We must create a sense of community to work together towards a common goal

For five days, these two fields of knowledge: journalism and social movements, is what you have for breakfast, lunch and dinner

By Andrea Rodríguez Plata
Escuela de Periodismo Auténtico, Class of 2015

February 19, 2016

The School of Authentic Journalism, under the direction of Al Giordano for many years now, strives to give people interested in journalism the necessary tools to do their work in a responsible, appropriate and authentic manner. The approach is primarily targeted at those interested in the field of social movements and the benefits they can bring to society. The school puts emphasis on the importance of nonviolent strategy, and the school trains its participants in that area.

For five days, these two fields of knowledge: journalism and social movements, is what you have for breakfast, lunch and dinner. The School has had an important impact on my
life. I used to be conflicted: Should a journalist only practice journalism, or could she also be an activist? The school put me on a path that I know will give me the answers. Being there made me realize that I wasn’t alone in the world. The greatest thing about the whole experience was meeting people like me, people who believe that societies aren’t condemned to suffer waves of impunity and corruption, that things can change and above all, that we must create a sense of community to work together towards a common goal.

It is essential that this school flourishes and continues to take place year after year, because journalism is not just a vocation you can learn in the streets. Journalism should be professionalized and authenticated to truly become the pillar that modern democracies need. Society should be informed and never misinformed. That’s why authentic journalism should prevail.

Without further ado, I will sign off now, hoping the words I write serve to encourage and foster the School of Authentic Journalism. As a graduate I can only add one more thing: being there has been one of the best experiences of my young life and I am thankful for the opportunity I was given.

Join the Kickstarter campaign or go to authenticjournalism.org to learn more about the school.

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