And just like that, it is June 1.
The Dispatch Editorial Board is taking 2025’s midpoint as an opportunity to recruit new blood and fresh ideas for our community advisors group.
Editorials are key to holding public officials accountable and explaining issues to readers.
We seek a diverse group of thoughtful community members to join in the discussions that help shape our editorial board’s stances on issues important to our cities, region and state.
What do advisors do?
Service on The Columbus Dispatch Editorial Board Community Advisors does not require a heavy lift, but there is a lift involved.
The volunteer group will gather in person or virtually every other month to discuss potential editorials and share perspectives about the news of he day and topics impacting the region.
Board members will be invited to weigh in during candidate endorsement meetings and when the editorial board hears from key community leaders seeking support or sharing information.
Members will be asked to provide feedback on editorials. The goal is to achieve consensus or near consensus among members after appropriate dialogue.
Advisors will be asked to occasionally write columns of their own, but doing so is not a requirement of service. It is just a bonus.
Who can serve on the board?
We strive to ensure the board fairly represents the community and its political spectrum. Our community board members must reside in central Ohio and be at least 18 years old with internet access.
Disagreement does not have to be disagreeable.
Members must be civic-minded and open to civil conversations. This includes a willingness to listen to others’ perspectives and express one’s own. Advisors do not have to be experts in any area, but are expected to keep abreast of local, state, and national news and issues.
Personal or professional agendas can not be pushed and are distractions. Political candidates, elected officials, and political and government workers will not be accepted. This includes lobbyists and those working for political action groups.
Members will be expected to recuse themselves from conversations if conflicts arise.
How to apply
Prospective board members are asked to email the following information to Arobinson@Dispatch.com by June 15 with the subject line “Columbus Dispatch Board of Community Advisors” or fill out our online form: https://gannett-nxuao.formstack.com/forms/join_the_dispatch_community_advisory_board
We will not be able to accept all who apply, but our goal will be to form a group that reflects the richness found in the Columbus area. We hope you will consider joining us.
Amelia Robinson is the Columbus Dispatch’s opinion and community engagement editor.
This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: The Dispatch Editorial Board seeks new community advisors. Why apply. | Opinion
Reporting by Amelia Robinson, Columbus Dispatch / The Columbus Dispatch
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