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I spoke with @MrOlmos, @KariWrites, @joiechen and @sammyragland about what journalists need to know to protect their physical and mental health in the coming week. https://www.poynter.org/reporting-editing/2021/how-to-guard-your-physical-and-mental-health-while-covering-the-inauguration/
While covering protests, rallies and riots, @MrOlmos does not dress to blend it with participants. He wears khakis and a dress shirt in boring colors. He has Kevlar, a helmet, safety glasses, and a gas mask if he needs one. And always his press pass.
He likes basic safety glasses that you can find at the hardware store. Between rubber bullets and paint ball guns, you need to protect your eyes.
> @joiechen says to deactivate your thumbprint and facial recognition on your phone so no one can force you to open it and review or delete footage.
In Portland, the journalists on the ground have group chats and texts so they can keep tabs on each other. @MrOlmos said when things get bad, they pair up. If you haven't reached out to other journalists in your town yet, now's a good time.
And don't stand in one place. he said. Move around so your location is never a given.
More resources:
> @JamesFoleyFund's James W. Foley Journalist Safety Curricula includes how to conduct risk assessments and risks in covering domestic civil unrest. https://www.poynter.org/reporting-editing/2021/how-to-guard-your-physical-and-mental-health-while-covering-the-inauguration/
> @JamesFoleyFund's James W. Foley Journalist Safety Curricula includes how to conduct risk assessments and risks in covering domestic civil unrest. https://www.poynter.org/reporting-editing/2021/how-to-guard-your-physical-and-mental-health-while-covering-the-inauguration/
> @DartCenter's free training, “Covering riots and civil unrest,” takes place Friday, Jan. 15. https://dartcenter.org/events/2021/01/free-training-webinar-covering-riots-and-civil-unrest
> @DartCenter has more tips, including to fully charge your phone, carry extra batteries, and write the number of legal help in waterproof marker on your arm. https://dartcenter.org/resources/how-safely-cover-street-protests
> @pressfreedom's tips include planning multiple exit routes and wearing shoes that “allow you to move swiftly.” https://cpj.org/2018/09/physical-safety-civil-disorder/
> @atompkins has 23 guidelines, including to keep rolling and learn basic first aid. https://www.poynter.org/reporting-editing/2020/23-guidelines-for-journalists-to-safely-cover-protests-this-weekend/
> @joiechen has a free webinar on covering protests. https://www.poynter.org/shop/on-poynt/stay-sharp-and-safe-while-covering-protests/
> @pressfreedom has a series of first aid videos, including how to tie a tourniquet and controlling blood loss. https://cpj.org/2018/09/first-aid-videos/
Way back in 2014, I wrote about journalists’ rights while covering protests, including that press areas shouldn’t be restrictive. https://www.poynter.org/reporting-editing/2020/heading-back-to-ferguson-know-your-rights/
And should something happen to you while on assignment, log it with U.S. Press Freedom Tracker. https://pressfreedomtracker.us/submit-incident/
Now to mental health. “Everyone is overwhelmed, tired, grieving, scared, angry and having problems focusing," said @KariWrites. AND
You, for my white colleagues, we need to recognize layered trauma.
Here's @KariWrites from 2019 on how to take care of yourself while covering trauma https://www.poynter.org/reporting-editing/2019/how-journalists-can-take-care-of-themselves-while-covering-trauma/
> @sammyragland suggests you figure out what you can and can't control. You can use your phone to help you stop doomscrolling. You can clean up your desk before you stop working so you don't start the next day in a panic. And you can find joy online (NASA, NatGeo) if you look.
Also, editors, you need to be having one-on-ones with your staff. Don't wait until they need it. Check in, @sammyragland said, and be ready to listen.
More resources:
> @RTDNA has a mental health resource guide, including daily self-care practices for journalists. https://www.rtdna.org/content/newsroom_mental_health_resource_guide
> @RTDNA has a mental health resource guide, including daily self-care practices for journalists. https://www.rtdna.org/content/newsroom_mental_health_resource_guide
Navigating Trauma Guide has tips for moving more, getting more sleep and a list of joyful things to bask in. https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1jJIvgrnI1vEyp7VQgAWoBGSIpyd9fQynmcMuNKQt6p0/edit#gid=0
Poynter has a free self-directed course on journalism and trauma. https://www.poynter.org/shop/self-directed-course/journalism-and-trauma/
> @TheABPsi's Self-Care Tool Kit includes signs of stress and tips for self-care.
https://www.abpsi.org/pdf/FamilyCommunitySelfCareToolKit.pdf
https://www.abpsi.org/pdf/FamilyCommunitySelfCareToolKit.pdf
> @CarterFellows has a whole page of tips and guides for journalists’ mental health while covering the coronavirus. https://mentalhealthjournalism.org/covid-19-mental-health-resources-for-journalists-and-you/
Black Girls Breathing has a virtual breathwork circle. https://www.blackgirlsbreathing.com/our-offerings
> @therapy4latinx includes a way to find therapists near you. https://www.therapyforlatinx.com/
>@ @headlineclub is hosting “Let’s Talk About Mental Health and Trauma in Journalism” on Thursday, Jan. 28. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/lets-talk-about-mental-health-and-trauma-in-journalism-tickets-136191601747?aff=Bitly
And the phone number for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is 1-800-273-TALK (8255). https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/
