Civic Catalyst: Winter 2001

Scoring High Marks on Schools
Active journalism at The Sun in Baltimore, the Wisconsin State Journal and The Wichita Eagle has sparked community action to improve schools, leading to higher test scores and the passage of a school bond; similar efforts continue at other papers. By Eileen Putman.

Case Study: Savannah Schools
The Savannah Morning News has convened community members, who set five goals for the Savannah-Chatham County school district and are formulating recommendations for reaching those goals. By Eileen Putman.

The Election Civics Lesson: Sharpen Your Number Two Pencils
Author of "The Good Citizen. A History of American Civic Life," Michael Schudson points out six civics lessons from the 2000 election.

Weaving Your Community's Master Narrative
Focusing on internal rather than external conflict -- the silences rather than the noise -- can provide the most relevant community coverage. By Jan Schaffer.

Marion's Moment of Truth
The Chronicle-Tribune's risky, hard-hitting series spotlighting the problems in Marion, IN, launches community dialogue and activism. By Dana Clark Felty.

Computer Kiosks: New Feedback
The Missoulian's Rob Chaney reports that outreach via computer kiosks has allowed the public to help set the agenda in Missoula, MT.

Pew Center's New Projects
The Pew Center funds efforts to foster community discussion on education, sprawl, and health in 16 communities -- including first Sim-City like mapping efforts.

Roadmap 2005: National vs. Regional Strategies for the Future
Bill Keller, managing editor of The New York Times, Ann Marie Lipinski, vice president and executive editor of the Chicago Tribune, and Gary Pruitt, president and chief executive officer of The McClatchy Co., discuss the emerging roles of news organizations and their visions of the future.

Making the Most of Morning News Meetings
Dave Kurpius, assistant professor at Louisiana State University, describes what makes morning news meetings at television stations deliver the best stories.