Postmedia News and The Calgary Herald have just opened applications for the annual Michelle Lang Fellowship. The Lang fellowship has a social justice and equality component to it that could be of interest to younger journalists who are CEMA members. Deadline is June 11. CLICK HERE to download the fellowship brochure and details on how to apply or see details below.
Michelle Justine Lang (born 31 January 1975 in Vancouver, British Columbia – died 30 December 2009 in Kandahar, Afghanistan) was a Calgary Herald reporter and the first Canadian journalist to die in the War in Afghanistan.[Lang was on a six-week assignment to Afghanistan for the Calgary Herald and Canwest News Service when the armoured military vehicle she was riding in struck a roadside bomb. She died of her wounds and four Canadian soldiers were killed in the blast,Goal: To offer a year’s worth of reporting and writing experience to an individual who has expressed a desire to launch a career in journalism and has a record of academic excellence. At The Calgary Herald, the fellow will hone skills at a major metro daily. At Postmedia News in Ottawa, there will be ample opportunity to work on national political stories. Both newsrooms provide a welcoming, collaborative experience in which to learn and be inspired.
Who is eligible? Michelle Lang held a BA in English, so this fellowship is not limited to students who are studying journalism.
Criteria for selection are:
a commitment o journalism and a love os storytelling through the written word;
academic excellence;
strong writing and communication skills;
a desire to effect change through journalism (either through public service journalism or a specific social cause);
an ability to work well with colleagues;
a natural curiosity and desire to lear about people and events, particularly those of international importance;
basic reporting skills;
bilingualism an asset;
Previous daily newspaper experience is an asset but not mandatory;
candidates must have a valid driver’s licence.
candidates should present the outlines of a special project they would like to pursue while engaged in the fellowship.
How to apply: Please visit www.calgaryherald.com/michelle-lang-fellowship for specific application details. The deadline for applications is Monday, June 11, for the September 2012 position. You can also download the brochure linked above.