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Josh Stearns

Josh Stearns is a dedicated journalist, community builder, and civic strategist with a strong focus on media, innovation, and democracy. With over a decade of experience, he has been actively involved in projects aimed at enhancing access to local news and establishing new systems to revitalize the public square in the digital era.

His current endeavors center around collaborating with communities to develop innovative approaches for promoting more responsive news and information. Josh also provides guidance to newsrooms on creative revenue strategies, communications, online and grassroots community engagement, as well as organizing impactful events.

With a background spanning fifteen years in advocacy, communications, and education across various local and national nonprofits, Josh remains a steadfast proponent for journalism and press freedom. Noteworthy is his ability to solve a Rubik's cube in under a minute, showcasing his analytical and problem-solving skills.

Josh pursued his education with a Master of Arts in English, American Studies from the University of Massachusetts Amherst, and a Bachelor of Arts in Writing, English, Rhetoric, and Theatre from St. Lawrence University. Currently, he serves as the Director of the Public Square Program at Democracy Fund, where he continues to drive impactful initiatives within the realm of media and democracy.

Highlights

Feb 22 · linkedin

This week Press Forward announced a big expansion of local chapters, including a number of regions who have helped trail blaze new models of philanthropy for local news. Democracy Fund has long believed that transforming local news must begin with local communities. Since 2016, Democracy Fund has invested more than $15 million in 10 geographic areas across the U.S. to support vibrant ecosystems that reimagine news and information as civic infrastructure. And we have evidence of the unique impact this model can have - check out the link below!

10 years ago I joined Molly de Aguiar's work in NJ exploring how foundations could build more community centered, healthy news and information ecosystems. 8 years ago Democracy Fund set out to build on those lessons, and today we are seeing Press Forward cultivating new regions. Teresa Gorman who has been leading so much of this work called it "a labor of love," and that feels like it captures it so well. It is rooted in our love of local communities, our trust in the brilliance of local people, our commitment to the power of local solutions.

With deep thanks to so many people who have been on this journey with us from so early on. https://lnkd.in/e2Yf_WbG

Feb 7 · linkedin

I'm excited to see The Pivot Fund investing in Baltimore Beat at this critical moment for local news in Baltimore, and grateful for Tracie Powell's call to action for others to support this vital local newsroom. Last year Democracy Fund chose to support Baltimore Beat as a trailblazing leader, building powerful journalism to serve communities and advance a multi-racial democracy. We provided $450,000 over three years in general operating support but they need and deserve even more. Learn more about them here: https://lnkd.in/ezvgSSDw

Josh Stearns
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Location

Springfield, Massachusetts Metropolitan Area