The cold and snow of northeast Tennessee didn't stop close to two dozen people from attending Democracy for Tennessee's first Citizen Journalism 101 workshop. The place was the Democratic Resource Center in Johnson City and the plan was to educate and inspire regular progressive activists to understand journalism, framing, and the tools available to get a progressive message out to a conservative community.

read more

Jim Grinstead, Democracy for Tennessee's executive director, kicked off Citizen Journalism 101 with some great war stories from his years as a professional journalist and a newspaper publisher. After covering the basics on information-gathering, research, and getting the whole story, Jim then got into the finer points of news vs. opinion and how the two should - or should not - mix.

One way to make sure that the progressive message is clearly understood is to make sure that our issues are framed properly. Using the tools of the legendary George Lakoff, the group learned how to express themselves better in clear, concise ways that draw a clear distinction between liberal and conservative viewpoints.

Mark Harmon, a communications professor at UT Knoxville, shared his knowledge of radio, television, and writing op-ed columns with the group. His experience as one of the new Knox County Commissioners also provided some invaluable advice on how a progressive candidate with the right message can win - even in a conservative district like Mark's. Mark was supported by Democracy for Tennessee and thinks the DFA strategy of building a new farm team of progressive candidates "down ballot" is yet another way that liberal ideas can reach people right where they live.

Mark Naccarato then introduced the group to what would be called "new media" outlets like websites, the internet, YouTube, and especially blogs. Mark demonstrated the Democracy for Tri-Cities Blog and, along with Jim, made the case to use the blog as a way to grow and unite the progressive community in northeast Tennessee, to serve as a watchdog for local elected officials, and as a microphone to broadcast more progressive voices.

"One person really can make a difference," said Frank Hillman of Kingsport. "I've made a difference on several important local issues just by letting people know about them. Sometimes just bringing things to people's attention can make a huge impact".

Thanks to organizers Jeff Adams and Lisa Archer for making it all happen, Janet Meek for arranging the venue, to the trainers who came in from Nashville and Knoxville, and, of course, to the new "Citizen Journalism Corps" of northeast Tennessee!

The Citizen Journalism 101 workshop will also be presented during the Democracy for Tennessee Convention in Nashville on April 7. For more information on that event, visit www.DFTConvention.com.