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It is the alternative media's role to critically analyze the mainstream news and other statement by those in power, cover unreported stories, and advocate for minority viewpoints. By its nature, alternative media shows more variety of content, style and opinion than the mainstream media does. I believe there are standards of journalism and ethics, however, that apply to all varieties. Some of these are applicable to all media, and some are unique to the mission of the alternative media. This is my statement of those ethics, submitted as a starting point for group discussion in NASNA,

Speak truth to power and make sure it's true. I will not make false or misleading statements, nor repeat reports by others that I cannot verify. I will check facts and figures before publication. If I do print an error of fact, I will print a retraction and correction.

First do no harm. I will not suppress facts, but neither will I report them in such a way as to damage groups or individuals who are doing good work. If a staff member at a homeless organization embezzles funds or abuses residents, for instance, I will report it, but I will not help provide ammunition to those who would attack all shelters.

Question everything. I will not report any official statements as given without critical analysis to determine inaccuracies, omissions or bias.

Advocate up front. I will not refrain from reporting on or advocating for causes I believe in. I will declare my affiliations and personal opinion whenever they may reasonably be expected to influence my judgement of the subject I am reporting. A good cause is not served by bad reporting. I will not report just one side of a controversy. The interests of whoever I am advocating for are best served by accurately reporting opposing viewpoints and intelligently critiquing them.

Serve the cause, not my ego. I will write to communicate to people who do not yet agree with me as well as to speak for the people who do. I will not indulge in personal attacks or any other diversions that will interfere with achieving the success of the mission I support.

Stay in contact. I will act as part of my community. I will be easy to contact and I will listen to vendors, other homeless and low-income people, other activists and advocates as well as other neighbors. I will use my paper to bring people together to work on common causes. I will provide access for others to speak. I will speak for homeless and low-income people, but I will also provide access for them to speak for themselves.

Practice what I preach. I will practice the same principles of justice in my private life and my paper's organization that I advocate in print. I am ultimately accountable to homeless and low-income individuals.

Note: These guidelines were developed for a discussion on advocacy journalism sponsored by NASNA. Anitra Freeman, poet & activist, can be reached on the web at anitra.net. Her site is chock full of insights on street-level journalism, activism and a sampling of Anitra's poetry and art.

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