Your experiences matter. You may not think of yourself as “having a story,” but your perspective can help others understand issues affecting your workplace, neighborhood, school, family, or community.
Speaking to a journalist can help bring attention to community issues and achievements, correct misconceptions, and ensure everyday people — not just officials or experts — are part of the media’s narrative. But deciding whether to share your experiences can feel overwhelming.
Tuesday, Sept. 1, 2026
6 — 8 p.m. ET
Virtual via Zoom
Free
This workshop is for anyone who’s ever thought:
- “I’ve never talked to a journalist before. How does that even work?”
- “I care about an issue affecting my community, but I don’t know whether speaking publicly is the right choice.”
- “I’m worried about retaliation or losing control of my story.”
- “I want to understand my rights before agreeing to an interview.”
- “If a reporter contacted me, I’d have no idea what to ask.”
You might worry about your privacy, your job, your immigration status, your reputation, or whether your story will be told accurately. You shouldn’t have to guess how it all works.
Source Power is a free, interactive, two-hour virtual workshop that will teach you how to engage with journalists safely, confidently, and on your own terms.
No prior media experience is needed. Most people have never spoken to a journalist before, and this workshop starts with the basics and explains how news interviews work, what journalists are looking for, and what questions you should ask before deciding whether to participate.
Whether you’re advocating for your community, considering sharing a personal experience, or simply want to understand your rights before saying yes to an interview, this workshop gives you practical tools to make informed decisions.
You’ll learn:
- How to understand whether an interview is right for you.
- How journalists gather and verify information.
- What journalists can and can’t promise.
- How to protect your privacy and communicate your boundaries.
- What to ask before agreeing to an interview.
- How to share your experiences in a way that aligns with your goals.
You’ll gain:
- Access to a free, 120-minute virtual workshop.
- A digital badge for being Source Power certified after the successful completion of the workshop and an informal assessment.
- Quick reference worksheets and guides to use in journalist interactions.
For questions, contact Kris Seavers, NPCJI training coordinator at [email protected]