History
2014
The Trust for Trauma Journalism was first envisioned in 2014 as a project within the Cornerstone Foundation through the philanthropic vision of Cornerstone managing director Richard McLellan and psychiatrist Frank Ochberg, M.D., a pioneer in Post Traumatic Stress (PTS) treatment to address the needs of trauma journalists. Hand-picking a team of dedicated journalists and other professionals, they are committed to supporting and resourcing the Trust’s mission to prepare news professionals for the impact of covering traumatic events and enhancing innovative reporting on violence, conflict, and its aftermath.
Trauma Journalism was a recently defined term referring to the worldwide professional work of reporters, photographers, editors, and support staff covering war, crime, conflict, and disaster. The journalism work involves interviewing witnesses and survivors, photographing the immediate aftermath of the carnage, and telling stories that inspire hope in the face of outrage, demoralization, and despair. Due to the nature of this work, there is a high risk of emotional casualty and a high need for peer support.
Learn more on our Trauma Journalism Awareness page.
2018
In 2018, The Trust for Trauma Journalism was officially Incorporated as a Michigan-based non-profit organization and formally recognized by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) as a 501(c)(3) public charity. The Trust has formalized its Board of Trustees and organizational practices. The Board members represent diverse professional government, business, medical, and journalism backgrounds and compassion for the working trauma journalists.
2021
In 2021, the Trust for Trauma Journalism received its first significant financial gift to support Trauma Journalism Programs. Visit our Education and Outreach page to find out more.