POWER TO THE PEN. Curious community members can learn the fundamentals of journalism – and put those newly learned skills to action – by completing the Citizen Journalism workshop series, hosted at UW-Stout Polytechnic this summer. (Photo via UW-Stout Polytechnic; Kate Edenborg pictured standing at far left)

Citizen journalism is what happens when people who aren’t necessarily trained journalists roll up their sleeves and contribute to news reporting. It’s something more and more communities are beginning to see, especially as support – through funding and otherwise – for traditional media continues to shift.

Chippewa Vallians are likely already familiar with citizen journalism, especially if they read articles from local organizations including Menomonie News Net, Eye On Dunn County and even yours truly (beyond our staffers, Volume One works with local contributors who share stories in our pages).

Kate Edenborg, longtime journalism and communications professor at the University of Wisconsin-Stout Polytechnic, will teach another cohort of curious and passionate community members how to do citizen journalism this summer.

The Citizen Journalism workshop series will return this summer – from 5-7pm on June 30; July 14, 21 and 28; Aug. 4 and 11 – in person at Harvey Hall (721 3rd St. E, Menomonie). 

Launched in 2025, Edenborg said she has connected with many members of the community who want to help share – and create – local news content.

This opportunity is for any community member who enjoys writing and/or has a genuine interest in sharing stories that matter to and resonate with their neighbors.

By the end of the workshops, participants will understand the fundamental principles of journalism and develop skills in interviewing, fact-checking and editing; learn how to structure a journalistic story and work with Associated Press (AP) style; explore the use of photography and visuals in journalism; and submit a finished story for publication consideration.

This opportunity is for any community member who enjoys writing and/or has a genuine interest in sharing stories that matter to and resonate with their neighbors.

Registration pricing is $169/person for the full series. The workshop series offers scholarship opportunities which result in a one-time $49 fee, with discounted rates offered to UW-Stout Polytechnic faculty, staff, students and alumni ($139) or an early-bird rate (registration required by June 23; $139).

If you have questions or want to inquire about scholarships, email continuinged@uwstout.edu or visit the FAQ section on the Citizen Journalism workshop webpage.

Learn more about or register for this summer's Citizen Journalism workshop series at UW-Stout Polytechnic's campus, online.