America magazine integrates solutions journalism into intern training

J.D. Long Garcia, an editor at America magazine and an accredited solutions journalism trainer, pitched the idea of having solutions journalism sessions as part of the onboarding of interns, and management accepted it. The magazine’s management took part in Long Garcia’s training and found a place for the practice among its new talent. America magazine has around six interns every year, ranging from students finishing college to professionals well into a career. Using the training he received from SJN, Long Garcia offers these interns a module that is optional but encouraged. Long Garcia said solutions journalism has changed the way he thinks about reporting — it “leads me to ask different questions as a journalist.” He added: “Frankly, it helps me take a more neutral stance. There is something quite unifying about a solutions-centered approach. Most people do want to solve problems. They just don't agree on how.”