August 2022
Rocky Kistner
SEJ colleagues;
I've reported on environmental topics since the 1980s, working for a variety of network TV, radio, print and online outlets. As someone who works mainly on climate and clean energy issues, I believe SEJ is at a critical stage to support journalists who report on the existential threats to the planet. Our work has never been so important. I'm running for the SEJ board because I believe the organization can take major steps towards building a robust financial support network that can allow it to continue to grow and prosper.
First, I believe SEJ must continue to focus on attracting a more diverse membership of journalists, including more minority and younger journalists who bring important new perspectives and greater energy to our mix. We need to find new ways to encourage younger generations of reporters — journalists who will be greatly impacted by the dangerous climate to come — to join SEJ members' fact-based reporting on critical environmental issues. SEJ should focus on developing new programs that include more mentoring and story-telling opportunities to build and sustain young journalists' careers.
For the past two years I've served on the SEJ fundraising committee. I'm hopeful we can come up with ways to build new sources of grants and financial support, such as a reinvigorated advisory board that can attract more funding support from the financial and philanthropic world. SEJ has expanded its fundraising efforts to bring in additional sources of income, supporting more story grants and creating a revamped strategic plan that will help boost its standing in the 21st Century. SEJ's work will only grow in importance, and we need to make fundraising a priority to support it.
Despite these perilous times, SEJ has survived the covid pandemic in good shape, thanks to the hard work of its staff and board members. The annual meeting in Houston and its focus on environmental justice issues was a good example of how the organization can shine a spotlight on the growing environmental problems of underserved communities, problems that will continue to grow as the planet warms. The climate crisis is accelerating and our work on environmental issues is only getting more crucial for society at large. "We are all climate reporters now," CNN's climate correspondent Bill Weir said recently. I believe a healthy and well-funded SEJ is key to supporting journalists who bring critical information about growing environmental impacts to the public.
If elected to the board, I will work hard with others to achieve these goals. I will do it for my colleagues, and I will do it for my kids. Because ultimately, they are the ones who will benefit the most from a strong and resourceful SEJ.
Thanks for your consideration and your vote.
Rocky Kistner
Rocky's web page
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