2022 Summer reporting fellows, April Alonso for Cicero Independiente.
Cicero Independiente’s Mission And Vision
Our mission is to serve the diverse communities of Cicero and Berwyn with inclusive and bilingual news and storytelling opportunities that elevate local voices and foster civic engagement.
We envision A future where every member of the community in Cicero and Berwyn is informed, engaged, and empowered to tell their own stories, shaping the narrative of their community.
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT VALUES
Community Rooted and Focused: Our strength and inspiration stem from our community's needs and
aspirations. We are not just focused, but built on our community, empowering residents to be journalists and
storytellers.
Transparency and Accessibility: We demand and practice transparency in our work and from local governing
institutions. Our commitment to accessibility is exemplified in our bilingual content, ensuring our work is
accessible to both Spanish and English speakers.
Inclusivity: Our commitment to inclusivity goes beyond words; we involve and incorporate community residents
in all aspects of our work. We welcome everyone to contribute, regardless of their journalism background, for we
believe in the power of diverse voices and experiences.
Collaboration, Knowledge Sharing, and Equitable practices: We foster a culture of collaboration, recognizing
the power of shared knowledge. We view every community member as both a teacher and learner, enriching our
collective wisdom. Committed to equitable practices, we ensure fair compensation for our contributors,
honoring the value of their local storytelling and journalism.
Awareness of Impact: We understand the power and responsibility of narrating our stories. We strive to leverage
this power responsibly; our work supports community-well being.
Independence: Our work is balanced and reflects the genuine needs and perspectives of the Cicero community.