The International Centre for Journalists (ICFJ) has launched an appeal for funds to mark two anniversaries - World Press Freedom Day (May 1st) and its own 25th birthday. The ICFJ works to raise standards of journalism around the world. An ICFJ news release said:
Today we commemorate World Press Freedom Day, a time to recognize the valuable work of journalists everywhere. May 2009 also marks the 25th anniversary of the International Center for Journalists, an organization fiercely committed to raising journalism standards--and increasing the flow of reliable information so that all of us can make better decisions in our lives.
We know our industry is facing hardships. But in our increasingly complex and interconnected world, we need good journalism more than ever. World Press Freedom Day offers us the opportunity to credit journalists with bringing transparency to hidden corners of government, reporting the truth in the face of untold danger and ultimately improving the human condition.
In that spirit, ICFJ has worked with more than 55,000 journalists and media managers through fellowships, workshops, exchanges and now distance-learning courses. We do our best to give them the skills they need to run responsible newsrooms that are financially viable and professionally managed. We also work with citizen journalists so that they embrace the best practices of our profession.
We do our best to have a lasting, tangible impact. We've created journalism schools on four continents, with more in the pipeline. We run IJNet.org, the go-to Web site--now in six languages--for international journalists to learn about networking and training opportunities. In the past year alone, through our Knight International Journalism Fellowships, we have launched health journalism associations in Africa, established ongoing coverage of the environment in newspapers and radio stations in Indonesia, and helped form the first online community of young journalists covering social issues in Syria.
We are proud of our record, but there is still much to do. Please join our 25th Anniversary World Press Freedom Day Campaign. Our goal is to raise $2,500 today. The needs are tremendous, but even this small sum will enable us to buy equipment such as tape recorders for journalists who cannot afford the expense. Please forward this to your friends who value quality journalism. No donation is too small.
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