The Institute for Citizen Journalism (ICJ) delivers media expertise to private citizens, and brings the people's news to public media. We link committed citizens with active journalists to create a synergy of expertise and public concern. Through our People's Bureau of Investigation, we will supply expertise and training to help citizens research important stories that otherwise would not be told. We will facilitate production of stories in all media platforms, print, online, film, and broadcast. We support citizen journalists through training, networking, and by providing a platform for stories to reach the media networks.

Project Background

The ICJ was founded by a group of active journalists and citizen activists in Vancouver, Canada, as an independent non-profit organization dedicated to improving the quality and integrity of journalism internationally. ICJ provides research support, journalism expertise, and innovative, accessible platforms for citizen journalists. ICJ provides civil society with the tools and resources necessary to voice their efforts more effectively and to facilitate the cohesion of open, accountable and critical grassroots journalism.

ICJ aims to bridge the gap between the mainstream media and the people's stories by enabling members of civil society to gain access to broader media skills and platforms and use these mechanisms more effectively to express their voices.

Ultimately, ICJ connects citizen journalists from around the world, building a stronger network of committed reporters to achieve a healthier, better informed society and prepare this new press to face the challenges of tomorrow.

Vision

A world of well-informed, skilled citizens creating a healthier media for a healthier society.

Mission

The ICJ mission is to strengthen active citizenship by providing, research, training, networking, and a multifaceted platform for people to express themselves freely and to become more effective in using media to raise and solve social issues around the world.

In order to have a healthier media, the ICJ strives to:

Provide the tools, resources and training to build the capacity of citizen journalists around the world.

Create an accessible interactive space for citizen journalists to profile their work, exchange knowledge with others in the field and to build a strong network of interest groups.

Bring together a diverse team of committed researchers to support civil society and media initiatives worldwide.