I’m presenting at the Knight Media Forum

Beyond honored to be presenting at this year's Knight Foundation Media Forum in Miami later this month. I was invited to speak about our work at CivicLex in a session called Radical Engagement Embedded in Local News and Information: A Case Study alongside my colleague Lisa Adkins. The session will highlight how we got started, the important role that Community Foundations like Blue Grass Community Foundation can play in championing civic news and engagement, and how we work to give the public more pathways for participation.

Every day, we are bridging the information and engagement divide between residents and local government. Yes, we cover city hall like a traditional news outlet, but our work is really focused on (1) helping the public understand how to engage and (2) working deeply with local government to create more accessible ways for them to do so. Think of us less as reporters and more as educators, civic guidance counselors, and evangelists for public processes.

I've been a KMF attendee for years, so I can't tell you how surreal it was to see my name and photo in this email from the Knight Foundation flanked by so many legends in the media industry. Grateful for the recognition of our work and for all the folks that have supported or encouraged us along the way, especially Lisa Adkins and Lilly Weinberg, without whom CivicLex would likely not exist.