Patti McGill Peterson - The Glocal Exchange Grant
Students participating in off-campus study programs have the opportunity to apply for a $300 Patti McGill Peterson grant through The Glocal Exchange, a citizen journalism series published by Weave News. Accepted students will receive the funds in exchange for researching, writing, and publishing a story with The Glocal Exchange on a topic related to their off-campus coursework and interests. Stories that best fit the series' emphasis on global-local connections will be preferred.
Globalization affects people in all parts of the world, but it does so unevenly. Therefore, one of the best ways to understand globalization is to examine its impact from the perspective of local communities. Too often, establishment media ignores the connections between the local and global or fails to provide context, detail, and critical perspectives on the relevant power structures. Contributors to The Glocal Exchange fill in these gaps through citizen journalism, examining their local environments in-depth and applying a critical lens to globalization.
Process and General Guidelines
Before starting the off-campus semester, accepted applicants will have a meeting arranged with a Weave News Editor. During this meeting, students will receive initial suggestions on their pitch and further guidance on their story angle and reporting plan. Editorial staff will be available for further consultation during the research and writing process. After completing and submitting the first draft by an agreed-upon deadline, students will receive feedback from our editors and engage in a back and forth process of editing and fine-tuning prior to publication.
Length – Students awarded funds through The Glocal Exchange grant are expected to produce articles of 1000-2500 words. Longer pieces may be considered for publication in multiple installments, so writers need not feel limited if they have sufficient material.
Critical perspective – The series looks for pieces that analyze globalization and the intersections between the global and the local from a critical perspective. Contributors should strive to make a provocative case that uses local experiences to unpack globalization and question its dominant ideology and underlying assumptions.
Quality of writing – Pieces are expected to be written clearly, concisely, and engagingly. First-person is permitted, but passive language should be avoided.
Strength of sources – Submissions will be judged based on the quantity and quality of the local materials included in the research. These might include local newspapers, government documents, minutes of local government meetings, materials from social movements and other community groups, direct observation and experience, as well as other kinds of primary information collected through interviews and consultations. Articles that provide first-hand investigative reporting beyond available online sources are preferred.
Additional Expectations
On program completion, students who received funding will be required to give an on-campus presentation during their first semester back on campus. Depending on the season, the presentation might take place during Family Weekend, the Festival of Scholarship and Creativity, or other such events. Grant recipients will also be expected to write a thank you message directed to Patti McGill Peterson, the donor whose funds made this opportunity possible.
Students selected for the project will receive a $300 stipend payable in installments. Recipients will receive a schedule of payments contingent on completing requirements of the grant.
Students selected for the project may also have the opportunity to participate in the recruitment and training of future participants.
Application Details
Applicants should submit the following:
- Biographical details and off-campus program
- Unofficial academic transcript
- Story pitch addressing the following questions:
What will this story be about? In a paragraph or two, explain your topic and specific story angle; tell us why it's relevant, and give us a sense of your writing style.
Why should you tell this story? Does this story relate to your academic focus, or broader off-campus study interests? If you have a special connection to this topic, please let us know
How do you plan to pursue this story? Give us a quick overview of where you plan to find primary sources and interviews. Remember that other articles on the topic are not sufficient; primary research is essential.
Note: If the investigation process reveals a better story, there is leeway to change or adapt topics. However, make your initial story pitch as concrete as possible. - Short essay: Please provide an essay of no more than 500 words in which you present yourself and your motivation for contributing to The Glocal Exchange during your off-campus study semester. How would publishing this piece with Weave News align with your academic and career interests, and how would the potential funding enhance your experience abroad? You may also use this opportunity to explain any extenuating circumstances that are relevant to your financial need or other aspects of your situation.
- Writing samples or a resume are welcome, but not required.
Apply for the Patti McGill Peterson - The Glocal Exchange Grant