Unityjournalists.org is a website that advocates that journalism has the obligation to reflect a representative picture of the communities in the world which they live. Therefore, they want diversity in coverage and in the newsroom. Their mission states, “UNITY: Journalists of Color, Inc. is a strategic alliance advocating fair and accurate news coverage about people of color, and aggressively challenging the industry to staff its organizations at all levels to reflect the nation’s diversity.”
The purpose of their goals is to include people of color in all aspects of journalism, whether it is with coverage or in journalism organizations at all levels. The objective of increasing these is to work against the media made stereotypes and myths. They advocate all types of diversity that accurately portrays the world.
The website presentation is rather simple with a selection of 15 tabs on the side that further detail the reasons for the organizations and the ways to get involved for the common purpose of promoting diversity.
One tab is named “Past Conventions.” It shows three different conventions held that take you to the advertisement for each. The “NewU” tab details a current competition for the summer of 2010 where students can apply for one of four positions in a “boot camp” with one-on-one mentoring which helps new entrepreneurs realize their ideas. The “News Releases” tab is simply what it states. It shows previous press coverage for the organization. The calendar has the next conventions with necessary information. The website takes donations. It has received $4,810 by four donors. Readers can also sign up for e-mail newsletters.
On the home page there it a flash video with Unity slides. Underneath is UNITY news. Partners of UNITY include AAJA, NAJA, NABJ, and National Association of Hispanic Journalists. Visitors can also sign up for the UNITY News that gives them an e-mail with the latest news. Overall I rate the website a 2.5 out of 5. I felt it was almost too simple, and needed more updated information under “Past Conventions.” I do think what these journalists advocate is extremely important to accurate journalism.
The idea of this website is very unique, but it seems like they don't present the material in the best manner. I agree with Lizzy that the site is too simple and could have more information about how to include people of color in all aspects of journalism. Instead of showcasing the conferences that will discuss this material, I think a more interactive manner would better educate society.
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