Frequently asked questions

  • Being a signatory means you support News Futures’ principles by signing our charter and committing to shared values. Your name will appear on our website as a supporter, and your status remains active until you choose to retract your commitment. Each year, you can decide whether to remain a signatory, become a contributor, or take on a steward role, depending on your level of involvement. If you prefer not to make additional commitments, your support as a signatory is always appreciated, with future opportunities to shape our work available.

  • You can make additional commitments by:

    • Becoming a Steward, which involves leadership roles, such as leading a Working Group or joining the Gardening Club.

    • Becoming a Contributor by joining Working Groups, which will open for participation in early 2025.

  • News Futures operates as a do-ocracy, where those who step up lead the work. It is a field-focused initiative for shared strategy, movement building, and rest, rooted in the Roadmap for Local News recommendations. News Futures is focused on individual contributors rather than their organizations, emphasizing personal commitment. We use terms like Signatory, Contributor, and Steward to reflect shared responsibility.

  • News Futures is a contributor-driven, collaborative project that is fiscally sponsored by City Bureau. Its governance is outlined in a charter ratified in September 2024. Day-to-day work is led by part-time/contract staff members and the Gardening Club, Signatories elected by peers to guide strategy and provide feedback. See our Community page for a list of Signatories, Contributors, Stewards, and Staff.

  • We ask all Signatories to adhere to News Futures' code of conduct and encourage participation in Working Groups. Reports of code violations can be submitted to Stewards at team@newsfutures.org, and appropriate action will be taken.

  • Yes! While our current focus is on the U.S., international signatories are welcome. Presently, English is our primary language, but we plan to incorporate other languages as our network grows.

  • The Gardening Club reflects News Futures’ collaborative and flexible nature, focusing on nurturing ideas and strategies rather than rigid structures. As an elected group, the Gardeners guide staff, incorporate community input, and ensure alignment with the charter and values.

  • The Future of Local News (FLN) Camp is an annual gathering for stewards and contributors to strategize, build, and recharge as a field. Past camps (2018–2024) are due for a revision, and a new format is expected in 2025.

  • News Futures hosts and sponsors in-person and online events initiated by Working Groups. We also hold quarterly virtual office hours for new signatories looking to get involved.

  • News Futures is supported by core funders, including the Democracy Fund, Luce Foundation, and Skyline Foundation.

  • Success is defined collectively by contributors and stewards through working group outcomes, governance processes, and meeting community-driven goals.

  • As a Signatory, you’ll receive regular e-mail updates and have the option to be added to the News Futures Slack community. 

  • See our “Community” page for a current list of News Futures signatories, contributors, stewards and staff.

  • Since 2018, News Futures operated as a closed group focused on action. It grew through a +1 invitation system until 2023, when formal governance and part-time staff were introduced. In 2024, the charter was finalized, and in early 2025, News Futures will open for anyone to join. 

  • We chose a pledge model because it’s important to clearly state our intentions, create a compelling vision for the future, and commit to collective efforts.

  • We recommend the following:

  • No. By signing, you agree with the principles of the charter, but differing opinions are welcome as part of our collaborative approach.