The Solutions Journalism Network is an independent, non-profit organization working to legitimize and spread the practice of solutions journalism: rigorous and compelling reporting on responses to social problems.

The Solutions Journalism Network is driving this practice change in several ways:

1. LEARNING PLATFORM: Their website is the go-to source for tools on the practice of solutions journalism. They offer guidebooks, checklists, and case studies—all for free. In partnership with the Poynter Institute’s NewsU, they’re developing online curricula to reach professional journalists; they are also collaborating with graduate schools of journalism to develop a course for students.

2. JOURNALISM DEVELOPMENT: They’re working with dozens of the nation’s leading news organizations to build the practice of solutions journalism in newsrooms. They provide training and story coaching, connect journalists with data providers, and offer modest project funding. With a select few partners, they pursue longer-term demonstration projects – such as “Education Lab,” their flagship initiative with The Seattle Times.

3. COMMUNITY: SJN’s emerging network offers journalists and news organizations a platform for shared learning and collaboration; connections to relevant professional opportunities; and fellowships to pursue deeper dives into solutions-oriented projects. Their existing community of leaders and influencers is the foundation for practice change that is spreading at an accelerating pace — more newsrooms, more energy and interest, more high-quality solutions journalism. This is, they expect, the start of a shift in journalism that promises (as their t-shirts say) less tunnel and more light — the whole story.