Are you not landing bylines in as many publications as you’d like? Do you find yourself burnt out by freelancing? Do you wish you had better time management strategies? The IIJ is here to help. Register for our freelancing workshop on July 20 and completely transform your career for the better!

Featured speakers include Anjuman Ali, the deputy editor of Well+Being at the Washington Post; Stephanie Griffith, an opinion editor at CNN; Lorne Manly, the senior culture editor at the New York Times; and Swati Sharma, the editor-in-chief at Vox.com. Moderators include Jamila Bey, the editorial director at WHYY News and Heather Chin, the co-director of the AAJA freelance affinity group.

We’ll discuss everything from red flags in contracts to budgeting to becoming an editor’s go-to freelancer. You’ll walk away from this workshop with knowledge on how to find desirable clients, build your brand, and run a successful freelance business.

Space is limited, so sign up now for a full day of training for just $99. We’re excited to partner with the Asian Americans Journalist Association freelance affinity group in presenting this workshop.

Anyone registered for the AAJA convention may attend for free, but registration is required and only a few spaces are left.

Click here to register for this exclusive training. We look forward to seeing you on July 20!

Come Hang Out With the IIJ This Summer!

The IIJ thanks palabra for partnering with us for the NAHJ meetup and Valeria Fernández for organizing it. We had such a great time meeting everyone in Miami and talking about financially and emotionally sustainable freelancing. Thank you to everyone who came out!

If you want to meet more fellow freelance journalists and come to a meetup, now is your chance! The IIJ is hitting the road to several different journalism conferences this summer, including the Asian American Journalists Association convention, the National Association of Black Journalists convention, the Online News Association, and the Association of LGBTQ Journalists convention. So if you’re in DC, Birmingham, or Philly come say hi!

If you’re interested in attending a meetup, RSVP here.

For more details, scroll down to our calendar.

Fellowships and Other Opportunities

Feet in 2 Worlds Editing Fellowship

If you’re interested in audio work, podcasting, or digital media, check out the Feet in 2 Worlds Editing Fellowship. Fellows will be trained and mentored by veteran editors and work to manage the Feet in 2 Worlds website, the online magazine, and podcast A Better Life? Fellows will also get the opportunity to work with the organization’s media partners in public radio, digital news, and print publications.

This is a paid, six-month-long position. It is 20 hours a week.

For more information or to learn how to apply, visit their site.

The deadline to apply is August 4, 2023.

Science for the People Needs Proposals

If you have any ideas for articles, art, or content exploring the role that establishment science plays in oppressing colonized peoples around the world or within power structures in general, consider pitching to Science for the People’s upcoming issue on “Ways of Knowing”!

For more information, visit their site.

The deadline to pitch is July 29, 2023.

Magnum Foundation Fellowship

If you’re a documentary photographer or photojournalist ready to embark on a New York City-based project, apply to the Magnum Foundation’s fellowship. Fellows will produce a documentary photography project that addresses social issues in the city. Fellows also receive mentorship and support from Magnum Foundation staff.

The fellowship is 12 weeks long from September to December 2023. It’s part time at 16 hours per week. Fellows receive a $5,000 production grant and an additional $25/hour for in-office arts administration work.

For more information or to apply, visit their site.

The deadline to apply is August 1, 2023 at 11:59 p.m. ET.

Religion News Service/Interfaith America Journalism Fellowship

If you’re interested in religion news, consider applying to the Religion News Service and Interfaith America’s fellowship! Fellows will be mentored by senior journalists; attend panels, editorial meetings, and workshops; and go on two fully paid trips to the Religion News Association Conference and a writing workshop in Chicago.

Fellows will be awarded a $4,000 stipend and expected to report and write at least one feature religion story per month for the RNS website and the Interfaith America Magazine. 

For more information or to apply, visit their site.

The deadline to apply is August 4, 2023.

Investigative Reporters & Editors Freelance Fellowship

If you have a project proposal for a book, television series, documentary or any other long-form project, you’re eligible for the IRE’s fellowship. Proposals that involve whistleblowers, business ethics, and/or privacy issues will be given priority.

1st place gets $2,500. 2nd place gets $1,500, 3rd place gets $1,000. All three winners will get a one-year-long IRE membership.

For more information or to apply, visit their site.

The deadline to apply is August 28, 2023.

Interesting Reads

• Read Ruxandra Guidi’s “When Will the Southwest Become Unlivable?” for The Atlantic. In it, she explains how air conditioning and swimming pools are helping her community survive amid record heat.

• Read Daphne Chouliaraki Milner‘s “The Limitations of Eco-Anxiety” for Atmos. In it, climate activist Tori Tsui explains the overlap between the mental health and climate crises.

• Read Katherine Reynolds Lewis’ “Is Freelancing Right for You?” for NiemanReports. In it, she breaks down the business of freelancing, including how to track your money and time, promote your work, and build community.

• Read Scott Horsley’s “Women are returning to the job market in droves, just when the U.S. needs them most” for NPR. In it, he breaks down why more women are returning to the job market and how it’s helping the economy.

• 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 [email protected] to volunteer — or if you have an idea for a partner, funder or topic we should explore.

Calendar

• 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. Participation is free with your AAJA convention badge, but reservation is required, or $99 for others. We'll be partnering with the AAJA freelance affinity group on a convention session and happy hour, too!

• Aug. 2-6 in Birmingham, Ala., the IIJ will be meeting up with freelancers at the National Association of Black Journalists' convention. Sign up here to join us!

• 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 a session on the business of freelancing.