October 1–4, 2015 // What is possible when the public and journalists engage to support communities to thrive?
This question guided Experience Engagement, a four-day working conference that convened journalists, organizers, artists, educators, researchers, funders, technologists, students, and civic practitioners in a shared space. Hosted by Journalism That Matters and the Agora Journalism Center, the event prioritized collaborative exploration over traditional presentations.
Located in the historic White Stag Block at the University of Oregon’s Portland campus, the convening encouraged participants to listen, collaborate, and co-create while critically examining journalism’s role in fostering civic health.
Our Purpose
We sought to identify and support the conditions that promote community information health, emphasizing journalism that is both relevant and relational. Over four days, we:
- Explored practical engagement strategies across journalism, the arts, community storytelling, evaluation, and civic life
- Brought together diverse perspectives from multiple sectors and disciplines
- Facilitated opportunities for participants to identify shared challenges and determine subsequent actions
- Developed an initial prototype of a “Field Guide” intended for engagement practitioners
What Happened
- Kaleidoscope of Perspectives: Lightning talks from practitioners such as S. Renee Mitchell, Ashley Alvarado, and Regina Lawrence introduced innovative approaches to engagement.
- Innovation Expo: Participants analyzed the current landscape of community engagement through demonstrations and storytelling.
- Open Space Breakouts: Attendees collaboratively shaped the agenda using Open Space Technology, addressing themes such as inclusive competitiveness, trust-building, and creative facilitation.
- Pro-Action Café: A collaborative environment designed to advance projects and partnerships.
- Interactive Field Guide (v1.0): Co-designed by participants, this evolving resource was intended to connect and sustain the emerging field of engagement-centered journalism.
Who Attended
Experience Engagement convened over 100 participants representing a diverse array of roles, including journalists, community organizers, social entrepreneurs, artists, librarians, technologists, funders, educators, students, and researchers. Each participant contributed lived experience and practical expertise.
What We Learned
- Participants expressed a strong interest in frameworks, tools, and shared language to enhance the effectiveness of engagement efforts.
- Journalism demonstrates its greatest impact when practitioners prioritize listening.
- Community engagement is not supplementary; it is fundamental to journalism’s public service mission.
- Fostering civic trust necessitates cross-sector collaboration, humility, and creativity.