I started writing this column not quite two years ago. Last January I submitted an article entitled; “Living in a Community.” In it I touched upon why I felt community reporting is so essential and why I continue to search out new topics. The way I ended that column sums it up. I wrote: “What better way to introduce our communities to others; to illustrate the reasons we are committed to and continue to call these towns “home.” I want others to understand Wilton in a way that is too often only known to those who live here. My hope is that others, who love their own Monadnock region communities, will decide to write about them just as I am doing; to introduce them to us, so we, too, can dive beneath the surface and get to understand those unique qualities that make living in each so rewarding .”
This column is an expansion upon that theme as well as an expansion beyond Wilton since, contrary to my hopes, there have been fewer than expected inquiries about what is required to become a voice for your own town.
First, you should know that I’ve had no formal training, nor even any writing classes while at university. So not having a journalism degree should not stop you from making contact. Armed with a love to write, an inquiring mind and the ability to meet easy deadlines are nearly all that’s required.
This journey has offered me an enriched knowledge of Wilton and those living here. I now consciously look at everything in greater depth, meaning not only visually but tactually, auditorily, historically and thoughtfully. I’ve enjoyed interviewing people and getting to know them better. I’ve uncovered interesting businesses, places and people I would never have encountered except for writing this column. And I’m not expected to attend formal town events and meetings requiring “ facts only” reporting, but I could. The best thing is I get to choose what I write about and how I write it. The voice you read is my own.
One thing I need to add here is I always try to make whatever I write have more than just Wilton appeal. I want to include something that informs or enlightens readers in a manner that extends beyond Wilton; something more universal that makes you think.
You may wonder what prompted me to add writing this column to my life. Let me tell you.
Almost two years ago, I noticed an article in the Ledger-Transcript requesting community reporters for the towns in the Monadnock region. The most intriguing part of this announcement was that people who signed up would be introduced to good community reporting techniques as well as appropriate journalistic style and rules in order to bring the news of their local towns to public attention. The reason for my interest in the topic was having watched one of the newspapers that used to serve Wilton diminish in size and ability to cover even the simplest news story. It was obvious that small newspapers
were struggling to keep their readership enlightened. Many had given up altogether and joined conglomerates that send in canned stories from afar with little interest or ability to cover most local news or events. I was glad to see the Ledger-Transcript determined to not head in this direction.
At that same time, I was enrolled in an informative class on community journalism offered through Fitchburg State University’s adult learning program, ALFA. We heard from editors from several Massachusetts-based newspapers, both independently published as well as those that were part of conglomerates. All bemoaned their inability to adequately cover their local communities and the need for people in those communities to fill some of the gaps that historically had been filled by a much larger staff than they could currently maintain.
I learned that people living in towns like Leominster, Lunenburg and Westminster had no idea who was even running for the open seats in their area during the last election. The only way Fitchburg residents had knowledge of the candidates on their ballot was because the FSU journalism department found a way for its students to collaborate with the Fitchburg Sentinel, with assignments to cover that election.
Of course, this made me want to do something. At first I thought sending a Letter to the Editor would be a good beginning. I know that’s one way newspapers maintain their readership. Those letters stimulate thought and commentaries about local issues, whether you agree or not. But I also wanted to know about the rules for those who signed up as community reporters. What sort of articles would they be expected to prepare for the paper? Before I sent in my letter, I thought it best to speak with someone in the newsroom who could clarify what was being asked of those who went through the newspaper’s
training session. During this discussion, I realized I may be able to fill a role that was needed by both Wilton and the Ledger-Transcript. What is needed is for others to also think about what they can do for their own communities. It’s a win-win for all if you love to write, appreciate the Ledger-Transcript being here for you and want to let others know what makes your own community unique.
Before I take my fingers off the keyboard I want to mention that in one of my recent columns I mentioned Avenues Recovery in Dublin. It’s knowledge of institutions like this that help the broader community understand the resources available in the Monadnock region, and one more reason for people to step up and report on their own towns and what they offer to everyone. All your towns need voices.
Editor’s note: If you are interested in becoming a correspondent for your town, please call 603-369-3250 or email news@ledegertranscript.com.