Let’s Build a New World Through The School of Authentic Journalism

The school is synonymous with union, resistance, participation and camaraderie

By Edith Peredo
School of Authentic Journalism, Class of 2015

February 21, 2016

When I was little, an acquaintance of my father that worked as a reporter taped my voice on a cassette recorder. To listen to myself on that little device was magical; it left me with the feeling and the yearning for my voice to move through distant lands. That’s how my interest for communication, and specifically for the radio, was born.

My name is Edith Peredo Gonzalez, I work in the oldest community radio in Mexico: Radio Teocelo. I’m in charge of news, and along the way I have come across several social movements that have interested me, not just as a journalist but as a human being. I could take a close look into the organization and resistance of dozens of people that are fighting for a better country, that think and feel like me, that want things to change and believe that they can, as long as we stay united and organize.

In 2015 I heard about the School of Authentic Journalism thanks to a former college classmate; I thought about it – it didn ́t take long – and I dared myself to apply. When I got it, I noticed it was long, with somewhat complicated questions. They forced me to think and reflect a lot but it was clear that the school was made for me. I finally sent my application and was interviewed by Al Giordano. When I met him through chat, he felt like family and the interview quickly went from being something formal to a talk between good friends.

After several days, Al and Fabiola Rocha phoned me at home and I got the excellent news that I had made it. I was in! I was of course excited. I screamed and jumped for joy, and with good reason. When I met my peers and professors, my new family, I knew I was not wrong to have applied for the scholarship.

Spending time with men and women that each struggle from their corner in defense of their land, of life and the demand for a better country, gave me strength to continue, with the knowledge that many around the world want the same as me. I understood that after experiencing the School of Authentic Journalism none of us will ever be alone in this struggle, and that although it may seem endless, it is well worth pursuing.

I’m originally from a small town in Veracruz, the Mexican state in which more journalists have been killed than any other in recent years. In mid 2015 I had to grieve with rage and helplessnesswhen a close colleague was cowardly murdered. When this happened, it reinforced my desire to make worthy journalism, to not shut up, to not let the powerful crush what we still have, but to always do these things in a smart way, without getting distracted by the obstacles they impose to try to make us stop and surrender.

In November it was time to attend the School There were subjects such as journalist safety in conflict zones, nonviolent civil resistance, and stories of successful social movements. I met colleagues there that haven’t let anything wipe the smiles from their faces or eliminate their desire to organize and change the world. It was what I hoped for, a school that really made me reflect, that got me out of the established educational models where you only listen and don’t participate. It’s a school that changes lives.

The School of Authentic Journalism is synonymous with union, resistance, participation and camaraderie. This project must continue supporting new generations of journalists and it will only be possible with the collaboration of us all.

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

Lea Ud. el Artículo en Español

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