Reflecting on what I have learned about the role of innovative journalism and community engagement, I understand how important they are when addressing issues like homelessness.

Vintage Photo Chicago Tribune Circa 1980s

Innovative journalism utilizes tools such as videos, photos, and other types of interactive media to make stories more engaging. This is a great way to grab people’s attention and help them understand the issues being discussed. Community engagement is also important. For example, by including perspectives from the community, especially those who have experienced homelessness, journalism becomes more credible. It is a great way to highlight different experiences and viewpoints, which helps create a better understanding of a problem.

The medium I chose includes local reports and multimedia elements, which helped me better understand homelessness. Interviews with people who have personally undergone homelessness also provided stories that make the issue seem more serious. These stories highlight the need for communities to take action toward homelessness. Utilizing multimedia elements like videos and photos also makes the learning process more meaningful. Providing a visualization helps create a more vivid story. By showing the real faces behind homelessness, it can create a stronger emotional connection to the issue. These images motivated me to think more about the issue and different possible solutions that the community can support.

Overall, innovative journalism and community engagement are significant for highlighting different issues in the world. They are a great way to educate and inspire others to take action. This makes journalism a powerful tool for social change.

Students in Pomona High School's AP Economics and Government class have exhibited their understanding of real-world issues by writing insightful op-eds, photo essays, and film shorts for The Pomonan. Combining critical analysis with a touch of journalism, these submissions explore topics at the intersection of economics and government while fostering meaningful engagement with their community. Encouraged by their teacher Mr. Hangan to think deeply and articulate their perspectives, these young writers have demonstrated creativity, civic awareness, and a growing appreciation for the power of the written word in shaping public discourse.