August 2025: Independent Media Stories, Reports on Chicago Media, PN Conference Date
Hey, Narrative Change Community!
Welcome to Reflections, the official newsletter for all things related to Public Narrative! We will guide you through industry news you may have missed, share local jobs and resources, spotlight events, and prospects of interest to nonprofit organizations, storytellers, newsrooms, media makers, and policy makers. Plus, there is a section for Chicago Independent Media Alliance (CIMA) members!
In this issue:
📰 News: Stories on youth opportunities and independent media shops.
🔗 Resources: Reports on local Chicago media, arts relief grants, and resources on health coverage.
📅 Events: Helpful opportunities for journalists, arts and culture gatherings, and local music festivals.
📣 PN Updates: Save the Date for PN’s conference, exciting Alliance Matters projects, and upcoming CIMA Lunch & Learn preview.
And we want to hear from you too! We won't be able to capture it all, so send us your news, and you might find it right here in an upcoming newsletter that thousands in our community receive.
Save the Date!
Graphic by Ivy Do for Public Narrative.
See what's being published this month.
Photo of Demetrius Brown by Ariel Parrella-Aureli for Block Club Chicago
One Summer Chicago A ‘Huge Help’ For Local Businesses — And The Young People They Employ // Block Club Chicago
Chicago’s One Summer youth program provides teens with real-world work experience. Print Studio provided teen interns with expertise in printing, marketing, and accounting, while the teens offer seasonal support to local businesses in the community. Read more here.
How a Gen Z Publishing Company Is Creating Space for Diverse Voices // WTTW
Aiden Branss Books is a Gen-Z led publishing house centered on amplifying underrepresented narratives through book production and youth storytelling. Branns and his six authors hope to grow the company and share youth voices in publishing. Read more here.
Rosa’s Lounge Launches Independent Record Label To Spotlight Chicago’s ‘Unrecorded’ Talent // Block Club Chicago
Famous blues club, Rosa’s Lounge, is starting its record label to support emerging Chicago musicians. The family-run venue hopes to discover local talent and preserve the city’s music legacy. Read more here.
Add Your Voice to Alliance Matters in the Arts and the Media
Graphic by Ivy Do for Public Narrative.
Alliance Matters is an editorial collaboration and professional development opportunity funded by The Field Foundation, with additional support from Public Narrative.
Members of the Chicago Independent Media Alliance (CIMA) use the theme “Temperature Check” with an issue or news happening in their community as the focus. It will include audio, print, podcasts, video, photography, research and surveys. Stay tuned for more on events and content.
Pigment International
As America faces political, economic, and cultural shifts, Pigment International aims to listen and gather perspectives on how Chicago’s Black artists are navigating this pivotal moment.
We invite Chicago’s Black visual artists and others in the Black art ecosystem to share your experiences by answering five questions. Your responses will be collected and shared later this year with other Public Narrative outlets serving Chicago. Take the survey here.
Reparations Media
Content needs for media organizations and freelancers are rarely supported by data.
Because this information is currently limited, Reparations Media is developing and conducting surveys that will provide answers and insights into Chicago-based media organizations and freelancers and the needs from both.
The first 30 respondents will receive a $25 gift card. Take the survey here.
Explore local resources.
Chicago Media Needs Assessment // Press Forward Chicago, The Chicago Community Trust
Press Forward Chicago analyzed the needs for shared services and support in Chicago-based media regarding funding, ownership, and coverage across communities. Learn about the gaps and opportunities for transforming journalism. Read the full assessment here.
Arts Relief Fund Program // Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events
The Arts Recovery Program offers grants and resources to help Chicago nonprofit arts and culture organizations recover from financial losses during the pandemic. Apply here before August 20, 2025.
Where to Find Free, Low-Cost Health Coverage Regardless of Status // Borderless Magazine
Borderless Magazine has compiled a resource guide to help those losing health coverage with the Health Benefits for Immigrant Adults (HBIA) program ending. To access community health clinics, sliding scale offices, and nonprofit organizations with assistance, see the full guide here.
Explore Chicago's media/storytelling opportunities.
News Editor // Evanston RoundTable
Evanston RoundTable is hiring a news editor to lead the daily newsroom, direct coverage, and guide a team of journalists. Apply here.
Co-CEO // REACH Pathways
REACH Pathways is seeking a co-CEO to drive growth, manage market strategy, and lead investor relations. Learn more about the edtech startup and apply here.
Teacher in the Library // Chicago Public Library
The Chicago Public Library is searching for licensed teachers to help children with their homework and study habits. Bilingual applicants are encouraged to apply. Apply here.
See what’s happening this month.
August 14 - 23: XL Fest // Creative Cypher
XL Fest is a three-day festival celebrating Black joy, creativity, and culture through music, art, and community events. Experience live performances and workshops highlighting local and national Black artists. Get your tickets here.
August 18 - 21: LMA Fest 2025 // Local Media Association
LMA Fest is a three-day conference focusing on revenue growth, innovation, and sustainability in local media. Attendees will engage in general sessions, breakout discussions, and collaborative workshops. Register here.
August 20: Jazz on Cottage: Confronting HIV Stigma and Embracing Healing // Call & Response Books
Enjoy a free evening of jazz and community that will focus on confronting HIV stigma and embracing healing. This event will foster conversations and provide support within the community. Register here.
August 26: From Margins to Mainstream: Advancing Narrative Change // Inspired Generosity
This free panel discussion will explore how storytelling can shift public perceptions about marginalized communities and drive social change. This conversation will examine strategies to reshape dominant narratives through media, art, and advocacy. Register here.
Forming Relationships between the Chicago Public Library Foundation and Community Media
Guest Speaker, Brenda Langstraat Bui
Brenda Langstraat Bui will be our guest speaker for the upcoming virtual CIMA Lunch & Learn session on Tuesday, August 26. This session will focus on tips to help get important info to your audience and add to your revenue while doing good.
Brenda is President & CEO of the Chicago Public Library Foundation. For more than 25 years, Brenda has led organizations in the public/private sector for parks, schools, and libraries. Brenda joined the Chicago Public Library Foundation in 2019. Her personal and professional values align with the Library’s commitment to “the freedom to read, to learn, to discover” and make her a perfect Chicago Independent Media Alliance (CIMA) speaker.
Come and learn how and when the Chicago Public Library Foundation can be your advertising and community outreach partner!
Support CIMA with a donation today!
Left: Photo of Brenda Langstraat Bui by the Chicago Public Library Foundation for Public Narrative.
Be a supporter of narrative change.
Reflections aims to spotlight the different worlds that make up our narrative change ecosystem. We'll share some events, call-to-actions, news stories and even people working towards shifting narratives that impact us all.
And we want to hear from you too! We won't be able to capture it all, so send us your news, and you might find it right here in an upcoming newsletter that thousands in our community receive.
Email our Digital Engagement Manager, Ivy Do, at ido@publicnarrative.org if you have any other inquiries about our newsletter.
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Public Narrative is a Chicago nonprofit dedicated to cultivating narrative change and supporting community-oriented journalism since 1989.
