AGVR at the PCGVR “What Now” National Conference
By Karen Perez, PCGVR intern
In an October 3rd panel, AGVR leaders Abené Clayton, Sammy Caiola, Jen Mascia, and Paige Pfleger spoke with host Eric Marsh about the “why” for being part of this growing collective of gun violence reporters. Each member had their own ties to gun violence, either personally or through exposure in their work. The concept of AGVR started as a conversation between Caiola and Mascia at a conference for the Association of Health Care Journalists. Both expressed a need for connection and shared knowledge between reporters on gun violence. At the time, gun violence reporting was not yet its own category, so there were not enough reporters for an AGVR to exist.
Mascia recalled conversations with younger journalists who told her they were left with many questions regarding gun violence reporting. In her own experience, the same had been true. She says, “no matter what beat I’m on, gun violence touches it […] Who’s going to write the book on this for the future? We are.”
This sentiment was echoed by all the panel interviewees. There has been and will always be a need for community amongst reporters of gun violence because of its growing impact. The conversation has shifted in some ways, with a push to point fingers at each other instead of looking at how gun violence affects everyone, but AGVR aims to change that narrative and shine a light on gun violence solutions.
AGVR offers assistance in gun identification, peer support, and new perspectives into how victims and co-victims of gun violence can be best protected by sensitivity in storytelling. Though already geographically diverse in terms of members’ locations, AGVR aims to connect reporters to survivors in more regions.
Reporting on Underserved Communities
By Karen Perez
On October 22nd, the webinar event, Covering Underserved Communities with Care and Accuracy, was held in collaboration between AGVR and Black Alder Labs. Intended as a solutions-based discussion on covering gun violence with care, panelists also explored self-care and learning to cope as reporters. The conversation was moderated by AGVR co-director Abené Clayton. Panelists included: Cara Anthony of KFF Health News; Afea Tucker from The Trace; and Takara Pierce from Black Alder Labs.
Pierce gave insight into some of the findings from Black Alder Labs’ most recent report, The Cost of the Story, detailing how traumatic story reporting impacts communities and journalists. According to the research, 75% of journalists reporting on trauma never received what they deemed helpful trauma-informed training. The information is wanted, but the resources are not being supplied.
In an industry where time is of the essence, it can be daunting to make requests from editors for more time. Ask anyway. Let the story breathe. The timeline should not be more important than what is at stake—another person’s wellbeing. Detachment is not synonymous with professionalism. In fact, caring about the story leads to more accurate storytelling.
Philadelphia Chapter Mixer
By Karen Perez
On October 20th, the AGVR Philadelphia chapter shared an intentional evening of relaxation and tea drinking hosted by UrbnSEEK. Founder Serita Lewis encouraged members to treat the night as a time for personal reflection, given the constant stress journalists face on the job.
The event began with a guided meditation by Aleida Garcia, founder of the National Homicide Justice Alliance. She led the group through a series of breathing exercises. She reminded everyone it is possible to stop in the moment and take a few seconds to recenter—resting does not have to wait until the story is finished.
The event included a tea tasting of eight loose leaf teas and Philadelphia-made snacks for pairing. The group was encouraged to smell and touch dry tea leaves/infusions, to include multiple senses in the tasting experience. Members took notes and shared their favorite pairings with one another. It created a space for casual conversation between the group, all meditating on their thoughts.
Lewis left the group with a final message, “you be your first thought.” It is easier said than done. Self-check-ins and resting during times of stress are a great start. Maybe Tasty Kakes and chamomile tea could help, too. Make caring for yourself a habit, so you can pour more into the people who need you.