Community Journalism Interest Group Call for Panel Proposals

The Community Journalism Interest Group is seeking panel proposals for the August 2013 AEJMC national conference in Washington, D.C. While the interest group will seek to offer a diverse program, we hope to receive some proposals that make a thematic connection to AEJMC’s continued centennial celebration in 2013. The panel proposals are due by Oct. 15, 2012. The proposals should include the following information: • Summary of what the session topic will be • Possible speakers, including names and/or organizations if possible • Suggested co-sponsoring divisions/interest groups (A listing of other AEJMC groups can be found here.) • Estimated cost, if any • Name of contact person for the session • Email proposals to COMJIG vice chair Eileen Gilligan (eileen.gilligan@oswego.edu) As the vice chair of the Community Journalism Interest Group, I'm here to facilitate ideas for panels and teaching sessions. This past August, Joe Marren and John Hatcher did a great job with our programming. You can see a summary of what we offered on the COMJIG blog. (http://comjig.blogspot.com/2012/06/sked-redux.html) Washington, D.C., is a city that is ripe for COMJIG-related panels; vibrant community media include ethnic media and online communities amid the political center of the U.S. We are eager to create panels that explore these areas. We also are hoping to consider panels that will look at issues related to diversity and to exploring community journalism’s history. We have already had some initial discussions with interest groups and divisions interested in partnering with us in these areas. I'm here to help you in this process as much as possible, but I need your ideas. Even if you do not have a formal panel proposal, please help us brainstorm a list of possible panels. Newly retired-Chair Joe Marren already started the brainstorming with one blog entry here. (http://comjig.blogspot.com/2012/09/call-for-panelists.html) You can also “like” our Facebook page and share your ideas here.