TOLEDO, Ohio — February 1, 2022 — The Diversity Pledge Institute (DPI), a non-profit organization committed to helping newsrooms achieve outstanding results in diversity, inclusion and retention, today announces its partnership with The Ida B. Wells Society for Investigative Reporting, a national organization dedicated to increasing and retaining investigative reporters and editors of color.
“We’re on a mission to solve the diversity pipeline problem by connecting vetted, diverse candidates with potential employers,” said Larry Graham, founder and executive director for The Diversity Pledge Institute. “Partnering with the Ida B. Wells Society pushes journalism closer to creating newsrooms that adequately reflect the communities they cover.”
In line with its mission of increasing the presence, profile and power of journalists of color in the field of investigative reporting, the Ida B. Wells Society is partnering with The Diversity Pledge Institute in an effort to create a sustainable model of recruitment and retention of diverse talent in investigative reporting by matching Society-member journalists seeking opportunities with newsroom employers committed to their success.
“We know that to achieve a lasting pipeline for journalists of color in this industry — particularly investigative reporting where the impact is so far-reaching — it takes concerted and consistent effort, not only to get that journalist to a position they desire but to ensure the organizations where they end up are truly committed to their long-term growth and retention in the industry,” said Rhema Bland, director of the Ida B. Wells Society. “Combining the efforts and expertise of the Society and The Diversity Pledge Institute are the ingredients to that more sustainable model.”
All Society members are invited to participate in the survey and complete their online Society profile. There’s also a voluntary opportunity in the survey to establish a confidential relationship with DPI, for anyone searching for a new job, help with salary negotiations and/or overall mentorship.
About The Diversity Pledge Institute
The Diversity Pledge Institute is a nonprofit, 501 (c)(3) dedicated to research, analysis and education related to diversity in journalism. Our goal is to solve the diversity pipeline problem; improve retention rates associated with diversity, equity and inclusion; and support journalists’ career growth. We prioritize peer-to-peer training and career learning for journalists while offering ongoing organizational support for diversity and inclusion efforts in media.
About The Ida B. Wells Society for Investigative Reporting
The Ida B. Wells Society for Investigative Reporting offers investigative reporting training workshops throughout the United States and is developing a yearlong fellowship program based in New York City. Society workshops cover the use of advanced technology, interviewing techniques and the latest data-gathering and fact-checking resources and build on story pitching, project management and narrative storytelling skills. You can support that work by making a tax deductible donation here.