Foundation Track: Becoming a Citizen Journalist
Duration: 8 weeks | Format: Blended (Online + Field Work)
Module 1: Understanding Your Role
- The philosophy of conscious citizenship
- Ethics and responsibilities of citizen journalism
- Understanding local to national governance structures
Module 2: Core Skills Development
- Observation and documentation techniques
- Interview and research methodologies
- Fact-checking and verification in the digital age
- Visual storytelling with smartphones
Module 3: Finding Your Beat
- Identifying community needs and gaps
- Mapping local resources and stakeholders
- Creating impactful story frameworks
- Building source networks
Module 4: Digital Tools and Platforms
- Content creation across formats (written, audio, video)
- Social media strategy for community impact
- Data visualization and infographics
- Building your personal brand as a change-maker
Module 5: Understanding Policy and Governance
- How government schemes work (local, state, central)
- RTI (Right to Information) and transparency mechanisms
- Connecting citizens with governmental programs
- Documenting policy impact in communities
Module 6: Community Engagement
- Participatory journalism techniques
- Hosting community dialogues and town halls
- Collaborative problem-solving frameworks
- Building coalitions for local action
Module 7: Impact Measurement
- Setting goals and success metrics
- Documenting change over time
- Case study creation
- Presenting findings to stakeholders
Module 8: Capstone Project
- Hands-on community documentation project
- Mentorship from experienced journalists and community leaders
- Public presentation and portfolio building
- Certification and pathway to advanced tracks
Advanced Tracks (Post-Foundation)
Specialization Options:
- Investigative Citizen Journalism: Deep-dive investigations into systemic issues
- Development Journalism: Documenting grassroots development and government schemes
- Environmental Journalism: Climate, ecology, and sustainability reporting
- Cultural Documentation: Preserving heritage, traditions, and local knowledge
- Civic Tech: Using technology for governance and transparency
Learning Approach: The CJA Method
Learn – Practice – Impact
Week 1-2: Conceptual learning through interactive sessions
Week 3-4: Practical assignments in your local community
Week 5-6: Mentored fieldwork and peer collaboration
Week 7-8: Impact creation and documentation
Blended Learning Experience:
- Live virtual sessions with expert practitioners
- Self-paced modules for flexibility
- Field assignments for real-world application
- Peer learning circles for collaborative growth
- Mentorship from senior journalists and community leaders
- Resource library with templates, tools, and case studies
What Makes CJA Different?
1. Inter-generational Learning
We unite youth energy with senior wisdom, creating mentorship bridges that benefit everyone.
2. Hyperlocal to National Impact
Start with your street, village, or neighborhood. Scale to state and national conversations.
3. #NationFirst Approach, Not Self-First
We cultivate servant leadership, people committed to collective progress over personal gain.
4. Action-Oriented Education
Every lesson translates to immediate community action. Learning by doing, not just knowing.
5. Support for Good Governance
We partner with, not oppose, government machinery, documenting successes, identifying gaps, and facilitating citizen-government dialogue.
6. Inclusion by Design
Special focus on ensuring representation from underprivileged communities, ensuring their stories are told by them, not about them.
Enroll in Cohort 1: Become a Certified Citizen Journalist
The Inaugural Cohort Begins: February 2026
What You’ll Gain:
✓ Comprehensive training in citizen journalism
✓ Certification as a Citizen Journalist
✓ Access to national network of change-makers
✓ Mentorship from experienced professionals
✓ Portfolio of published community impact work
✓ Pathways to advanced learning and leadership roles
✓ Opportunities to collaborate with government and NGOs
Investment in Your Impact:
We believe in accessibility. Scholarships available for candidates from underprivileged backgrounds.
Standard Fee: ₹9,000 for complete 8-week program
Early Bird (Register by January 31): ₹5,500
Scholarship Applications: Available for eligible candidates
Application Process
Step 1: Submit Your Interest
Fill out our online form sharing:
- Your background and current engagement
- Why citizen journalism matters to you
- Which community issue you’re passionate about addressing
- How you’ll commit 8-10 hours weekly to the program
Step 2: Video Introduction
Record a 2-minute video answering:
“What change do you want to see in your community, and how will you contribute?”
Step 3: Selection
Our team reviews applications holistically. We seek diversity in age, geography, background, and perspective.
Step 4: Onboarding
Selected participants receive welcome kits, course materials, and pre-program orientation.
Our Commitment to You
When you join CJA, you’re not just taking a course—you’re joining a movement.
We commit to:
- Nurturing your unique voice and perspective
- Connecting you with resources and networks
- Supporting your journey from learning to leading
- Amplifying your impact through our platforms
- Creating opportunities for continued growth
Success Stories in the Making
While Cohort 1 is our beginning, we envision:
By 2027:
- 10,000+ Certified Citizen Journalists across India
- Documentation of 1,000+ community transformation stories
- Active CJA chapters in 100+ cities
- Partnerships with state governments for grassroots reporting
- A digital archive of local knowledge and development stories
By 2030:
- Pan-India network covering every district
- Recognized certification pathway for journalism careers
- Policy influence through evidence-based citizen reporting
- International expansion to neighboring nations
Join the 100x BHARAT Mission Movement
This is Your Invitation
On this day of Makar Sankranti, as we celebrate transition and progress, we invite you to become part of something larger than yourself.
Whether you’re a student discovering your purpose, a professional seeking meaningful engagement, or a senior ready to give back—there’s a place for you in the Citizen Journalism Academy.
Together, we will:
- Document stories that matter
- Amplify voices that deserve to be heard
- Bridge the gap between citizens and governance
- Build communities that thrive
- Create a nation that reflects our highest aspirations
Enroll Now for Cohort 1
Application Deadline: February 17, 2026
Program Start Date: February 28, 2026
Limited Seats: 100 participants in Cohort 1
Contact Us
Email: connect@citizenjournalismacademy.com
Phone: +91-93 55 159 512
Website: www.citizenjournalismacademy.com
Follow Our Journey:
#CitizenJournalismAcademy #CJAIndia #NationFirst #MakarSankranti2026 #ConsciousCitizenship
Advisory Board & Mentors
We’re assembling a distinguished panel of:
- Veteran journalists and editors
- Social entrepreneurs and NGO leaders
- Retired civil servants and policymakers
- Academics specializing in media and governance
- Technology and civic tech innovators
- Community leaders with proven track records
(Detailed profiles to be announced)
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do I need prior journalism experience?
A: No. We welcome complete beginners. Our course builds from foundation to advanced skills.
Q: What equipment do I need?
A: A smartphone with internet connectivity is sufficient to begin. We teach mobile journalism techniques optimized for accessible tools.
Q: Can I participate if I have a full-time job?
A: Yes. The program is designed for working professionals with flexible scheduling and self-paced components.
Q: How is this different from traditional journalism courses?
A: CJA focuses on citizen-led, community-centered journalism with emphasis on local impact and grassroots change, not just reporting skills.
Q: Will I get job opportunities after certification?
A: While CJA isn’t a job placement program, our network includes media organizations, NGOs, and government bodies that actively seek skilled citizen journalists.
Q: Is there a minimum age requirement?
A: Participants should be 18+. However, seniors of any age are welcome and especially encouraged to apply.
The Time is Now
As the Sun begins its northward journey on Makar Sankranti, marking Uttarayan—the movement toward light—let us collectively move toward a brighter future for our communities and nation.
Your voice matters. Your perspective is valuable. Your community needs you.
The Citizen Journalism Academy is your launchpad for meaningful impact.
Enroll Today. Transform Tomorrow.
Applications Open: January 17, 2026 | Be Part of Cohort 1 as a CITY JOURNALIST
“Be the change you wish to see in the world.”
~ Mahatma GandhiLet’s make it happen. Together.
#CityJournalist #NationFirst | #CitizenJournalismAcademy | #MakarSankranti2026 #100xBHARAT
~ Gopi Krishan Bali,
Founder, Chief Catalyst, 100x BHARAT
CITIZEN JOURNALISM ACADEMY
Empowering Voices. Building Nations.
