Neighborhood View Invites Malden Residents to Get Involved in Citizen Journalism

Malden, MA — Neighborhood View, Malden’s community-powered news initiative, has relaunched and is inviting residents to take part in telling the stories of their city — as citizen reporters, contributors, or engaged readers.

Founded in 2014 and administered through Urban Media Arts, Neighborhood View trains and supports Malden residents to report on their communities with depth, accuracy, and care. The relaunch was formally announced at the Malden City Council meeting on December 16, where founder and coordinator Anne D’Urso-Rose outlined the project’s goals and the many ways residents can participate.

“Like many communities across the country, Malden has far less local news coverage than it once did,” said D’Urso-Rose. “Neighborhood View helps fill that gap by supporting residents who want to better understand what’s happening in their city and share those stories responsibly.”

Citizen Journalism 101 Begins January 28

As part of the relaunch, Neighborhood View is offering Citizen Journalism 101, a four-session introductory workshop beginning January 28. The workshop will be held via Zoom and is open to Malden residents of all backgrounds — no prior journalism experience required. The course will be taught by Kristin Palpini, a seasoned journalist and educator, and will cover:

• How to develop strong local story ideas
• Interviewing and research basics
• Ethical, community-centered reporting
• Writing and structuring clear, accurate articles

Participants who complete the workshop may go on to contribute stories to Neighborhood View, though writing is not required to stay involved.

Many Ways to Participate

Neighborhood View emphasizes that community participation goes well beyond writing articles.

Residents are encouraged to:

• Drop in to weekly editorial meetings (Wednesdays at 5:30 PM via Zoom)
• Share story ideas or community concerns
• Contribute photography or research
• Help with outreach and marketing
• Read and subscribe to Neighborhood View

“Not everyone wants to write a story — and that’s okay,” said Kim Brookes, a core team member who contributes technology and research support. “To tell all the stories of Malden, we need many perspectives — immigrants, newcomers, lifelong residents. Everyone has something to contribute.”

Strengthening Local Connection

Past contributors say participating in Neighborhood View helped them feel more connected to Malden and to one another. Organizers see the relaunch as an opportunity to expand that sense of connection at a time when many residents feel disconnected from local institutions.

“Citizen journalism can be a way back in,” said D’Urso-Rose. “It reminds us that our everyday experiences matter — and that our stories are worth sharing.”

Learn More:

• Citizen Journalism 101: Begins January 28 (4 sessions, Zoom) Details & registration
• Weekly Editorial Meetings: Wednesdays at 5:30 PM - email anne@neighborhoodview.org
• Visit Neighborhood View & subscribe: https://neighborhoodview.org
• Get involved: Email anne@neighborhoodview.org