The time has come to rethink what it means to be a journalist. If you have what it takes to research topics and issues, lend an objective voice and write compelling articles, then you are a citizen journalist. Helium is bringing together the worlds of traditional news reporting and community-based journalism to create a site that citizen journalists call home.
Are you ready to report and write? Helium encourages you to report everything from local issues happening in your town to pressing global and environmental issues. As a citizen journalist writing at Helium, you’ll get recognized by publishers, news outlets, journalism institutions and peers. Here’s where to build a diverse portfolio of top-quality articles to help jump-start your career.
Here’s how it works
Each partner that participates in the Citizen Journalism Awards will run its own challenge, featuring titles with unique guidelines, requirements, timelines and prize structures. They are all looking for quality articles that make an impact and express a solid perspective on their issues. In most cases, you’ll be required to do research to present an effective article.
- Browse the current essay contests: Each partner will feature titles about hot-button issues. Check back often to compete on the latest titles.
- Write: Be a citizen journalist: Write compelling, well-researched articles on the issues. Be sure to check the specific guidelines and requirements for each essay contest.
- Recognition and reward: Each nonprofit partner will pick the winning essay from the top-10 articles in each category. Visit the nonprofit’s overview page for specific prize details.
Current essay partners:
Be sure to check out the winners from all of our Citizen Journalism contests!.
