Neighborhood Newspaper Makers Get Inspired at Long Live the Neighborhood Newspaper

Marcel and Sophia are not only a couple but also neighborhood council members of Oosterflank. They have been committed to their neighborhood for years. They will stop in March because there are new elections. But they remain active in the neighborhood. From April, they will take over the production of the Oosterflank newspaper. That is a neighborhood newspaper in Prins Alexander.

There are more than 40 neighborhood newspapers throughout Rotterdam. We want to learn from others, says Marcel. Thats why we are going to the meeting.

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Handing over organization

The Oosterflank Newspaper was revived a few years ago by the neighborhood council. Marcel: There were residents who wanted to write. But no one wanted to take on the organization. So the planning, contact with the printer, design, and delivery.

The neighborhood council could not do that either because neighborhood council members are not allowed to decide what goes in the newspaper themselves. Therefore, they had to hand over production to an external foundation. When Marcel and Sophia are no longer neighborhood council members, they will do the production of the neighborhood newspaper themselves. This way, we can share even more important topics from the neighborhood with residents.

Important for the neighborhood

Marcel explains why neighborhood newspapers are important. The newspaper contains topics that otherwise receive little attention. Such as resident initiatives and activities in the House of the Neighborhood. But also when the neighborhood council meets and what the neighborhood council does.

In addition, with a paper newspaper, you also reach more people who are not digitally skilled. Such as people over 65. And generally, people just prefer to have a paper version. The Oosterflank Newspaper appears 4 times a year and is distributed door-to-door.

Learning from others

At the meeting, Marcel and Sophia want to learn more about the production process. For example, where we can have newspapers printed affordably. Also, how we can better arrange delivery. We want to learn from others experiences. What works well? What doesnt? And how do you ensure the newspaper remains financially viable?

Everyone who contributes to the newspaper does so voluntarily. Marcel sees what it yields the editors. They get to know their neighborhood better and become more involved in what is happening. All reasons to contribute.

Want to get started?

Are you already a maker of a neighborhood newspaper? Or do you want to know what it involves? Or do you want to start making a neighborhood newspaper? Then come to the meeting of Community Power from Below. This is a project of Opzoomer Mee. You can register until Monday, February 23, 9:00 AM via www.opzoomermee.nl/wijkkrant. Link opens an external page in a new browser tab.

Date: Wednesday, February 25
Time: 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Location: Theater Rotterdam – Schouwburg

The program includes inspiring speakers, creative and informative workshops, and a joint lunch.