Become a Documenter
We’ll train you – and pay you – to attend public meetings then share what happened with neighbors all over Indianapolis.
What is Indy Documenters?
Powered by the award-winning Documenters Network by City Bureau, we train and pay Indianapolis residents to document local government meetings. You’ll learn new skills, get an inside look at how decisions get made in local government, and help keep an eye on what our elected officials are up to.
How does it work?
Documenters are paid $20 an hour to attend an in-person public meeting and take notes or live tweet. These notes are edited, published, and available on our Documenters page.
Our goal is to capture what happens at local public government meetings and create a public record of each meeting in Marion County.
How to join Indy Documenters
A step-by-step guide for signing up to be a citizen journalist.
Step 1: Create an account at Documenters.org
Creating an account requires only your name and an email address. You can click the button below, and it will open the site in a new tab.
Step 2: Fill out the application
Once you are signed up, you’ll need to fill out the application linked on your Documenters.org profile page.
- To find the page, click the yellow circle with your initials in the upper right corner of the home page at Documenters.org
- In the drop-down menu, click “Profile”
- Click the square pencil button in the upper right hand corner of the page.
- Scroll down to “Sign-up form” and click the “Edit” button.
- Fill out the sign up form.
Step 3: Attend a one-hour orientation
The last step to becoming eligible for a paid assignment is attending a Indy Documenters one-hour orientation. After that, you’ll be able to apply for paid Indy Documenter assignments.
Check the list below to see when the next Indy Documenters orientation is scheduled.
Meet some Indy Documenters
We asked some of our current Documenters why they decided to join. Here’s what they said.
“I love my city and I want to be more aware my local society.”
— Janna Thomas, Indy Documenter
“I want to be a resource to my community.”
— Breone Dupree, Indy Documenter
“I believe in community healing community. The only way to do that is to get involved and sometimes let our elected officials and those in power know that the community is watching.”
— Key King, Indy Documenter
“I have a strong obligation to the Indianapolis community and a desire to understand the complex intricacies of local government and social issues!”
—Makenzie Lukas, Indy Documenter
Learn more about being a Documenter
Everything you need to know to cover government meetings as a Documenter
How to sign up, how to take assignments and what we pay.
our work in Mirror Indy
Sheriff seeks funding transfer to cover officer salaries
Compensation for deputies increased under a new collective bargaining agreement.
Students find confidence and career direction through Shortridge work-based-learning
A work-based learning program is helping students build confidence and explore new careers through partnerships with more than 45 employers.
Free resume workshop equips immigrant communities on Far Eastside
Haitian Creole speakers are learning computer and resume skills through a library program designed to meet them where they are.
90% of Indy Achieves students finish college
With a proven track record at IU Indianapolis, the city-funded program requested $2 million in the 2026 city budget to expand completion grants and scholarships for local students.
Families may be terminated from IHA program
A potential funding shortfall in housing assistance payments leads the board to consider terminating families from the Housing Voucher Program.
Perry Township school board considers AI in classrooms
The school board discussed the merits and drawbacks of an AI program for reading instruction.
Residents push back on charter school presence in public libraries
At a recent library board meeting, leaders announced new digital literacy tools, and public commenters urged the library to stop charter schools from recruiting in its branches.
City-County Council introduces stricter curfew laws for minors
The Council will vote Aug. 11 on a proposal to tighten youth curfew restrictions.
Indy Council approves new speed limits to boost neighborhood safety
Changes include citywide speed reductions in residential areas, two-way streets, and parking restrictions.
IMPD officer pulls woman’s hair, leaving braids behind
The Citizens’ Police Complaint Board reviewed the case of Matea Glover, who alleged that an officer used excessive force on her.
Westside’s B&O Trail development back in progress
After stalled progress due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the B&O Trail is under construction.
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