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“Don’t let them tell you it can’t be done.” — Jack Layton

“Within our current media landscape, opportunities for social change reporting are rare and opportunities for mentorship are even rarer. The Jack Layton Journalism for Change Fellowship is a unique merger of the two, a chance for an emerging journalist to pursue the stories about economic, environmental, and social justice under the guidance of rabble’s passionate and talented editorial staff. Above all, the Jack Layton Journalism for Change Fellowship is a call to action; it is a reminder of the urgent need to speak truth to power during these difficult times.” — Phillip Dwight Morgan

“Fellowships like this are important because it allows you to expand on topics that aren’t otherwise covered in the media. The Jack Layton Journalism for Change Fellowship gave me even more motivation to continue exploring and digging deeper bringing justice to those communities I was reporting on, giving voice to those who didn’t have a platform.” — Olivia Robinson 

August 22, 2019, marks eight years since Canada lost a great leader and friend. Jack Layton inspired people by example, demonstrating that working together for social and economic justice is possible and achievable.

It is therefore a fitting occasion for rabble.ca and the Institute for Change Leaders to proudly announce the third annual search for a recipient of the Jack Layton Journalism for Change Fellowship. The fellowship supports emerging writers and journalists who are passionate and engaged in developing unique voices in social change reporting. The deadline for applications is November 14, 2019. Learn how to apply here.

If you care about social democracy and the importance of developing a new generation of journalists who are critical thinkers and have an understanding of social justice journalism, you can help secure this fellowship for the future by donating here.

This fellowship is a unique and exciting opportunity to strengthen media democracy in Canada while affording excellent mentorship and growth for new voices in the Canadian media landscape. Encourage the exciting, developing journalists in your community to apply! Details here.

Our first fellow was dynamo Phillip Dwight Morgan, who is a Toronto-based journalist, poet and researcher. During his time at rabble, Phillip was instrumental in getting to the heart of issues; in particular, he zeroed in on systemic racial and economic inequality. His time with rabble helped to solidify his experience in the Canadian journalism landscape. Take a few moments to read Phillip’s work for rabble. Journalist and storyteller Olivia Robinson was rabble’s 2019 fellow. She is a graduate of Carleton University with a master’s in journalism and most recently was awarded the role of Joan Donaldson Scholar at CBC. Her six-part series on the critical role public libraries play across Canada in strengthening a host of social justice measures can be followed here. To see and hear them both speak about ther experiences with the Fellowship, see our new video here.

We are very proud to preserve Jack Layton’s legacy through our commitment to the Jack Layton Journalism for Change Fellowship. This fellowship is only possible through community support: through donations from individuals and from founding organizations including Unifor, USW District 6 and CUPE Ontario. 

You can help continue the work to build a funding base to ensure Jack’s legacy carries on, giving young journalists opportunities to develop a focus on social justice reporting. Please consider making a special donation to this fund here. If your organization would like to become a sponsor, please do not hesitate to be in touch with [email protected] to discuss opportunities. 

In solidarity,

Olivia Chow, Institute for Change Leaders

Kim Elliott, rabble.ca

Please chip in to support the Jack Layton Journalism for Change Fellowship . Support rabble.ca today for as little as $1 per month!