Tucson Spotlight co-founder Caitlin Schmidt is participating this week in the 2025 Reynolds Journalism Institute Community-Centered Symposium, where 30 journalists from across the country will gather to explore new ways to make local news more community-centered.

The symposium, hosted in partnership with Mirror Indy, will take place Thursday and Friday at the Indianapolis-based news organization’s space. Participants will collaborate across newsrooms to share strategies, brainstorm new approaches and develop actionable ways to better serve their communities.

Schmidt and her fellow journalists will engage in candid discussions and collaborative problem-solving. They'll also receive a stipend to experiment with new ideas, and ongoing support from RJI to implement and share outcomes from their projects.

“This symposium is a great opportunity to reflect critically on our work and learn from peers across the country,” Schmidt said. “I’m looking forward to bringing back ideas that will strengthen Tucson Spotlight’s mission of community-driven reporting.”

The RJI symposium aims to empower journalists who are committed to transparency, collaboration, and experimentation in their local reporting, helping newsrooms develop innovative methods to engage and serve their communities.

Tucson Spotlight is a community-based newsroom that provides paid opportunities for students and rising journalists in Southern Arizona. Please consider supporting our work with a tax-deductible donation.