LION is recruiting community ambassadors to reach more independent news publishers

If you are passionate about local independent news in your region and want to help identify and connect publishers, we want to hear from you. 

LION Publishers is looking for up to 25 news leaders affiliated with LION member organizations who are deeply connected to the news ecosystem in their communities to help us build our map of the independent news ecosystem in the U.S. and encourage other publishers to take advantage of industry support.

These community ambassadors will reach out to local independent news organizations in their assigned region as a part of Project Oasis, an initiative to map the growing digital, local, independent media landscape. Community ambassadors will receive a $1,000 honorarium upon completion of project deliverables. 

There are currently more than 960 organizations mapped through Project Oasis, but we are confident there are publications fulfilling key information needs in their communities that are not yet in the database. LION community ambassadors will identify these publications, so we can update our database.

Community ambassadors will also share information about industry support opportunities, including LION’s teaching opportunities, resources and community for independent news entrepreneurs as they build and develop sustainable businesses.

 Between August 28, 2023 and November 10, 2023, community ambassadors will: 

• Compile a list of at least 20 news organizations not currently listed in Project Oasis within an assigned region of the U.S. This list will include the name, website, owner/founder name and primary language of the publication. 
• Contact the identified news organizations to gather more in-depth data using a Project Oasis profile form 
• Introduce identified news organizations to LION Publishers and our membership community

You’d be a great fit as an ambassador if:

• You are affiliated with either a current LION member organization based in the U.S. or an organization that is eligible for LION membership
• You are connected with the existing independent news ecosystem in your community or you’re highly motivated to deepen your connection 
• You’re available to spend an anticipated 15-20 hours total between August 28, 2023 and November 10, 2023 to collect the required data and collaborate with LION staff.

How to express your interest

Complete this form by midnight P.T. Sunday, August 27. 

If you have any questions about volunteering as a LION Community Ambassador, email Community Engagement Manager Samantha Matsumoto at samanthamatsumoto@lionpublishers.com. 

Project Oasis is a collaboration between UNC Hussman School of Journalism and Media, LION Publishers, Douglas K. Smith and the Google News Initiative.