Help Build the IIJ of the Future!

The IIJ is dedicated to supporting and serving BIPOC independent journalists through community learning, innovation, and advocacy.

As we plan more conferences, events, and webinars, we’d love to hear from you—our audience—on what we can do better. Are we meeting your needs? What sorts of future content do you want to see from us? How can we better support you?

Let us know by filling out our survey here. It should take less than five minutes. The IIJ appreciates your input!

If You’re a Queer Black Writer, Pitch to Autostraddleoices/

If you’re a queer Black writer, reach out to Autostraddle’s Culture Editor Shelli Nicole with your money-related stories. She’s looking to assign more pieces about individuals’ money journeys to BIPOC writers. Topics include saving up for surgeries, home, travel; mismatched finances with partners; paying debts while enjoying life; moving into a new income bracket; and other money-related subjects.

Pay is $100-$150 per piece. Word count is 750-950 words.

Include your socials and clips in an email to shelli@autostraddle.com.

Pitches and intros close April 1, 2023.

If You’re an Audio Journalist, Apply to be a Freelance Podcast Editor at Betches Media

Betches Media is looking for freelance podcast editors who will support the director by editing and publishing podcasts as well as editing spots, reviewing copy, and scheduling podcasts within the Betches podcast network.

You must be in NYC and able to come into the NY office or if you’re on the West Coast, you can work remotely.

You’ll work 10-20 hours/week. The hourly rate for this role is $30-$40.

You can apply directly on LinkedIn.

Meet Up With the IIJ in DC, Miami and Philly This Summer

The IIJ will be going on the road this summer to a number of different journalism conferences. Please reach out if you'll be there too. Or if you have a suggestion for a different collaboration. We're excited to meet you in person!

• June 8-9 in Washington D.C., IIJ founder Katherine Reynolds Lewis hopes to attend the Institute of Nonprofit News' INN Days.

• July 12-15 in Miami at the National Association of Hispanic Journalists convention, IIJ leaders Katherine Reynolds Lewis and Valeria Fernández will present a session on financially and emotionally sustainable freelancing.

• July 19-22 in Washington D.C. at the Asian American Journalists Association convention, IIJ leaders Katherine Reynolds Lewis and Jamila Bey will present an all-day workshop on the business of freelancing, including a panel discussion with assigning editors, on Thursday, July 20. Registration is free with your AAJA convention badge or $49 to $99 for others.

• Aug. 2-6 in Birmingham, Ala., IIJ leaders Katherine Reynolds Lewis and Jamila Bey hope to speak at the National Association of Black Journalists' convention.

• Aug. 23-26 in Philadelphia at the Online News Association, IIJ founder Katherine Reynolds Lewis will attend as part of the ONA Women's Leadership Accelerator.

• Sep. 7-10 in Philadelphia at NLGJA: The Association of LGBTQ Journalists convention, IIJ leaders Katherine Reynolds Lewis and Jamila Bey will present an all-day workshop on the business of freelancing, including a panel discussion with assigning editors.

More Resources, Upcoming Opportunities, and Interesting Reads

• Read Angela Fu’s article for Poynter to learn about the 20+ entries the Associated Press Stylebook made Thursday, including expanding its climate change guidance, adding a plus symbol to LGBTQ+, and more.

• Read Eesha Pandit’s “The Plot to Cancel Drag Queens” for In These Times. In it, she speaks on the various drag shows under attack by far-right groups and transphobic and homophobic individuals.

• If you’re in the mood for a new podcast that will help you stay in tune with this ever-changing industry, check out The Fix’s list of Best Media Podcasts to Listen to in 2023.

• We're always eager to connect with freelance journalists of color who'd like to be involved in the work of the IIJ or contribute to future programs. Email Katherine@TheIIJ.com to volunteer — or if you have an idea for a partner, funder or topic we should explore.

Thank You to Our Supporters!

Thank you so much to the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation, the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation, the O'Brien Fellowship in Public Service Journalism, the Fund for Investigative Journalism, and the Economic Hardship Reporting Project, for supporting the conference. The IIJ appreciates you!