From Washington State to Indiana: Snaps for Summer FOI Internship Experience
When they said I would be the Pulliam/Kilgore Freedom of Information intern, they really meant FREEDOM OF INFORMATION intern because I am now bursting with information about FOI issues. I did not start the summer with a grand FOI background. Throughout my internship I learned what FOI issues include, how important it is that journalists and the general public pay attention to these issues, and what great stories journalists can do using FOIA.
I had to research, research and research, but eventually I felt comfortable that I knew what had gone on this year with FOI. I am so grateful for the help of two FOI masters, SPJ’s FOI committee chair Dave Cullier and National Freedom of Information Coalition executive director Charles Davis, who both helped me understand different FOI issues and answer questions (as most journalists, I had a lot of them!). I also want to thank the rest of the SPJ FOI committee and everyone who took the time for me to interview them and help me understand the different issues going on nationally and locally.
I really hope when this issue comes out the stories will not only be entertaining to read but will also be informative for everyone. I tried to make them as “how-to” as possible, so each person picking up this FOI issue of Quill could leave with at least one new journalism tip.
This internship was a different experience for me since I was not only focusing on FOI issues, but I was also writing for a magazine. Joe Skeel, my editor for the summer (who was always there to listen and give constructive comments), helped me understand that this would be a lot different from my newspaper internships. The pace was slower than that of a newspaper, but Joe and Chris Vachon always had some other assignments I could work on when I was waiting for interviews or had finished writing my stories.
I should probably add that this internship gave me some new life experiences as well. I am from Washington State and have never lived in a “big city” like Indianapolis. To top it off, I decided to not destroy my car by driving it here and took the bus everywhere in Indianapolis. I think everyone should have to take the bus at some point. It’s a great option for those wanting to save gas money or be more environmentally friendly. However, I will say that it can be a humbling and at times intimidating experience. But I’m pretty sure if I could make it the whole summer riding the bus, anyone can do it. I will be returning to the Evergreen State I love so much but have enjoyed this experience in Indianapolis (especially thanks to Alyson who, among many things, allowed me to have my first experience with a deep-fried Snickers bar).
I want to end by noting how lucky we SPJ members are to have such a competent staff who really do care about SPJ (it’s true…I’ve heard them say it!). They work full-time to make sure SPJ offers its members the resources they deserve and that our organization has a good reputation nationally and locally. They deserve a lot of credit for any notable things we accomplish as an organization, so if you ever have a question about something SPJ related do not be scared to contact them because they do want to help.
Stay classy Indianapolis,
Breanne Coats