Especially the role of the members in making the network run seemed often unclear. Many questions were raised and weren’t yet sufficiently answered about PECOJONs motives, our intentions, about what we expect the members to do.
I wrote a strategic paper about the fundaments, strategies and tactics of expansion of the network, which I will make accessible to you as soon as I am done. However, until then let me use this opportunity to share with you some more details of what PECOJON is all about, how we work and what we do, from my perspective as the International Coordinator of this Network.
PECOJON Vision and Mission
I am not planning to repeat here the technicalities written on our website, but I would like to share with you my personal understanding of the mission we have dedicated our work to, together with some review of democratic ideals and struggles our world is facing today:
We live in a world where power is rooted in secrecy.
Today often the powerful gain and maintain control by keeping people from knowing what is truly going on. Election fraud is a worldwide phenomenon and we have talked about war propaganda in several trainings . But the secrecy concept goes far beyond this. The food industry is a graphic example of how the world is manipulated on a daily basis. Most of the things that are said to be healthy -- are not. The big companies use fertilizers and pesticides, and manipulate food in all ways just to make it easy, fast and cheap to produce and make us crave for more of it . Nearly every processed food contains sugar, salt or Monosodium Glutamate. We believe that is for the taste? It is what makes that stuff addictive. You should try to eat a tomato in East Timor, where the food industry has not yet taken hold of the market. The taste of the tomatoes there is to die for.
Another example: the easiest way of starting a worldwide revolution would be to force all companies to lift the secrecy on salaries. If you figure out what your bosses earn, you probably get depressed.
Another example for the relationship of secrecy and power: what broke the backbone of the US war in Vietnam was not lack of resources or political will, but the increased unwillingness of the US public to support this war and to die in it. James Nachtwey describes in “War Photographer” what impact the pictures from the Vietnam war had on him. Those pictures lifted a secret -- the secret about the true cruelty of war. And unveiling this secret is the work he has dedicated his life to.
The Vietnam example shows the weakness of the concept of power rooted in secrecy. This power only lasts as long as the secret remains undiscovered. If people know about the secret, the power is lost. That is why those whose power is based on secrets try to protect those secrets at all cost.
This doesn't necessarily makes all powerful people "evil" people with bad intentions. It is a problem build into the system which often forces individuals into complying with it. True power is based on strength, strength comes from truth
Today, however, a growing number of people have figured out that true power doesn’t require secrecy. Instead of having power over people through manipulation, true power arises out of strength. Strength arises out of truth, out of the sharing of truthful and accurate information, a process called transparency. Strength arising out of transparency does not need manipulation. Inner strength allows us to let go of our fears, to trust others and to trust the process of life as such. The craving for power over others has been proven to be nothing but the result of deep-rooted fears, the fear not to be valued, not to be able to survive, the fear that others want to do us harm in whatever ways.
True power is power with the people.
Can power exist without secrecy? Of course, it can. But this kind of power can not be the result of control or manipulation. True power arises out of unity. It is a power that is granted to a leader by the people who support him or her. And if he fails serving his people, this power is taken away from him. The endeavor of a truly powerful leader is to empower the people to become powerful themselves.
The Role of Journalism
Now, what do all of these have to do with journalism?
Journalism is the ultimate instrument to break the power of secrecy and empower the people. It is the given task and role of journalists to enable every single person to claim their share of true power.
Claiming true power requires three preconditions:
1. People must have access to the truth. As long as secrets are covering the truth, we are all easily manipulated and played by those who hide behind secrets.
2. People need a venue to make their opinions and perspectives publicly heard.
3. People need to be able and WILLING to act on the truth they discover.
All these are tasks anchored on the definition of the role of journalism in society.
The third condition is probably the most challenging. We all grew up in an environment of secrecy, inequality, and competition; and we have learned that the only way to survive is to make use of the system so that it works in our favor. We have learned to keep our secrets to manipulate others, and to compete using whatever means we have. Furthermore, we have come to accept these conditions as natural law. Therefore, we have developed certain numbness, a blind eye towards how far these generally accepted principles deprive us from living a fulfilling life of growth and happiness.
Look into the mirror. Are you happy? Is what you see really who you are? Do you want to be right there where you are now? Few of us are able to answer these questions with a clear “Yes”. Why do we stay? Why do we continue? For a simple reason: we are all afraid. And that is what keeps us from claiming back our lives and makes us all dependent, easy to manipulate. We are slaves of our own fears. And those of you who work in PR and advertising know that fear is what all manipulation efforts count on and build on .
How to counter fear? Conflict research has shown there is an antidote; and this antidote is understanding, trust and compassion. The better we understand each others’ motives, perspectives, and ideas, the better we can put ourselves into someone else’s shoes, the lesser we feel afraid and the better we are able to handle conflicts and even violence.
Journalism is the most powerful communication channel in today’s societies. We have the ability to make people see the truth, and to break through the walls of secrecy and manipulation. We even have the ability to make people aware enough to act on their own. This is the reason why everyone tries to manipulate and control us. A truly free and independent media with the sole goal of serving the people by providing truthful information is the end of all secrecy, and thereby, the end of all manipulative power.
That’s my vision.
Not world peace and harmony for everyone and free beer for all journalists .
Just freedom of choice.
And equal opportunities for every human being to grow and unfold their full potential.
And I share this vision with a growing number of people around the world many of them are journalists.
(Okay I am willing to rethink the free beer option…).
PECOJON Vision
PECOJON’s vision is a free and independent media which serves the people by providing them truthful, valuable information and a venue to express their needs, perspectives and concerns. This media allows the people to assess situations and make well-informed decisions which serve their very own interests and needs, as well as the well-being of the community. Journalists provide information that allows the people to develop increased awareness and take responsibility for their actions and direct environment.
PECOJON’s Mission
We developed our mission based on a simple question: what keeps us from being this kind of media we desire?
The answers came from you in all trainings where I have asked you what challenges you face when doing your job. Your answers were:
Lack of quality education,
Lack of financial means,
Lack of security,
Harassment, threats;
Difficulty of getting information from different conflict parties, limitation of access to information;
Difficulty in publishing information which are uncomfortable or not considered interesting;
and the commercial pressure inside your organizations--
among many others.
The PECOJON objectives evolved and were designed according to these expressed needs. In the process, while becoming clearer about the challenges, we all together develop new ideas how to overcome them.
The PECOJON objectives are currently defined the following way:
1. General Goals:
• Mainstreaming high-quality and conflict-sensitive journalism.
• Building solidarity and cooperation among journalists, empowering journalists for more independence and responsibility, following the journalists-for-journalists principle to strengthen self-regulatory mechanisms and improving working conditions of media practitioners worldwide.
2. Specific Objectives:
• Implementing and continuously improving a support system
for journalists working for quality in crisis and conflict reporting
• Implementing and mainstreaming a refined journalistic framework (Code of Conduct)
• Building exchange and interaction among journalists on an international level
• Improving journalism through trainings and education
• Improving security for journalists
The following activities were then designed as a means of achieving these objectives:
3. Activities:
National Secretariat Philippines:
Exchange-deal Trainings on Conflict Sensitive Journalism (in cooperation with Universities and media outlets)
Publication of the PECOJON magazine
Setting-up of a Conflict Database
Creation of an online library
Networking
National Secretariat Germany:
Networking
Curriculum Design for Trainings on Conflict Sensitive Journalism
Advocacy for Conflict Sensitive Journalism (conventions, etc)
National Secretariat East Timor:
Exchange-deal Trainings on Journalism with the Universidade National Timor Leste
Long-term cooperation project for establishing a journalism education program at the university
National Secretariat Indonesia:
Set-up of administrative structures and networking procedures
Creation of communication tools and
Development of goals and strategies
And various other activities in other places.
International Secretariat:
Conflict Sensitive Journalism Training Program in South East Asia
Networking
Online Platform for Networking
Traveling Journalists Support Service
Several of these activities are done in cooperation with volunteer-members of the Network. Many are cooperation projects between National Secretariats and Intersec.
Expectations, Role of Members
What is the role of the members in the Network?
The idea once was that the Network is driven by its members and guided by its secretariats. This means, we as members define what is done, how it is done and also implement those plans. We define the policies of the Network, the focus of activities and projects and where to invest effort.
The uniting idea behind the Network was our shared belief in the concepts and principles of conflict-sensitive journalism as we discussed it during the trainings, and the decision to work in solidarity with each other and support each other despite the pressure and competition in the media industry.
The Secretariats’ role was mainly administrative. Further, the Secretariats were meant to provide expertise whenever needed and guarantee that none of the activities would be in conflict with the ideas behind the Network and journalism independence. In short, that no one abuses the Network for selfish interests or political purposes.
However, until today most of the projects are designed and implemented by the Secretariats. This is understandable, because at least the Secretariat team of the Philippine National Secretariat is paid based on a supportive grant by Misereor, while the members have to make a living.
It might sound hard to believe, but I, in my function as International Coordinator, do not expect anything from our members. If you just want to do your job well, I am satisfied and my work has fulfilled its purpose. The only things I expect us to agree on are the basic ideas behind the Network: Good, conflict-sensitive journalism and solidarity among media practitioners – and, of course, the goal of providing truthful and valuable information to empower the people out there to make their own decisions.
If you cannot agree on those basic concepts, you might want to rethink if PECOJON is really where you want to be. This is the core of what we are doing.
However, all members who choose to take a more active role in the Network are not only very welcome, but the Secretariats will try to support them in all ways possible. It is in our hands to make us all stronger.
Non-Media Members
Before I come to an end, let me shortly address a concern, which is repeatedly brought up by members of the Network. Those who consider themselves full blooded journalists often ask why PECOJON accepts members who are not really journalists but work for NGOs or even in the field of PR or teach in universities. Let me explain this.
As you might have experienced yourself, it is often hard to distinguish between a journalist and someone who is not a “real” journalist. The boundaries are shifting. Some of you work today for an established media organization but tomorrow shift to a publication which is considered driven by interests. Shall we kick you out of the Network now, although you deeply believe in PECOJON’s ideas and fight for them in your organization? Each and every commercial media company is driven by interests, anyway. So who can claim to be a truly independent journalist?
In our first National Planning, we have managed to find a definition based on work time, regular publication, etc., but only very few of us truly fall under this definition. I myself don’t because I am not publishing regularly; I am busy working for PECOJON. Does that mean I should give up my membership? We are not operating like other media organizations with a specific focus and target group. We work for a general shift of perspective in the media. This we cannot limit to our little playground. We need to start introducing conflict-sensitive journalism (CSJ) and the importance of solidarity already during the education of the next generation of journalists. That’s why the teachers are some of the most valuable resources and forces of change for the Network.
And those who work in the PR sector are very valued members, too. They provide us with insights we cannot get from anywhere else. And several of those in PR have simply resigned after attending one of our trainings and dedicated themselves to work hand in hand with us for change. Teachers and communications professionals who are not media practitioners are a minority number in the Network. The driving force, the core of PECOJON, however, is of course the journalists.
Last but not the least, we have members who have nothing to do with the media or the communications profession. Those are just a handful, but they have their own reasons to believe in our endeavor and have supported us with investment and dedication far beyond the average engagement many of our regular members have shown, without getting any personal gain out of it. That is honored by the so-called honorary membership without any policy-making power or influence.
If you want to be a member of an exclusive journalism group, you have many choices for membership in press clubs and organizations such as NUJP, KBP in the Philippines, Reporters Without Borders, the IFJ etc. or whatever other organizations you might want to be a member of. Those memberships are very valuable and follow different rules, because they are based on a different purpose and they are not in contradiction with being a PECOJON member as well.
In PECOJON, we have agreed on a set of principles and policies that allow us to protect the Network from abuse and that has been until now all that was needed.
I hope this clarifies the questions raised.
Conclusion
Many of the concerns mentioned in this statement were raised as a result of the first elections in the Philippines in Zamboanga City. We handled the elections in a traditional way, using nomination and votes to identify the coordinators. I believe all who were present agree that the process was not satisfying. Although nobody seemed very keen on taking on the challenge of coordinating, the Secretariat received after the elections communication from members expressing their worries, complaints and even comments from lawyers activated by members to review the process.
I honored your feedbacks and we proposed already in the following elections in Bacolod City a change of procedure. In Bacolod, we tried a consensus-finding way of choosing the coordinating team. It took a little longer but everyone seemed satisfied with the results and the process, and expressed support for the newly-appointed coordinating team. We further suggested choosing for the position of leading coordinator a full-time journalist who can represent the Network as primarily a journalists’ organization. This is to avoid further confusion as raised in Zamboanga.
In September finally the newly chosen coordinators met in the annual planning of the Philippine Coordinating Council to review the Philippine networks policies and make strategic decisions for the next years. Furthermore Ryan Rosauro was chosen as new National Coordinator and took over the responsibility from Jean Patindol with full support of the coordinators and the Philippine and the International Secretariat.
PECOJON Philippines is now looking forward to a new stage of growth and consolidation with a new Philippine Coordinator and passionate, inspired and highly professional members. More responsibility is now in the hands of the Chapters, and activities will be implemented on Chapter level as e.g. an exhibit which is currently organized by the Northern Mindanao Chapter involving members from several other Chapters as well, which you can see on this website.
So this is my time to say thank you to Jean Patindol for her support of PECOJON during the past three years and to whish her all the best for her future career as a children’s book writer and teacher.
And to Ryan, thank you for taking the challenge and responsibility to guide and guard the network in the Philippines. We will all be there to back you up.
I would also like to welcome Sri Wahyuni, Indonesian National Coordinator and Hendrawan Setjawan Chief of Operations, Indonesia and all who decided to set up and build up the PECOJON Network in Indonesia. We are looking forward to working with you and assisting you in your efforts and endeavors.
Looking back to the past year, I can only say, I am impressed about the latest developments, I feel inspired by the commitment I have seen in the network and I feel dedicated more than ever to do my share in making this endeavor worth the effort.
With the Philippine network growing strong and self-reliant now I will personally focus more on consolidating operations on international level, further strengthening the trainers’ pool and our capacities for generating the necessary resources to keep our projects run.
So let us all look forward to another year of PECOJON growth towards greater journalism and happier journalists with passion, compassion, professionalism and in solidarity.
Just one improvement I would like to suggest: during future activities, I hope that those who have complaints or are unsatisfied with activities, processes and procedures take responsibility for their own feelings and express them right away and openly instead of having them boil up first and then handed to the secretariats for fixing.
PECOJON is your Network.
You own it, you grow it.
I personally invest all my effort and passion into it because I believe in it.
Because I believe in you.
[1] You can read more about this e.g. in Philip Knightley’s analysis of war reporting and propaganda “The First Casualty” Prion Books Ltd; 2Rev Ed edition (March 8, 2001) [1] Some of you have worked on cases involving fruit producers and their use of pesticides in Mindanao plantations. [1] I recommend you watch the documentary, “Super Size Me” (2004), directed by Morgan Spurlock it is really enlightening. [1] “War Photographer” (2001) documentary by Christian Frei [1] Ghandi gave an example of this power, which overthrew an entire empire. Nelson Mandela overcame the Apartheit in Southafrica, Martin Luther King countered the discrimination of black people in the United States, and there are many more examples. [1] The Human Rights Catalog, article 19, people have the right to seek information, http://www.un.org/Overview/rights.html [1] Human Rights Catalog, article 19, right to expression, http://www.un.org/Overview/rights.html [1] E.g. Carsten Brosda, “Discursive Journalism” 2006 [1] Check out books on “psychology and advertising” you find lots of articles when you Google for these terms [1] Marshall Rosenberg’s Nonviolent Communication is rooted in these principles and, in his book, he states examples where people were able to survive life threatening situations by taking the attackers point of view and reacting compassionately. [1] You can find further information on our website, www.pecojon.org or on the German website www.pecojon.de. [1] The coordinators have agreed on a set of policies describing these concepts in the annual meeting of the Coordinating Committee. [1] The policies are nearly ready for publishing by the Secretariats but still wait for a last polishing since we decided to change the election process to a consensus-building one, which has to be agreed on by the Coordinating Committees.
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