Does RNA provide internships?
No. However we encourage you to call the media outlet you are interested in and ask about its internship programs. Many organizations offer internships in various beats to help the educational experience of future journalists. You may want to inquire with the Religion Editor or reporters to ask about the process within their specific organization. We are aware of religion reporting internships in the past at the Dallas Morning News, Religion News Service and The Charlotte Observer. You may also look into:
- journalismjobs.com
- journalismtraining.org
- SPJ (Society of Professional Journalists) and its magazine, Quill
- College Media Advisers
- National Scholastic Press Association
- Associated Collegiate Press / www.studentpress.org
- JEA (Journalism Education Association)
- Your State Newspaper Association (such as Ohio Newspaper Association)
- ASNE.org/internships
- Poynter Institute
Most journalism internships at mid to large newspapers are set up in January, February and March; however each has their own process and deadline.
Does RNA provide free training to assist with religion writing?
Yes. We offer free workshops throughout the year partnering with a variety of groups. Visit our website for dates, topics and locations:
In addition we provide speakers on various panels throughout the country. Visit our site for details and locations.
We also provide a scholarships to reporters for the RNA Annual Conference. Reporters must submit an application and be selected to receive a stipend to cover travel to the event. Check out our Web site for more details.
What training opportunities are available for a fee?
Our Annual Conference is packed full of training and networking opportunities. Visit our site for registration information and a conference outline. The 2009 conference is Sept. 10-12, 2009, in Minneapolis.
Does RNA offer scholarships?
RNA is pleased to offer the Lilly Scholarships in Religion to fulltime journalists or freelacers who meet the eligibility requirements. Stipends up to $5,000 are awarded to reporters to attend a college course of their choice in any topic of religion, in any part of the country. Deadlines are April 1, July 1, October 1 and January 1. For more information, please visit our site and click on “Scholarships”.
We also offer Conference Scholarships to our members to attend our Annual Conference. Amounts vary depanding on the number of applicants. Visit the “Scholarships” section of our website.
What other religion reporting scholarships are available?
You are encouraged check with the individual educational institution you are interested in for various scholarship programs.
Northwestern University, University of Missouri and Columbia University offer specific programs/degrees in religion and media. Individual religion and reporting courses are offered at Loyola, Marquette and Trinity College, among other locations.
Some specific denominations may offer scholarships for religion reporting as well. A good source to review for additional scholarships are Columbia Journalism Review; American Journalism Review; E&T; and The Chronicle of Philanthropy that will often list award monies from various foundations and non-profits.
Do you have a discounted membership rate for students?
Yes – students may join RNA for $25. For a membership application please visit our site at www.religionwriters.com and click on “Who We Are.” Membership will provide you with networking opportunities, resources and training opportunities to learn more about the beat and assist with your writing. You will have access to newsletters, discounted rates to events, various resources that are mailed, access to our bulletin board (where job opportunities are often posted) and membership directory.
How many RNA members are there?
We have a total of about 450 members and subscribers. Of those, about 260 are active religion reporters at the general circulation news media. Most of those members work for newspapers; a handful work in broadcast media. Journalists working in religious media are not eligible for active membership in RNA, but they may become subscribers.
