Q: What is Uproot?
A: The Uproot Project is a network dedicated to amplifying diverse voices in environmental and climate journalism. Uproot aims to build a community of storytellers to transform narratives around pressing environmental issues.
Q: When was Uproot founded?
A: Uproot was founded in 2019 by a group of environmental journalists seeking change in the industry and launched publicly in March 2021.
Q: Why was Uproot founded?
A: Uproot is dedicated to advancing the careers of journalists who have been historically underrepresented in environmental and science journalism, bringing essential and diverse perspectives to the field. We take inspiration from initiatives like the Ida B. Wells Society that work to uplift underrepresented journalists.
You can read more about our mission [here], but in short: Environmental journalism has often failed to reflect the full range of experiences and voices, especially those from historically underrepresented communities, that shape our world. We’re working to change that by creating space for a new generation of storytellers to make the beat their own.
Q: What does Uproot provide for its membership?
A: Uproot connects our member journalists with publications, offers training, and builds community. Uproot is open to journalists of all races and backgrounds, but its goal is to support journalists of color in the fields of environmental and science reporting.
Q: What is Grist’s relationship to Uproot?
A: Uproot’s Board and leadership are composed of journalists from a range of outlets, spanning CNN to Grist to Time Magazine. Grist is a founding partner of Uproot, currently serving as an operational home for us. This includes offering financial support for steering committee members, our work, and production capacity for the events and training that Uproot hosts.
From the get-go, the idea was for Grist to support the group’s creation until we were ready to become independent. We aim to build capacity in order to become our own organization in the near future.
Q: How can interested or prospective journalists learn more or join?
A: If you’re interested in becoming a member of The Uproot Project, fill out our member form. Filling this out will give you access to our Slack channel (look out for an invite in your inbox!) and also alert us to what you wish to see Uproot accomplish. This network is by journalists of color and for journalists of color. Your needs and feedback matter. Be sure to fill it out to connect with us and stay in the loop.