Mobile Civic Journalism

Course Summary

Become a verified, on-the-ground correspondent who can legally, safely, and ethically capture local events—and deliver creator-ready packages to independent vloggers and political podcasters. This 40-hour blended course (self-paced content, live labs, and fieldwork) trains you to report with integrity, verify media with OSINT, protect sources and devices, and package footage, stills, captions, and metadata that pass professional standards. Grounded in an Environmental Justice lens aligned with Uplift/EduRecon values, the program culminates in a real-world capstone you can publish and use to book paid assignments.

You’ll learn to: apply journalism ethics; navigate recording laws and public records; operate safely in high-energy environments; capture broadcast-quality smartphone video/audio; verify time/place/provenance; package deliverables with correct metadata; harden your devices; and negotiate licenses and rates.

Who it’s for: community reporters, student journalists, EJ advocates, podcaster field producers, and civic storytellers.

Certificate: EduRecon “GroundLink Correspondent” digital badge + printable certificate.

Course Curriculum

Module 1 — Mission, Ethics & Role Literacy
3 Lessons
- What Civic Journalism Is (and Isn’t)
  Start
- Ethics in Practice — Do No Harm, Do Not Deceive
  Start
- Standards, Transparency & Corrections
  Start
Module 2 - Law & Public Records
3 Lessons
- Understand time/place/manner regulations
  Start
- Differentiate public vs private spaces
  Start
- Learn about FOIA/PRA and legal procedures
  Start
Module 3 - Field Safety & Risk
3 Lessons
- Identify risk tiers and implement safety measures
  Start
- Develop a one-page Safety Plan for an event
  Start
- Enhance situational awareness and maintain access
  Start
Module 4 - Smartphone Newsgathering Fundamentals
3 Lessons
- Master shot sequencing and stability techniques
  Start
- Practice capturing clean footage and sound
  Start
- Create a practice package for review
  Start
Module 5 - Interviews & Community Care
3 Lessons
- Conduct trauma-informed interviews
  Start
- Develop interview plans and consent approaches
  Start
- Learn about redaction and release forms
  Start
Module 6 - Verification & OSINT
3 Lessons
- Verify media content and sources
  Start
- Handle geolocation and provenance checks
  Start
- Flag media manipulation before publishing
  Start
Module 7 - Packaging, Metadata & Chain-of-Custody
3 Lessons
- Develop creator-ready packages
  Start
- Understand metadata and archival structure
  Start
- Deliver assets for immediate use
  Start
Module 8 - Security & Source Protection
3 Lessons
- Secure devices and communication channels
  Start
- Protect sources and work product
  Start
- Develop a personal security plan
  Start

Dr. Charles Loftland

Charles is a 30-year educator and community change agent, retired U.S. Air Force construction/training manager (water systems and environmental support), and co-founder of the Uplift Institute. He advances sustainability through education, workforce development, and equitable, regenerative infrastructure. He holds a BS in Workforce Education (SIU–Carbondale), an MA in Urban Sustainability (Antioch LA), and an EdD in Educational Sustainability (UW–Stevens Point), and lives in California.

Kirsten Melvey

Course Pricing