Exeter Observer provides free key topic workshops which cover specific local, subregional and regional public interest issues in depth to help contributors better understand policy and practice in and around Exeter.
Workshops covering practical journalism skills such as making requests under freedom of information legislation are also planned.
These are in addition to the community journalism courses and news writing seminars that Exeter Observer offers to help potential contributors learn skills and gain confidence.
Workshops are presented in three hour small group sessions and are supported by resources which include notes, references and documents such as relevant local strategies and policies.
Attendance at the workshops is normally restricted to Exeter Observer contributors. If you are interested in taking part, please get in touch to request a place, including a few details about yourself and why you want to come along.
Key topic workshop notes
- Exeter regional arts & culture
- Exeter regional climate & environment
- Exeter regional democracy & governance
- Exeter regional economy & enterprise
- Exeter regional education & skills
- Exeter regional health & wellbeing
- Exeter regional planning & place
- Exeter regional transport & mobility
Journalism skills workshop notes
- Digital information and communications security
- Local government finance, budgets and accounts
- Freedom of Information requests
- Data journalism
Opinion / Climate & environment
Is Exeter finally responding to the climate emergency?
A surge of activity about action to combat climate change is taking place in Exeter, including the publication of a carbon neutral blueprint pending a "mobilisation summit", but detail and evidence is still missing and community engagement is falling short of debate.
News / Climate & environment
Exeter climate strike anniversary march brings junction to standstill
Protestors form human chain around County Hall to highlight Devon County Council's role as key regional climate policy decision-maker after Exeter City Council confiscates banners promoting carbon neutral blueprint policies.
Analysis / Planning & place
Echoes of Exeter's Roman past reveal risks to city's future vision
The unexpected discovery of Roman remains on Exeter's bus station redevelopment site suggests significant risks may also exist for the adjacent Citypoint regeneration scheme.
News / Community & society
Exeter library children's horse to keep on rocking!
A crowdfunding appeal has successfully raised £1000 to repair Exeter Central library's popular rocking horse, Jubilee Beauty.
Analysis / Planning & place
Exeter net zero housing revolution takes root in Chestnut Avenue
Exeter City Council is taking exploratory steps from talking about a zero carbon future to delivering one with a pilot housing project in Wonford.