Why co-op?

Because people who do the labour should take the lead in how they’re managed.

Because open collaboration leads to better ideas.

Because we value equity enough to bake it into our business model.

And because we want to help build a stronger, more resilient and democratic economy.

You were here for the soft launch. Some of you have already worked with our team.

Now, we’re thrilled to announce the next evolution of our worker-owned organization:

Debrief Communications is officially incorporated as a co-op under British Columbia’s Cooperative Association Act!

Since we offered our workshop to TRAC, they’ve already put out a press release about new legislation affecting tenants’ rights

It got coverage in multiple B.C. outlets from CTV to CityNews and CKNW

Kudos and well done from us at Debrief Communications!

And: Have you considered which journalists or publications you would most trust with a client’s or member’s experiences?

All of these questions are vital to consider through a trauma-aware lens.

Do you quote vulnerable people in your own press releases?

Will they speak to their policy-change recommendations, not just their traumatic experiences?

How do you help prepare them to be interviewed, and how could you support them during and after?

And we were delighted when the Tenant Resource & Advisory Centre (TRAC) invited us to give a day-long media workshop, and specifically requested a discussion of what “trauma-informed communications” might look like.

The responsibility of trauma-awareness doesn’t fall exclusively on the reporter.

Since we launched Debrief Communications 2 months ago, we’ve been so excited to see growing interest in our Talking to Media workshops—especially from the non-profit sector

As investigative journalists we see trauma awareness as essential

And it’s a unique skill-set we can offer in our workshops

How do you tell important stories without exploiting the people at the centre of them?

A lot of journalists are asking themselves this question. But it applies equally to organizations looking to get their stories into the media (1/x)

The layers of denials haven’t helped anyone — not Indigenous people hurt by the comments, nor Gunn and the Conservatives.

Instead, by failing to address the problem head on, they’re just drawing out a painful moment for everyone.

The best way to avoid needing crisis communications is to avoid a crisis in the first place. The next best way is to address the problem head on.

Or you can just deny it and hope people move on.

But people don’t often just move on.

Our post-workshop feedback survey shows @davidpball.bsky.social and @godfrey.bsky.social are masterclasses at explaining the inner workings of newsrooms, the editorial process, and the media landscape we find ourselves in today.

A heartfelt thank you to the TRAC’s team of around 15 people who attended, engaged with our presentation, asked thoughtful questions, and shared their valuable feedback with us.

Last week, Debrief Communications delivered our first media training workshop to the Tenant Resource & Advisory Centre, and we’re thrilled by the response and engagement!

Like most working freelance journalists, the team behind Debrief already augments our income by providing invaluable communications services to a select few clients on an individual basis.

Now, we’re combining our expertise and diversifying our communications offerings like never before.

Who are we?

B.C. journalists @davidpball.bsky.social, @godfrey.bsky.social, and @brishti.bsky.social have teamed up to offer writing, research, and media training services.

Together we have 30 years of experience in media, and offer advice that evolves with the dynamic nature of journalism.