 N Street NW, Washington, DC 20036-2990. Entries will NOT be accepted by e-mail or fax.

Contact Information:

For inquiries: MMount@GFWC.org

For submissions: GFWC. Attn.: Croly Award, 1734 N Street NW, Washington, DC 20036-2990

Website: http://www.gfwc.org/

Read more +

Open to Women Journalists Worldwide: Elizabeth Neuffer Fellowship

Deadline: 27 May 2011

The International Women’s Media Foundation is now accepting applications for the 2011-12 Elizabeth Neuffer Fellowship, named for the 1998 IWMF Courage in Journalism Award winner and The Boston Globe correspondent who was killed in Iraq in May 2003.

The fellowship will run from September 2011 to March 2012. The application deadline is May 27, 2011.

This program, created with Neuffer’s family and friends, aims to perpetuate her memory and advance her life mission of promoting international understanding of human rights and social justice while creating an opportunity for women journalists to build their skills.


One woman journalist will be selected to spend an academic year in a tailored program with access to Boston-area universities as well as The Boston Globe and The New York Times. The flexible structure of the program will provide the fellow with opportunities to pursue academic research and hone her reporting skills covering topics related to human rights.

The Elizabeth Neuffer Fellowship is open to women journalists whose focus is human rights and social justice. Applicants must be dedicated to a career in journalism in print, broadcast or online media and show a strong commitment to sharing knowledge and skills with colleagues upon the completion of the fellowship. Excellent written and spoken English skills are required. A stipend will be provided, and expenses, including airfare and housing, will be covered.
Application Checklist

Completed applications must be received by the IWMF on or before May 27, 2011. Incomplete applications and applications that arrive after the due date will not be considered.

The following items constitute a completed application:
• Completed application form (including signature and date)
• Two completed recommendation forms
• English assessment form (for non-native English speakers only)
• Current resume or CV
• Three work samples

Applications should be submitted electronically when possible to neuffer@iwmf.org. If it is not possible to submit your application electronically, it can be submitted by mail, either regular post or international courier, to:

Elizabeth Neuffer Fellowship
International Women's Media Foundation
1625 K Street, NW, Suite 1275
Washington, D.C. 20006
USA

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the goal of the Elizabeth Neuffer Fellowship?

The goal of the Elizabeth Neuffer Fellowship is to provide a woman journalist with a transformative experience that will impact her career by offering her the opportunity to conduct research at leading academic institutions and build journalistic skills. The Elizabeth Neuffer Fellowship seeks to impact public awareness of human rights journalism by encouraging dialogue and discussion about critical human rights issues.
2. Who is eligible to apply for the fellowship?

The Elizabeth Neuffer Fellowship is open to women journalists worldwide whose work focuses on human rights and social justice. Journalists working in the print, broadcast and Internet media, including freelancers, are eligible to apply.

Applicants must have a minimum of three years of experience in journalism. Non-native English speakers must also have excellent written and verbal English skills in order to fully participate in and benefit from the program.

3. Where will the fellowship take place?

Each fellowship will be tailored specifically to the recipient. Working with the IWMF, the fellow will design a program that will enable her to pursue academic research while improving her ability to cover human rights and social justice by increasing her journalistic skills.

The fellow will be based at the Center for International Studies at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in Cambridge, Massachusetts as a research associate during the research component of the fellowship. During the journalism portion of the fellowship, she may spend time at the Boston Globe or The New York Times.

4. How many fellows will be selected?

One journalist will be selected for the Elizabeth Neuffer Fellowship each year.

5. How will the fellow be selected?

The fellow will be selected by a committee made up of family and friends of Elizabeth Neuffer and IWMF board members. Candidates will be judged on their completed applications, the caliber and promise of their work on human rights and social justice, and their personal statements explaining how the fellowship would be a transformative experience.

Finalists for the fellowship may be interviewed by the IWMF.

6. When will the selected fellow be notified?

All applicants will be notified about the committee’s selection by June 2011.

7. When does the Elizabeth Neuffer Fellowship program begin?

The nine-month program will begin in September and end in May of the following year. The program will include both an orientation session at the start of the fellowship and a wrap-up at the end. The fellow must complete the entire program.

8. What expenses will be covered during the course of the fellowship?

A fixed stipend will be provided to cover housing, meals and ground transportation during the fellowship. Round-trip economy airfare will be covered from the fellow's home country or city to Washington, D.C., and from Washington, D.C., to the fellowship city. The fellow will also receive health insurance during the program. The fellowship does not provide salary or honoraria.

For fellows from outside of the United States, the fellowship also covers the costs of applying for and obtaining a U.S. visa.

The fellow will be fully responsible for any additional incidental expenses and other costs.

9. Will family members be able to accompany the fellow?

Family members are welcomed to accompany the fellow; however, IWMF will not be responsible for any arrangements or expenses related to family members, including support of visa applications.

Questions? Email neuffer@iwmf.org.

Downloads:

• Application form >>
  
• Recommendation forms >>
  
• English assessment form >>
  

More information here.

Read more +

Call for Applications: Penny Wise Journalism Scholarship for Women (Canada)

Deadline: 29 April 2011

In association with Langara College, the BCYCNA judges an annual award to help a woman attend the Certificate Program in Journalism at Langara College in Vancouver. The scholarship is provided through the generosity of the late Evelyn A. Caldwell, known to generations of newspaper readers as "Penny Wise". The winner receives a total of $2,500 to study journalism in the eight-month-long certificate course.

Program studies include news writing, copyediting, newspaper production/pagination, feature writing, photography, the role of media in society, as well as media law and ethics. The program runs full-time from September to mid-April.

Who is eligible?

The scholarship is open to any woman who is at least 19 years of age, who is a resident of British Columbia and can demonstrate an interest in journalism - usually in the form of clippings from high school, university, or community newspapers - or who is a community newspaper employee with less than one year's experience.

Applicants must submit:

* A transcript of high school or, if applicable, college/university grades
* A 1,000-word essay on why she wants a career in journalism
* Samples of published work
* A current resume.

Supporting letters from teachers, editors or publishers may enhance your application.

Send applications to:

Penny Wise Scholarship
B.C. & Yukon Community Newspapers Association
122-1020 Mainland Street
Vancouver, B.C. V6B 2T4

DEADLINE FOR ENTRIES: Friday, April 29, 2011.

More information here.

Read more +

Arkansas Press Women's High School Journalism Contest

Deadline: 28 February 2011

Contest rules are below. Students and teachers may download the high school entry form_2011. The apw_hs_manifest2011 are available here too. If you have any questions, contest director Kristin Netterstrom can help: 501-378-3479 (days) or by e-mail knetterstrom@arkansasonline.com.

General information:

Students may enter up to three entries per category for work published between Feb. 15, 2010, and Feb. 15, 2011. Entries must be the work of students enrolled in grades 9-12 during the current school year.

Submit two full-page tear sheets for each entry. One of the tear sheets may be a photocopy of the original.

When entering a photograph that was printed as part of a series, indicate which photo is to be considered.

Student work published in a local newspaper is eligible.

Categories:

1. Editorial – This entry would appear on the editorial page of the paper. It is the voice of the paper. An editorial is not a bylined personal column, but may be a signed on behalf of an editorial board.

2. Opinion – This is the voice of the writer, not to be confused with an editorial. It can focus on items of personal nature, social issues, or happenings of the world. It can be insightful and/or critical, but not libelous.

3. News Story – Shows initiative in obtaining a story that presents new information or a different angle on published information or past events. Judging will be based on general organization, writing style, readability and impact.

4. Feature Story – An in-depth topic of interest to readers. The material may be a personality profile or human interest piece.

5. Sports Story – Imagination and good application of sports-writing style in advance, follow-up, summary or feature coverage of events or sports participants. Avoid play-by-play rehash.

6. Columns – Submit three entries, two consecutive and any third one. Analytical scrutiny, satire or personal comment on general or special subject that entertains and/or educates. Student MUST enter 3 columns for entry to be considered.

7. Feature Photo – Photo must have viewer emotional response, eye-catching subject matter and storytelling qualities. No posed shots. Judging will be based on the photo’s quality as published. Original prints are not required. Submit two copies of published version. Images must not be digitally enhanced or retouched; cropping, toning, contrast and redeye removal are the only electronic adjustments that are allowed.

8. Sports Photo – Photo should be easy to “read” and cropped for impact. It should show the peak of the action; capture an exciting moment or a storytelling facial expression. No posed shots. Judging is based on the quality of the photo as published. Submit two dated copies of the published version. Images must not be digitally enhanced or retouched; cropping, toning, contrast and redeye removal are the only electronic adjustments that are allowed.

9. Cartooning – Copy may be generated by computer graphics or freehand and may be a comic strip or cartoon.

10. Review – Entry should be of interest to the publication’s readers. Subject may be art or dramatic event or music.

11. Graphics – Entry may be created freehand or electronically.

12. Single-Page Layout – Judges will consider any number of graphic elements, typography, photos, illustrations and color. Judging will be on creative and effective use of elements in drawing reader interest and supporting article (s) content.

13. Double-Truck Layout – The entry is a two-page layout (centerfold) incorporating an odd number of pictures made up as a single unit, with the usual margin between the two facing pages eliminated. Judging will be based on same elements as for single-page layout.

14. Environment – Judging will be based on how the article, layout, graphic or photograph “educates the public about environmental issues or concerns.”

15. Video News Story – This is a video created for television or Web broadcast. Judging is based on how well video and reporting/narration are used to obtain a story and present information. DVD is the only allowable format. Make sure your entry plays on a regular consumer DVD player or PC.

16. Video Feature Story – This is a video created for television or Web broadcast. Judging is based on how well video and reporting/narration are used to present a personality profile or human interest story of interest to viewers. DVD is the only allowable format. Make sure your entry plays on a regular consumer DVD player or PC.

17. Video Sports Story – This is a video created for television or Web broadcast. Judging is based on how well video and reporting/narration are used to cover a sports event or participant. DVD is the only allowable format. Make sure your entry plays on a regular consumer DVD player or PC.

Entry form >>

Manifesto >>

More information here.

Read more +

Maternity Project Journalist Wanted at Game Face Productions (SF - telecommute)

Reply to: job-qjxqt-2209457735@craigslist.org

Great opportunity for organized, self-motivated, energetic reporter with a background and interest in work/family/maternity issues, and photography.

Project involves developing leads and referrals to likely subjects by contacting and researching related sources, identifying likely Bay Area participants for photography-based project on family/workplace theme, and executing agreements with subjects and workplaces.

Position starts immediately, with continuing involvement based on success. Compensation will be commensurate with experience and based on an agreed-upon hourly fee. Job requires dedication to research, journalistic tenacity, and a passion for the subject matter. Please forward your resume and writing sample, along with a letter detailing why you are the ideal candidate.

Game Face Productions is developing the project. We are located in Berkeley.

Compensation: Hourly rate commensurate with experience

Telecommuting is ok.

More information here.

Read more +

Ohio Newspaper Women's Journalism Scholarship

Deadline: 31 March 2011

The Ohio Newspapers Foundation will award a $1,500 scholarship to a male or female student who is enrolled as a junior or senior in an Ohio college or university and majoring in journalism or an equivalent degree program.

Organized in 1902, ONWA worked for women's equality in a largely male-dominated business, to ensure that they were not relegated to covering what was then known as "women's" news: subjects pertaining to home, family or social events. Notable members of ONWA included Millie Benson of the Toledo Blade, known to the world as Carolyn Keene, author of the Nancy Drew mystery series. The ONWA scholarship fund was transferred to the Ohio Newspapers Foundation in 2004 when ONWA disbanded.

Eligibility

• Applicant may be male or female and must be enrolled as a junior or senior at an Ohio college or university for the 2011-12 academic year. Include the Following With Your Application:
• A recommendation from one college professor (non-journalism) and one college professor in the
journalism or communications department.
• A transcript of college grades
• Three or four newspaper clippings demonstrating applicant's writing skills.
• Applicant's answers to the following questions (limit of two typed, double-spaced pages per question):
1) Who or what was your inspiration to get involved in the fi eld of journalism and why did you select print journalism as your area of interest?
2) Why do you need a scholarship? What do you think qualifi es you for a scholarship?
3) What do you hope to accomplish during your career as a professional journalist?

Submission of Application

Submit the application and all other material required to Ohio Newspaper Women's Scholarship, 1335 Dublin Road, Suite 216-B, Columbus, Ohio 43215.

Applications must be postmarked by March 31, 2011

Notification and Payment

The scholarship winner will be announced by May 15, 2011. The scholarship check will be mailed during the summer of 2011 following verifi cation of college enrollment.

For Additional Information: Contact Ohio Newspapers Foundation, 1335 Dublin Road, Suite 216-B, Columbus, Ohio 43215, Tel. 614-486-6677.

Application form here.

Read more +

The SOGC/CFWH Journalism Awards for Excellence in Women’s Health Reporting (Canada)

Deadline: 4 March 2011

The Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada (SOGC), in collaboration with the Canadian Foundation for Women's Health (CFWH), is calling for submissions for the 2011 SOGC/CFWH Journalism Awards for Excellence in Women’s Health Reporting. This award, consisting of a $1,000 cash prize per print and broadcast category, recognizes journalists, reporters, and producers who have excelled in communicating information on s3xual and reproductive health issues to the public.

To be eligible, publications or broadcasts must have appeared in a Canadian consumer newspaper, magazine or broadcast report in Canada between 1 January and 31 December 2010.
Reaching the Canadian public at large with relevant and critical health information is a daunting task, particularly for non-profit organizations. This is why the SOGC and CFWH often call upon the media to help convey messages about key developments, issues or opportunities pertaining to women’s health, particularly in the area of obstetrics and gynaecology.

This is why it is so important to recognize those who demonstrate initiative by preparing articles that help advance women’s health in a positive and impactful way. The SOGC and CFWH acknowledge that public awareness, attitudes and behaviours are greatly influenced by the information Canadians receive in the newspapers or magazines they read, the radio stations they listen to, and the television programs they watch. The role of mass media is instrumental in modern health care. “Accurate, timely, and evidence-based information must be made available to women so that they can make well-informed and relevant choices about their health. The media can be a very powerful way to reach out to Canadians. It can help initiate and facilitate conversations about important women’s health issues” said Dr. Ahmed Ezzat, President of the Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada.

Submitted articles and reports will be judged by a panel of women’s health experts and communication professionals. Evaluation is based on the overall merit of the entry, with an emphasis on the following evaluation criteria:

Originality: The article/report was proactive rather than reactive; it is published in advance of, rather than in response to an announcement or someone else’s story.

Creativity: The information is presented in a unique, skillful and imaginative way, with a distinctive approach or angle.

Substance of the story: The depth and quality of the research, consultation process, analysis, and presentation of the information in the article/report.

Interpretation of medical information: The ability of the journalist to present complex information and issues in layman’s terms, without compromising the scientific or professional integrity of the subject matter, and in a way that retains the interest of readers/listeners/viewers.

Quality of writing and presentation: Proper grammatical use, interesting layout of the information, and readability.

Clarity of the message: The purpose of the article/report is clear (e.g. increased awareness, change in perception or attitudes, call-to-action) and the significance of the subject matter for the reader/listener/viewer is apparent

Education benefit to women: Women who read/hear/view the article/report would acquire important information to help them develop informed opinions and/or make informed decisions.

Relevance: The information is pertinent, timely, accurate, and helps address a current issue or opportunity facing or affecting women’s health today.

Effectiveness: The article/report has the potential to catalyze national, regional, local and/or individual health priorities.

The winners will be notified by 2 May 2011. Recipients will be honoured at a ceremony to be held during the SOGC’s Annual Clinical Meeting in Vancouver, British-Columbia, in June 2011.
Please visit www.sogc.org (Media Centre) to access the submission form. The submission deadline is 4 March 2011.

Online Submission Form >>

More information here.

Read more +

Apply for Funding: Journalism Lab - New Media Women Program (for journalism projects, news services, women-led websites)

Deadline: 4 April 2011

J-Lab: The Institute for Interactive Journalism and the McCormick Foundation are seeking to fund four women-led projects that will rock the world of journalism.

We will fund individuals who have original ideas to create new Web sites, mobile news services or other entrepreneurial initiatives that offer interactive opportunities to engage, inspire and improve news and information in a geographic community or a community of interest.

What is your juicy idea? What’s been stirring in your mind? What work do you feel compelled to do? How can you improve or redefine journalism? What new project would give people the information they need to make decisions or help make the world a better place? Whose voice isn’t being heard?

The McCormick New Media Women Entrepreneurs program will give one-time funding of $12,000 to women who have the vision, skills and experience to launch a new venture. These can be solo ideas or team projects spearheaded by women.

Eligibility:

Funding is available for start-ups only.

1. Projects must launch (at least a live beta) within 10 months.
2. Projects must have a plan for continuing after initial funding has ended.
3. Projects must have journalistic value.
4. Projects may be independent or housed within traditional media.
5. Personal blogs or one-time documentaries will not be funded.
6. Awardees will receive funding through a subcontract if they are an individual or affiliated with a business; and through a grant if they are affiliated with a non-profit institution.

Strong applicants would:

1. Provide information to help people live their lives or make informed civic choices.
2. Adhere to principles of accuracy, truth and fairness.
3. Advance women in the news industry.
4. Show promise of being replicable or scalable.

Recipients must agree to post brief weekly blog updates to the www.newmediawomen.org Web site sharing their process and experience during the development stage. Recipients agree to participate and share lessons learned at a conference of new media women entrepreneurs in Spring 2011.

NOTE: Funding may not be used to cover indirect or overhead costs. Fiscal sponsors may not take a percentage of New Media Women funding.

Questions? Chat with us here!

Apply here.

Read more +

UNESCO/Guillermo Cano $25,000 World Press Freedom Prize 2011

Deadline: 15 February 2011

UNESCO invites Member States, regional and international organizations, professional and non-governmental organizations working in the field of journalism and freedom of expression to nominate candidates for the UNESCO/Guillermo Cano World Press Freedom Prize 2011.

The purpose of the Prize, supported by the Guillermo Cano Foundation, the Nicholas B. Ottaway Foundation and JP/Politiken Newspapers LTD, is to honour a person, organization or institution that has made a notable contribution to the defence and/or promotion of press freedom anywhere in the world, especially if this involved risk.

The prize is intended to reward journalists who have shown dedication in the name of freedom of expression and information and to afford them the international recognition they deserve. Awarded annually, the Prize is marked by a ceremony and the winner is presented with the sum of US$25,000.

The 2011 Prize will be awarded during the World Press Freedom Day conference, which will take place in May.

How to submit your nomination

Nominations for the Prize should be submitted by filling out the form in English>> or French>> and sending it before 15 February 2011 by normal mail or by email to:

UNESCO
Division for Freedom of Expression, Democracy and Peace
1, rue Miollis
75732 Paris cedex 15
France
Tel: 33.1.45.68.42.12
Fax: 33.1.45.68.55.84

E-mail: s.coudray(at)unesco.org

More information here.

Read more +

Arkansas Press Women Journalism and Mass Communication Scholarship

Deadline: 1 March of each year

Each spring, Arkansas Press Women seeks applications for a $1,000 scholarship to be awarded to a student seeking a career in journalism or mass communications. The scholarship winner is recognized during the APW spring awards luncheon in May or June.
Eligibility

An applicant must be entering his or her junior or senior year in an Arkansas college or university in the application year. Applicants majoring in journalism or a mass communications field are given preference. APW scholarship recipients are eligible to reapply the following year, provided they still meet eligibility requirements.

Arkansas Press Women does not discriminate based on gender, race, creed, color, ethnicity or national origin.

How to apply

Interested students must submit a package of materials that include:

• a completed application form (available from the scholarship chairman),
• one copy of his/her college transcript,
• three letters of recommendation (one must be from a faculty member who knows the applicant's communication/journalism skills),
• three communication/journalism writing samples, and
• a short statement of professional goals (400 words or less).

Completed application packets should be mailed to the contest chairman no later than March 1 of the application year. For an application form or other information please contact the scholarship chairman.

The application form requires the following information:

Name:
Address:
City:
State, Zip:
Telephone:
Name of College Attending:
Major:
GPA:
Place of Employment (if applicable):

Contact Phone E-mail

Malea Hargett, Scholarship Chairman
P.O. Box 7417
Little Rock AR 72217 501-664-0125 mhargett @dolr.org

More information here.

Read more +

Colorado Press Women's 2011 Student Journalism Contest

Deadline: 15 February 2011

Colorado Press Women is proud to announce the 2011 High School Communications Contest. Work eligible for the 2011 statewide competition must be published between Feb. 15, 2010, and Feb. 15, 2011.

Students compete in 17 categories: Editorial, Opinion, News Story, Feature Story, Sports Story, Column, Feature Photo, Sports Photo, Cartooning, Reviews, Graphics/Photo Illustration, Single-Page Layout, Double-Truck Layout, Environment, Video News Story, Video Feature Story and Video Sports Story.

Judges: Professional working journalists, editors, photographers, videographers and graphic artists will judge entries and often provide written critiques.

Recognition: award certificates for first, second and third-place winners; award for the high school with the most winning entries (weighted for placement). First-place entries are entered in the national contest; first-place national winners receive $100 in addition to a certificate and an invitation to the awards luncheon during the national convention in September 2011 in Omaha, Neb., and Council Bluffs, Iowa.

Contact: Julie Estlick, jestlick@comcast.net for more information.

A Colorado entry form is here: > > >

More information here.

Read more +

Job Opening: Writer and Researcher for Free the Children (Canada)

Writer and Researcher

We are looking for someone who can work in collaboration with our senior leadership team to help them produce quality articles and related materials for various publications and media projects. The position requires all facets of journalism, from researching and interviewing to writing. Sometimes the articles the writer and researcher will produce will bebased on experiences abroad of our senior leadership team and at other times they will be analyses of international political, social and development issues.

The ideal candidate will have strong writing abilities, impeccable research and interview skills and a firm understanding of journalistic practices. The position is based out of the Free The Children office in Toronto. A minimum two-year commitment is expected with a negotiable salary and health benefits. Opportunities for housing accommodations are also available. The position is available as soon as possible.

Responsibilities:

• Research, interview sources, write and edit articles for print publications and/or scripts for short
videos and small segments on television
• Monitor news media and keep informed of current affairs and development issues
• Work closely with senior writing team to brainstorm ideas and review content
• Adapt to current voice and style

Skill set:

• Excellent writing skills and an ability to write both column-length and feature stories
• Good research and reporting skills
• Good journalistic intuition and the ability to build on suggestions provided
• Must be able to work with limited guidance.
• Editing experience

Qualifications:

• Strong knowledge of current affairs, political and social issues
• Hold a bachelor’s degree in journalism or equivalent work experience
• Background, education and/or 2-3 experience with writing for a newspaper or magazine or related experience
• Strong organizational and communication skills
• Able to meet demanding deadlines, producing high quality work and project a positive attitude
• Superior written and oral communication skills, with excellent command of the English language
• Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience
• Willing to be a dedicated member of the Free The Children team with a positive and flexible attitude.

Free The Children sincerely thanks all those who apply; however, only those considered for an interview will be contacted. Free The Children supports the principles and practices of diversity.
Please include writing samples. Résumés without samples will not be reviewed.

Rann Sharma
Free The Children
233 Carlton St
Toronto , ON M5A 2L2
Tel: (416) 925-5894

For questions about current opportunities, please contact our director of human resources, Rann Sharma at resumes@freethechildren.com.

More information here.

Read more +