CALL FOR AUTHORS

Help Us Author the State of Black Dayton

The Miami Valley Urban League is in the beginning stages of creating the publication “The State of Black Dayton.”  An important aspect of this publication will be to include the voices of community members as authors to assist in creating a document that is representative of the experiences, perspectives, and realities of Black citizens in the Dayton region. 

 As we move forward with this project, it is important for us to establish criteria that ensure diverse, authentic, and impactful contributions. The following are criteria we will use to identify our contributors: 

• Diverse Experiences – Contributors should have a wide range of experiences that include different socio-economic statuses, ages, gender identities and geographic locations. 

• Authenticity and Representation – Contributors should be representative of the diversity of the community-at-large to provide a holistic view of the community. 

• Expertise and Knowledge – Individuals who are contributors should have a demonstrated understanding of relevant topics, that affect the Black community. 

• Engagement and Community Involvement – Contributors that are actively engaged in the community through volunteerism, activism or who participate in organizations that focus on the needs of Black citizens will have priority. 

• Commitment to Inclusivity and a Sense of Belonging – Contributors who advocate for inclusivity and are focused on efforts that increase a sense of belonging will be highly considered.  They should demonstrate their acknowledgement of intersectional identities and issues that are related to gender, sexuality, disability and immigration status. 

• Willingness to Collaborate – Individuals who are open to working with others and being able to take direction will be strongly considered. 

• Storytelling Ability – Collaborators must be effective communicators who are willing and able to convey personal stories and insights in a compelling way keeping in mind that it is critical that the publication must engage the readers. 

     The publication will have several areas of focus to include but not limited to the following: 

• • • Economic Development  

• • • Education 

• • • Housing 

• • • Health and Wellness 

• • • Criminal Justice 

• • • Poverty 

• • • Employment 

• • • Older Adults 

• • • Digital Literacy 

• • • Population and Immigration 

• • • Income 

• • • Environmental Racism (Impact of Climate Change) 

 After considering the selection criteria and the possible areas of focus of the publication, if you have the passion, commitment, and skills to become a contributor to this very important project, we invite you to complete the application.