Norcross, we want to hear from you!
Norcross, we want to hear from you!
Norcross residents: help us shape reporting from one of the most diverse regions in Georgia.
Did you know over 30 percent of people living in the City of Norcross, in Gwinnett County, were born outside the U.S.? And that Latinos and Asians make up over 50 percent of the population?
Norcross is among the most diverse regions of the Southeast, and yet, it’s largely underrepresented and underreported on in traditional media outlets. That’s why Canopy Atlanta, the community run journalism nonprofit that powers 285 South, is focusing its next issue on Norcross.
285 South’s reporting has covered some aspects of life in Norcross: the fate of a Thai family after their restaurant was impacted by a building fire; the story behind Metro Atlanta’s first Pakistani restaurant; and a Norcross-based chef’s Bangladeshi fusion recipes.
These stories tapped into worlds many of us don’t hear about often enough - and made it clear there is so much more to understand and say about this part of the Metro area. To ensure the stories in Canopy’s upcoming issue are reflective of life in Norcross and inclusive of different communities, we need Norcross residents to get involved.
Here are just a few ways you (if you live or have lived in the Norcross area) - or a Norcross resident you know - can be involved in the reporting process:
Community listening: Help guide our reporting in Norcross by describing your needs, priorities, and hopes for your neighborhood. You can fill out a community listening form here and share with residents you know!
Canopy Atlanta Fellowships: Become a CA Fellow and learn journalistic skills, while writing and reporting for your community. The fellowship is open to the Norcross community members (including former residents) with an interest in community journalism or journalism-adjacent storytelling. Previous journalistic work is not required. This paid 10-week fellowship starts in the fall and requires a commitment of up to 10 hours (primarily virtual) per week. Details and application here.
Community Editorial Board: Norcross residents can apply to be on the Community Editorial Board. The board will help choose the topics we write about, based on the feedback we hear from community listening. Any Norcross community member—including former residents—with a demonstrated interest and involvement in the neighborhood is eligible to be a board member. The board will meet 3-4 times virtually, starting in August, and board members will receive a stipend. Details and application here.
Documenters: Atlanta Documenters, a partner of Canopy Atlanta, is looking for residents in the Norcross area who are interested in attending local public meetings, taking notes, and getting paid for it. Details and application here.
If you have questions, please feel free to respond directly to this email, drop a comment below the article on Substack, or email hello@canopyatlanta.org.
Thank you!
