Help us hold government accountable.
Documenter Resources
How to Get Involved
Step 1
Become a Documenter
Documenters are citizens and civic actors; creators and collaborators; representing a broad base of intergenerational, diverse communities.
By joining our network you’ll have access to:
- Free trainings, events and paid assignments
- The Documenters message board
- Exclusive opportunities from City Bureau and local Documenters partners
Step 2
Attend an Orientation
This two-hour orientation will introduce you to the program and the reporting skills you’ll need. Upon completion of this workshop, you’ll be eligible to apply for paid assignments.
Atlanta Documenters Orientation includes:
- A walk-through of the program
- How to complete assignments
- What your rights are at public meetings
Step 3
Start Taking Assignments
Documenters are paid $18/hr. We support Documenters throughout the reporting process and publish their edited reporting for other media, organizations, and residents to use.
During assignments, you will:
- Connect with other community members
- Report on government meetings
- Update the community about the systems that impact their lives
Meet Some of Our Documenters
Frequently Asked Questions
At this time, we ask that Atlanta Documenters live in metro-Atlanta or have deep ties to the 5-county metro area. It is important that Documenters have familiarity with the communities where we work and the issues coming up in the meetings we cover.
You can become a Documenter if you are 16 to 100 years old. If you are younger than 18, we ask that you have a parent or guardian’s permission to participate in the program.
Documenters are paid $18 an hour, with a $72 minimum payment per meeting assignment. A regular assignment allows for approximately one hour of prep work, two hours of meeting time, and one hour after the meeting to complete the notes. If a meeting lasts more than 2 hours, you will be paid per 15 minute increment for the additional time.
Working as a Documenter can be flexible based on your availability and interests. You choose what meetings you apply for and how frequently you would like to cover meetings. Some Documenters work four hours a week, while others choose to document once a month or even less.
Documenters should have an interest in community issues and public meetings, with curiosity, tenacity, and basic writing skills. You do not need to have a background as a journalist or writer. You will take part in a 2-hour orientation and an individual coaching session that will provide you with the skills to become a Documenter.