Rural Creator Fellowship: Empowering Local Voices with Fact-Checking Skills

The landscape of local news has shifted dramatically, with thousands of local news outlets closing in recent years. This decline leaves many rural communities without reliable sources of information. In response, the Rural Creator Fellowship aims to equip individuals with the essential fact-checking skills needed to combat misinformation and serve as trusted sources within their own communities. This program is designed for both experienced content creators looking to enhance their abilities and community members ready to step into public information sharing.

Understanding the Need for Local Fact-Checking

The absence of local news coverage creates a void that misinformation can easily fill. Without reporters covering school board meetings, local government, or public health issues, residents may struggle to access accurate and relevant information. The Rural Creator Fellowship directly addresses this challenge by training individuals to become reliable sources of truth. The program emphasizes that what matters most is a commitment to accuracy and community trust, rather than a large social media following or professional equipment.

Fellowship Program Details

This is a short-term, virtual fellowship spanning six weeks, typically from mid-July to late August. The curriculum is structured to provide practical skills that fellows can immediately apply. Key areas of study include:

Core Curriculum Modules

• Fact-Checking and Source Verification: Learning how to identify credible information and distinguish it from false narratives.
• Public Records and FOIA Requests: Understanding how to access and utilize public documents to support reporting.
• Citing Evidence: Developing the ability to properly reference research, studies, and data in content.
• Interviewing and Source Development: Mastering techniques for gathering information from individuals and building relationships with sources.
• Audience Engagement and Trust Building: Strategies for connecting with a community and fostering confidence in shared information.
• Technical Tools for Content Creation: Acquiring knowledge of audio and video tools for producing engaging content.
• Platform Strategy and Algorithms: Understanding how to effectively use different online platforms and navigate their algorithms.
• Online Safety: Learning best practices for staying safe across various digital platforms.

Throughout the fellowship, participants will engage in weekly virtual meetings and have access to discussion forums. These platforms allow for brainstorming, asking questions, and building connections with peers from rural areas across the United States.

Stipend and Eligibility

Each fellow selected for the Rural Creator Fellowship will receive a $3,500 stipend. This financial support acknowledges the time and dedication required to complete the program and contribute to their communities.

The fellowship is open to individuals who serve communities with a population of 50,000 people or less. Applicants must be located within the United States. The program seeks individuals who are deeply connected to their local areas and are motivated to improve the information ecosystem within them.

Application Process

Applications for the Rural Creator Fellowship are currently open and will close on June 7 at midnight Eastern Time. Interested individuals are encouraged to visit the official fellowship page for detailed application instructions and to submit their applications. The program is specifically designed for those who are committed to strengthening their communities through accurate and trustworthy information sharing.

Frequently Asked Questions