Indy Documenters trains and pays neighbors to attend local, public government meetings and take notes or live tweet. We’re creating a new public record in Indianapolis, and we want you to be a part of it. Questions? Email documenters@mirrorindy.org.
How do I become a Documenter?
Sign up on Documenters.org. You will get email updates on the next orientation. To be eligible for an assignment, you have to complete an orientation.
Do I need journalism experience to be a Documenter?
No journalism experience is required! This program is for people from all walks of life. Documenters staff will work with you to expand your knowledge of notetaking and connect you with Documenters across the country.
How much do Documenters get paid?
Indy Documenters are paid $20 per hour/in-person assignment. Assignments can range from 2-4 hours in length. This depends on the length of the meeting and the time spent reviewing your notes before submitting them.
What is included in an assignment?
Assignments include attending public government meetings (in-person or virtually), writing down notes, recording audio, and then reviewing your notes after the meeting to highlight any takeaways and follow-up questions that you have.
Live tweet assignments are also available. More training is coming on these kind of assignments.
What meetings will be documented?
Here is the list of public government meetings we’re covering in Indy. If there are meetings that you think Documenters should be covering, and you don’t see it listed, let us know! We want to cover as many local public meetings as possible.
How do I sign up for assignments?
Once you complete an orientation, you can sign up for assignments that work with your schedule via Documenters.org. Indy Documenters staff will create the assignments. You might not get every assignment you apply for but there are enough opportunities for everyone.
How do I submit assignments?
Documenters submit their assignments via Documenters.org. When submitting your assignment, you will be asked to complete a checklist that records information about the meeting. Ex. How many were in attendance?
Is there a minimum or maximum number of assignments you can complete?
You can complete as few as one assignment or sign up for any number you can complete within reason. We do not recommend signing up for more than one assignment.
Is there an age minimum?
14 – the minimum legal age to work in Indiana.
Do you do background checks?
No.
What is the contact email?
If I know someone else who might be interested, can I give them the website?
Yes! They can create an account, and sign up for an orientation.
Do you need an internet connection for Google Docs? Will there be internet at the meeting?
There is an offline mode for Google Docs. There is also free wifi at the City-County building.
Do you need a laptop or other type of device to take assignments?
A laptop, iPad/tablet, or smartphone is recommended. Google Docs can connect on each of those devices. You may also need a recorder like voice memos on iPhone or a recording app on Android.
Are Documenters issued 1099 forms for income earned?
No. If this documentation is needed, let the Indy Documenters site admin know.
How is time tracked for payment?
You will submit the time it took you to complete the assignment.
How long will it take to assign someone to a meeting?
We post assignments for the following week on Tuesday, and assignments made on Friday for the following week.
How long does it take for assignments to be approved?
It can take up to four days to approve someone’s application for an assignment. We set the assignments on Tuesday, and approve them on Friday for the following week.
How many people are selected to attend a meeting?
We select one to two people to attend a meeting, depending on the role.
Do Documenters need to alert the meeting body that they are attending the meeting?
No. You don’t need to alert the leaders of the meeting you are attending and documenting the meeting. You also do not need a press pass to attend the meeting.
What happens if a meeting gets tense or emotional?
If you find yourself emotional during a meeting and you find that the experience at the meeting disrupts your ability to take notes, that is fine! We don’t want people to feel like they have to soldier through something emotionally taxing and if you ever need to remove yourself from a meeting, do what you need to take care of yourself.
What are some tips for recording audio?
If you have a smartphone, use the voice memos feature. You can also record a video to capture audio. Voice recordings take up less storage on your device.
Use timestamps when recording. This is writing down how many minutes/seconds into the recording something happens so you can go back later without listening to the entire recording.
Are Documenters able to speak in public comment during the meetings?
No. Documenters take notes on what is happening in the meeting. However, a Documenter can clarify what they’ve heard during the meeting.
Are photos ever included in the notes?
Yes! You can take photos and upload them with your assignment notes.
Can we record the public officials through audio when asking our questions afterward?
Yes.
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