In just a few weeks, the U.S. Census Bureau will release in-depth demographic statistics from the 2020 census. The data will reveal how the ethnic, racial and voting age makeup of neighborhoods, cities, counties and states has changed since the 2010 census, as well as inform political redistricting. 

This once-a-decade data dump is immense, detailed, highly technical — and massively influential in communities across the United States. Journalists from all beats will use this data in their reporting for years to come.

As part of Poynter's ongoing training series on the 2020 census, we're offering a tuition-free webinar on Aug. 11 to help journalists prepare to cover the changing demographics of their communities. I'm eager to once again work with D’Vera Cohn, senior writer and editor at Pew Research Center, and welcome new instructors MaryJo Webster, data editor at the Star Tribune, Olivia Winslow, demographics reporter at Newsday, and Suzanne Gamboa, national reporter and senior writer for NBCLatino, for this look at the census beyond the numbers.

Get your census questions answered, generate a dozen story ideas and build an expert source list — sign up now. And see what other resources you can utilize from Poynter below!

Self-directed, Start anytime

Online group seminar, Sept. 20-Oct. 16

Making stories work involves more than just teases and live shots. This eight-session, four-week online seminar will help you expand your expertise as a TV producer with new writing, storytelling, coaching and ethical decision-making skills.

Poynter Senior Faculty Al Tompkins and a five-star lineup of visiting professionals will sharpen your writing and ethical decision-making skills, stretch your leadership muscles and increase your value to your newsroom. Lori Walden, a former news director and now a general manager, will help you manage your boss and manage your career. Matthew Hilk, vice president of news and managing editor of CNN/US, will teach you about managing breaking news. And Kelly McBride, Poynter’s senior vice president, will lead a session on rethinking how we cover crime and justice. 

Cost: $499. Apply by Monday, Aug. 23.

Members of AAJA, NABJ, NAHJ, NAJA or NLGJA — 50% tuition scholarships are available, thanks to the Scripps Howard Foundation.

Online group seminar, Sept. 2-23

This four-week, hands-on seminar is for reporters and editors with ambition to do investigative journalism that functions as an important part of democracy. Tune in Sept. 2, 9, 14 and 23 for live instruction from ProPublica assistant managing editor Alexandra Zayas. You'll analyze award-winning investigations, apply those reporters’ strategies to your own work, complete weekly assignments, interact with your peers and get feedback from Zayas on your work.

Join the 150+ journalists who have graduated from this popular seminar with tangible, practical investigative skills. Enroll as soon as you know this training is for you. Now in its sixth iteration, this seminar regularly sells out.

Cost: $399. Enroll by Wednesday, Sept. 1.

Online group seminar, Nov. 1-22

This course — returning this fall by popular demand! — will give journalism educators an opportunity to make a real impact on the future diversity, inclusion and equity efforts of American newsrooms when they model those values in the classroom.

You will learn how to modify your current teaching to include more diverse classroom examples, readings, videos and speakers. You will understand where, how and why to examine materials for diverse voices. You will develop the instinct to audit the makeup of the topics, sources and authors you introduce into your teaching, and how to pivot to ensure diverse voices are represented.

Your lead faculty is Dr. Earnest Perry, associate dean of graduate studies at the University of Missouri, a researcher, educator and consultant who specializes in issues related to diversity and inclusion. Barbara Allen, Poynter’s director of college programming, will facilitate.

Becoming a More Effective Writer: Clarity and Organization
Online group seminar, Oct. 4-29, 2021
Clean up your writing habits with the former New York Times copy chief, Merrill Perlman. Cost: $429. Enroll now.

Power of Diverse Voices: Writing Workshop for Journalists of Color
Online group seminar, Nov. 18-21, 2021
One of Poynter’s most competitive and transformative programs, this four-day seminar helps journalists of color find their voice and build skills for writing opinion pieces and personal essays. Cost: Free. Apply by Aug. 23.

How Any Journalist Can Earn Trust
Self-directed, start anytime
This online, self-paced course will help journalists understand mistrust and gain a better understanding of what trust in news looks like in the U.S. It will also provide you with tips and tools to be more transparent, more engaged and more open with your readers. Cost: Free. Suggested donation: $15. Enroll now.

The 2022 Media Transformation Challenge (MTC) Program: A Poynter Institute Executive Fellowship

Online and in-person, January 10, 2022– January 9, 2023

Since 2007, more than 300 senior media executives have realized critical performance results, built life-long career skills and relationships, and made major contributions to industry transformation through this yearlong program (formerly operated as the Punch Sulzberger Program at Columbia). Join a community of hundreds of alumni, who have made enormous contributions to reshape the journalism industry. Apply by Dec. 3, 2021.