Local journalism across Europe is at a crossroads. Shrinking newsrooms, declining ad revenues, and disengaged audiences—especially young people—are putting the foundations of democracy under pressure. The YoCoJoin project tackles this challenge head-on by placing young people at the heart of community journalism.
Over 24 months, seven media organisations across Europe—from the Netherlands to Malta, Serbia, Hungary, Ireland, Slovenia, and Belgium—trained and mentored over 150 young people as community reporters. These young journalists produced stories that mattered to them, gaining firsthand experience in news production while contributing to a more inclusive and participatory journalism ecosystem.
This workbook distils the key lessons of YoCoJoin and provides step-by-step guidance for local media organisations, educators, and youth workers. Inside, you’ll find:
- Methods for engaging and training youth in journalism
- Tools, templates, and practical tips for producing content collaboratively
- Real-world examples and insights from young reporters and mentors
- Strategies to make youth community journalism sustainable in your own context
