Resolve Philly

After fleeing persecution, finding home in Philly

Last week, Danielle Smith, Rasheed Ajamu, Eugene Sonn, and Gabriela A. Rivera joined the Philadelphia Office of Innovation and Technology, SEAMAAC, Philly Community Wireless and PCs for People at New Kensington Community Development Corporation (NKCDC) to put 50 free laptops in the hands of Philadelphia residents. Technology shouldn’t be a barrier to opportunity. That’s why, with the support of Digital Navigators—a partnership between the City of Philadelphia and United Way of Greater Philadelphia and Southern New Jersey—residents not only received a device but also learned essential cyber safety skills to navigate an increasingly digital world with confidence. ?? Held at NKCDC in Kensington, this event is part of a broader effort to ensure digital equity in Philadelphia. In 2024 alone, 900+ devices have already been distributed through the City’s Digital Navigator Network—and there’s more work ahead. "Without a laptop, I felt left out," said Barry Jones, one of the recipients. "We have to come to these events so that we can transform as a community." Access to technology is access to opportunity—for work, for education, for connection. We’re proud to stand alongside our partners in this work and look forward to continuing to break down barriers. #DigitalEquity #TechForAll #Philly #ResolvePhilly

The Google News Initiative and The Lenfest Institute have been working together for several years to promote new business solutions to help strengthen local news. Today, we’re launching a new partnership and funding opportunity to advance these efforts: The Lenfest-Google News Initiative News Catalyst Grant program. Members of three Lenfest Communities of Practice can apply for funding to support experimentation that addresses news gaps and engages new audiences in-person and online. The Lenfest-Google News Initiative News Catalyst Grants will award a total of $250,000 in grants to members of the Lenfest Audience Community, Engaged Cities, and the Statewide News Collective.? The deadline to apply is Friday, March 27 at 11:59 p.m. EDT. Learn more about the grant guidelines and how to get involved with our communities ??

Building strong relationships with sources is crucial for accurate reporting, but sometimes spokespeople don't respond as quickly as we'd like. This article from Columbia Journalism Review explores why, from being overwhelmed by requests to dealing with personal emergencies. Understanding these challenges can help journalists improve their approach and foster better communication. Check out the full story here ?? https://lnkd.in/e9hWzq-U

Are you a journalist of color in the Philadelphia area seeking to level up your career? Applications are open for the 2025 Lenfest Next Generation Fund, which supports emerging Philadelphia-area journalists and students of color pursuing professional development opportunities. Apply for support in the following areas: ?? The Professional Development Track, which supports attendance at a professional development activity of the awardee’s choice or the purchase of professional equipment. ??The Internship Support Track, which supports students and journalists participating in internships that would otherwise be unpaid. Applications close April 4 ??

Accessing public records on immigration and deportation just got easier. The Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press has released a new tipsheet (available in English & Spanish) to help journalists navigate the complex process of obtaining key data and documents from agencies like U.S. Customs and Border Protection and private detention facilities. With immigration policy decisions affecting lives every day, access to accurate information is essential. This resource simplifies the newsgathering process, ensuring journalists have the tools they need to report on these critical issues with depth and accuracy. https://lnkd.in/eNyCyinX #PressFreedom #ImmigrationReporting #JournalismTools

Sheila S. Coronel's recent piece for Columbia Journalism Review, Ten Tips for Reporting in an Autocracy, provides essential guidance for navigating challenges to press freedom. As Coronel reminds us, there’s much to learn from journalists who operate under regimes where the media is under siege. Her ten principles—from avoiding normalization and amplifying harmful narratives to documenting for accountability and giving voice to the vulnerable—offer guideposts for resilient, courageous journalism. At Resolve Philly, we believe these lessons are vital to actively nurturing democracy in any environment. https://lnkd.in/ehda5_hT

For years, Resolve Philly has worked to transform journalism into something more collaborative, community-driven, and responsive to the people it serves. That’s why we’re proud to see our Executive Director, Jean Friedman-Rudovsky, co-leading a News Futures Working Group focused on leadership training and support—helping newsroom leaders build stronger, more sustainable models for the future. ?? Want to be part of this movement? Join the News Futures virtual launch event on Wednesday, Feb. 26 at 3 PM ET, where you’ll: ? Learn more about the 2025 Working Groups ? Find the right Working Group for you ? Connect with like-minded media professionals ?? Register here: https://lnkd.in/ebgjcGWG

?? Leadership in nonprofit journalism. At #KnightMediaForum 2025, Resolve Philly’s Executive Director, Jean Friedman-Rudovsky, joined newsroom leaders to discuss the challenges and opportunities of sustaining nonprofit journalism. Moderated by Manny Garcia (Editor in Chief, Houston Landing), the panel also featured Shamus Toomey (Publisher & Co-founder, Block Club Chicago), covering how newsrooms can navigate financial uncertainty, strengthen community trust, and build sustainable reporting models. Jean’s leadership has helped shape Resolve Philly into what it is today—a newsroom rooted in collaboration, designed for community impact, and committed to rethinking how journalism serves the people who need it most. As she prepares to step away in April, we recognize the vision, resilience, and deep commitment she has brought to this work.

Too many Philadelphians still lack the tools they need to access information, apply for jobs, and stay connected. That’s why Resolve Philly is partnering with the Office of Innovation and Technology, NKCDC, and other community organizations to help provide free laptops and digital training to those who need them most. On Thursday, February 27, from 1-4 PM at Orinoka Civic House, eligible residents can receive: ? A free laptop to support work, learning, and daily life ? An online safety workshop to build digital confidence ? Ongoing training and resources to stay connected ?? Event Details: ?? Thursday, February 27, 2025 ? 1-4 PM ?? 2771 Ruth Street, Suite 1, Philadelphia, PA 19134 ?? Who’s eligible? Participants must provide documentation of enrollment in an income-based government assistance program OR proof of household income under 200% of the federal poverty level or 60% of area median income. ?? Registration is required! Sign up today: https://lnkd.in/ey-Yv_zf ?? Access to technology isn’t a privilege—it’s a necessity. We’re working with our partners to ensure more people have the tools they need to stay informed, connected, and empowered.