Submit Your 2026-2027 Working Group and Community of Practice Proposals Here

Submit Your 2026-2027 Working Group and Community of Practice Proposals Here

News Futures runs on the energy of people who want to do more than stay informed — they want to shape the field. Use this form to pitch an idea that could be a Working Group or a Community of Practice.
Your first and last name*

First NameLast Name
Your primary email*
example@example.com
What’s your level of participation with News Futures? Select all that apply.*

Signatory: I've signed the Charter but haven't engaged as a Steward or ContributorContributor: I participated in a 2025 Working GroupSteward: I've led a Working Group or been a member of staff/Gardening Club in the pastI don't know
While any News Futures Signatory can propose/lead a Community of Practice, only 2025 Working Group Stewards and Contributors may propose/lead 2026 Working Groups and submit 2026 Gardening Club nominations. This is in keeping with the "do"-ocratic principles outlined in the News Futures Charter. See if you're eligible for the 2026 Working Group and Gardening Club cycle here.
Are you nominating yourself to serve on the Gardening Club?*

YesNo
**If you selected "yes" above please keep our our "One Hat, One Head" rule in mind: To spread leadership across as many News Futures members as possible, Working Group Stewards (after June 1, 2026) are not eligible to serve on the Gardening Club. If you end up selected for both, you'll need to choose one.

This doesn't apply to Working Group Contributors — only lead Stewards.
Are you proposing a Working Group or Community of Practice?*

Working GroupCommunity of PracticeI’m not sure
Remember: Working Groups know what they're trying to produce — a framework, a model, a tool, a recommendation. The Community of Practice doesn't. It's there to think together, not to build together.

If you aren’t sure whether your idea is a Working Group or Community of Practice, that's okay! Submit your idea using this form, and we’ll work with you to identify which category it falls into.
What’s the name/working title for your Working Group or Community of Practice?*
Which of News Futures' five campaign areas does this connect to? (Select all that apply)*

Charter in Motion (Shared Identity)Expand the Possible (Funding and Policy)Ask. Find. Build. (Knowledge Base)Values at Work (Standards of Practice)Ground Game (Leadership & Grassroots Support)
See full guides for each 2026-2027 campaign here.
What will this group take on? For Working Groups: what challenge or opportunity? For Communities of Practice: what question or provocation?*
How will you know this group succeeded — and what would that mean for the field?*
Working Groups typically run 12–15 months. Communities of Practice cohorts can run for any length of time. Both must conclude by December 2027. How long (in months) do you expect your group to last?*
Who else might co-lead or support this work? (One primary Steward will be the main point of contact with News Futures staff.)*
How might you use the budget? (This is a rough idea — we'll refine it with you if your proposal is selected.)*
What additional support from News Futures would help your group succeed? (Staff capacity is limited, so we can't guarantee everything — but we want to know what would be most useful.)*
See staff support offered for 2026-2027 groups here.
Is there anything else you’d like to share with us?
Should be Empty: