FJP Community Network Grant Winner: PublicSource

Create safe and diverse communities through the"Civil Conversations" project to build deeper relationships through moderated discussions and activities addressing difficult topics.

$25,000

At PublicSource, we use civil discourse to report on difficult topics in Pittsburgh on the web. Our approach has gained visibility because it stands out amid internet noise and partisan squabbling. We want to build an in-person community with the same attributes. PublicSource has grown subscribers and revenue through events in the past, with success in large 250- to 1,000-person lectures that attract subscribers and donors. However, these lectures are not conducive to building close, deep relationships with readers. We want our events to help us connect with potential sources, regular readers, and brand ambassadors. We are passionate about building events that are conscientious about white supremacy and serve as an engaging and safe space for people of color.

“Civil Conversations” will initially be a series of 3 events during the grant period and 2-3 more after, for a total of 5-6 in 2020. These will be shaped to attract a diverse audience of people who want to experience an engaging and interactive event. Each event will host at least two prominent community members or national personalities who will have a moderated discussion about a challenging topic, and then invite the audience to participate. Community participation might use different techniques including art, gamified experiences, or creative audio capture. We envision each event being a discussion at the intersection of two topics. Potential event themes include “Universal Basic Income and civil rights,” “workplace and mental health,” “The 2020 elections and trauma,” or “civil discourse and gender identity.”

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram