Journalism is facing a crisis of trust, ownership and purpose. Much of the mainstream media is shaped by political, corporate or financial interests, and too often reproduces the language, priorities and assumptions of the same system that generates war, poverty, environmental destruction, discrimination and social fragmentation.
Pressenza, in a joint effort with the Thematic Table on Nonviolent Journalism of the World Humanist Forum, is offering a three-month course in Nonviolent Journalism for communicators, activists, students, citizen journalists and anyone interested in communicating social change more clearly and ethically.
The call intends to foster knowledge and give new skills to those who wish to build a form of communication that brings people together, embraces diversity, fosters peace and nonviolence and humanises us all.
Pressenza is an international press agency that promotes contents of peace and nonviolence. Founded in the current of Universalist Humanism, it understands communication not as a neutral transmission of information, but as an activity that can either reinforce violence or help reveal possibilities for humanisation, reconciliation and change.
The course will introduce participants to the principles and practice of nonviolent journalism: how to identify visible and invisible forms of violence; how to provide relevant context; how to avoid dehumanising language; how to give space to constructive initiatives; how to interview, write and edit from a humanising perspective; and how to use new tools, including AI, without losing ethical judgement or human sensitivity.
The course is built on humanist concepts such as nonviolence, valid action, the Universal Human Nation and meaning in life. It is practical as well as reflective: participants will produce media for possible publication on the Pressenza website, supported by experienced collaborators.
Format and timescale
The training will start on Thursday 27 August and will include bi-weekly 2-hour practical workshops, mentoring sessions, peer exchange and the production of articles or other media pieces for publication.
The course is free of charge and will initially be held in English, with sessions in French and Spanish to be introduced later. Certificates will be issued for those completing the course.
By the end of the course, participants should have a clearer understanding of nonviolent journalism and a small portfolio of work developed through the training process. Participants who wish to continue will be welcomed into Pressenza’s growing team of volunteers. On successful completion of the course, they will have tools to observe the world, their environment and their own role as communicators with greater clarity, sensitivity and purpose.
The way we look at things changes reality and also transforms the observer in a positive way.
Applications for the training are now open at https://www.pressenza.com/nonviolent-journalism/nonviolent-journalism-training/