For all senior journalists or even aspiring journalists who intend on covering trauma in their career, the Dart Center for Journalism & Trauma is an excellent resource for you. The Dart Center for Journalism & Trauma is a project of the Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism, which is one of the best programs in the country for journalism. The Dart Center originally began in the 1990’s and is funded by the Dart Foundation, with businessman Ken Dart as a board member.
The Center is dedicated to thorough, informative, and ethical news reporting on all areas of trauma. The Dart Center offers fellowships, awards, and training in order to give journalists the resources to report on traumatic situations. Traumatic situations range from anything like a flood to domestic violence.
The Dart Center for Journalism & Trauma’s website has up to date articles, interviews and advice for journalists. Currently there is a tip sheet featured on the website for “Reporting on Sexual Violence.” The sheet gives preparatory advice, advice for the interview and advice for writing about the topic post-interview. The website additionally has a forum for controversies and discoveries regarding the field of trauma.
One featured aspect of the Dart Center is the Ochberg Fellowships. The Ochberg Fellowship is a seminar each year that lasts for a week and is filled with distinguished senior journalists. The main focus of the seminar is the coverage of traumatic events. The fellowship brings together people from America, Europe, Australia and Latin America.
After 9/11, the Dart Center created Dart Center Ground Zero, which was a six month education and support program for journalists in New York City. During this time, the Dart Center expanded by adding junctions in both Europe and Australia. These junctions offered innovative and extensive training programs for journalists.
The Dart Center is an excellent resource for journalism teachers or journalists who are out in the field covering trauma.