The Rapidian is Grand Rapids' citizen journalism platform and dedicated hyperlocal news hub.
We create hyperlocal news by bringing the community into the newsroom. We empower citizen journalists with comprehensive training, workshops and mentorship. Committed to community-driven and collaborative journalism, we foster local partnerships and prioritize our coverage based on actively listening to and amplifying the information needs of our community.
We co-create a dynamic and inclusive news platform that reflects the community we're built by.
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In 2023, The Rapidian became a part of the nationwide Documenters Network, reinforcing our dedication to community-focused journalism. Documenters is a collective of civic contributors trained to cover local government meetings and events, increasing transparency and civic coverage in Grand Rapids.
Why Join Documenters?
Being informed brings power to a community! That's why The Rapidian introduced the Grand Rapids Documenters program. It's all about boosting transparency, covering public meetings in a fresh way, and sparking civic engagement in our city. We train the Grand Rapids Documenters to attend these meetings, note down the key points, and share them with the public.
So many important conversations in Grand Rapids happen behind closed doors, hidden away in boardrooms without an audience. As a Documenter, you have the power to change that.
Interested? Becoming a Documenter is easy! Apply now and join us for training, support, and a community of people interested in local news.
Submit a Tip
Got an idea for something we should cover? Share your tip with The Rapidian.
Name and email address are not required to submit an tip, but please include them if you would like us to be in touch.
Your support empowers us...
...to connect local communities through media. Serve diverse creators and audiences. Provide tools, training, and transmission.