What to expect from the First Amendment Foundation of Ventura County moving forward

As we move into a new era of leadership at FAFVC, I want to share what’s on the horizon.

Our work is guided by the conviction that local journalism thrives when communities are genuinely involved in the storytelling process. Here’s how we’ll turn that belief into action:

1. Freelance & Stringer Support: We'll be looking at things like micro-grants, targeted stipends, and professional-development sessions for independent journalists, to help them continue to cover the stories our community most needs.

2. Mentorship for Emerging Journalists: Through partnerships with local schools and colleges, we’ll introduce the tenets of Community-Powered Journalism to students, helping them see how their voices and experiences can shape local reporting.

3. Community Engagement Initiatives: We will look to engage in listening tours, town halls, and story circles to bring residents and journalists together, co-creating coverage that reflects both local expertise and professional journalistic standards.

4. Professional Development: We seek to host regular workshops on the latest digital tools, data-based reporting methods, and audience engagement strategies—keeping our local press at the cutting edge.

By centering our approach on collaboration and community engagement, we hope to foster greater trust and understanding among Ventura County’s residents.

Your support—whether in the form of donations, volunteer time, or simply sharing our work—will help us keep these efforts going. Let’s work together to ensure that the residents and workforce of Ventura County are engaged and informed.

— John Brooks, Executive Director, First Amendment Foundation of Ventura County