Ready to be there for you for the long haul

 (AP Photo/Michael Dwyer)

Back in March, did any of us think that COVID-19 would still be making headlines halfway through 2020? Or that it would permeate almost every other news story, including Black Lives Matter demonstrations, an economic recession, and a U.S. presidential election? With coronavirus cases on the rise in more than 20 states, including where I live in Florida, it appears that we’re in this for the long haul. Poynter’s Al Tompkins illustrates the data that shows how the coronavirus will upend our lives for at least another year. 

Join me for an exclusive Q&A

Have you ever wanted to bend the ear of one of Poynter’s leaders with a burning question that’s been on your mind? Well then, I would love for you to join me for the first session of our new virtual chat series exclusively for Poynter supporters. Every month, you’ll have direct access to a different Poynter leader to learn more about the work they are doing to keep you informed — and you’ll have an opportunity to ask them your own questions. 

On Tuesday, June 30 at 4 p.m. Eastern, Angie Drobnic Holan, editor-in-chief of Poynter’s PolitiFact, will share with you how her team fact-checks misinformation surrounding the coronavirus pandemic, the Black Lives Matter demonstrations and the U.S. presidential elections. Register now to attend this 30-minute Zoom session.

Have a specific question for Angie? Email it to me now so it’ll be at the front of the line!

Inviting you to be a part of the fight against global misinformation

Would you like to join an event that will earn a place in the history books? You’re invited to attend Global Fact 7, the largest worldwide gathering of fact checkers ever. Hosted by Poynter’s International Fact-Checking Network, this free virtual conference will give you a window into how fact-checkers in countries all over the world are tackling the deluge of misinformation around two truly global stories: the pandemic and the economic recession.

Here are just two of the 50+ sessions that may interest you. Hope you can participate!
 

• How is the UN responding to the coronavirus infodemic? The IFCN talks to Melissa Fleming, UN Under-Secretary-General for Global Communications.
  Monday, June 22, 9:30-10 a.m. Eastern
   
• Why are we so susceptible to health misinformation? Psychology gives us some clues.
  Wednesday, June 24, 1:30-2:30 p.m. Eastern 

Inspiring young men of color to share their truth

(Sara O'Brien, Poynter)

I want to leave you with a story that will surely put a much-needed smile on your face. Earlier this week, 30 African American and Hispanic young men graduated from Poynter’s Write Field program. The Write Field is a 10-month enrichment program that helps improve the writing, public speaking skills, and confidence of local middle and high school male students. In a city with one of the nation’s highest dropout rates, our studies show that more than two-thirds of the Write Field participants boast of higher grades, including straight A’s and dean’s list accomplishments.

During the virtual graduation ceremony, several students read excerpts from their writings that gave attendees a brief, special view of their world. I felt so honored just to be able to hear these young men’s amazing stories. 

If there’s a young man of color in your life who may be interested in enrolling in the 2020/2021 program, please email [email protected]. And for any high school student interested in journalism (or who has a college application essay to write!), we created an online program this July (which is still accepting applications through June 26).

Please consider making a contribution toward our mission today so we can continue to keep you informed tomorrow. If you recently made a donation to Poynter ... thank you!

Be well,


Josh Herrington
Development Director
[email protected]

Poynter Foundation Board Members: 

Brian Tierney, CEO, Brian Communications
Michael Dreyer, President, Tampa Bay Trust Company
Frank “Sandy” Rief III, Attorney, Allen Dell, Attorneys at Law
Liz Sembler, Board Member, Corporation for Public Broadcasting