In a world where the gaps between neighbors and communities grow larger, few issues illustrate these rifts more than homelessness. That’s why Kansas City is working to open its first low-barrier shelter — one that provides immediate access with minimal or no requirements. Kansas City officials approved the conversion of Hope Faith Ministries into a […]
Community Engagement
Posted inBehind the Beacon
Your Bet, Your Voice! A nonpartisan community discussion
The Beacon’s Community Lab held a listening session about Missouri’s Amendment 2 that would legalize sports betting. There’s been a lot of chatter within our community wondering what the pros and cons are and whether funding would actually go toward gambling addiction and education. With Election Day around the corner, I thought it was valuable […]
Posted inBehind the Beacon
How community voice shapes The Beacon newsroom
The Beacon relies heavily on what people in our communities tell us they need to know more about. That brings more impact and credibility to our reporting. The Beacon’s approach comes at a time when local news outlets are declining at a rapid rate. The Pew Research Center reports that 85% of U.S. adults believe […]
Posted inBehind the Beacon
Navigating Kansas City’s dangerous roads: Takeaways from The Beacon’s traffic listening session
This summer, The Beacon published a four-part series that shed light on a major issue facing Kansas City: traffic deaths. Kansas City local government reporter Josh Merchant looked into why our city’s streets rank among the most dangerous in the country. That reporting showed the risk comes partly from street designs that allow cars to […]
Posted inBehind the Beacon
Why diverse and community voices matter
Why would anyone want to take on an additional role of being a community journalism lab representative outside their day job? I spoke with one of our newer reps on why he decided to join and why the work our journalism lab does is important to our reporting efforts. “As a visionary creative I aim […]
Posted inBehind the Beacon
The Community Journalism Lab is coming to a coffee shop near you
I get it…talking to the news can be a scary experience, especially when you don’t know what they will ask, how they will use your words, or if they even have your best interest. If you’ve been a supporter of us you know that’s not how we operate. If you aren’t and you’re new here, […]
Posted inBehind the Beacon
Community engagement hits home
You are a single mother working double shifts, leaving your child at daycare from 5AM-6PM wondering how to get food on the table and pay your mortgage all while making sure your child is remaining bliss to it all. You have questions about your child’s education, their health, and government assistance. You wonder if there’s […]