LION Publishers is seeking up to four Community Ambassadors from LION member organizations to lead facilitated peer groups. This is a great opportunity for publishers or staff at LION member newsrooms to connect with other news leaders and support peer learning.
These groups create a space for news leaders to share experiences, talk about challenges and resources, build a sense of belonging in the LION community, and support one another as they work to make their news businesses more sustainable. Examples of 2025 peer groups include:
Newsrooms serving Spanish-speaking audiences
Newsrooms serving rural communities
Fundraising for newsrooms
Managing your newsroom tech stack
Incorporating creator insights into your newsroom
In 2026, Community Ambassadors will work with LION to recruit members for their group and facilitate three monthly virtual meetings between September and November. Ambassadors will each be paid a $1,500 stipend.
The kickoff for this year’s program will happen in person and attending LION’s 2026 Independent News Sustainability Summit in San Diego in September is a program requirement for Community Ambassadors. Ambassadors will receive a complimentary ticket to the Summit and have access to up to $650 in travel reimbursements. Note: All Community Ambassador-led groups will happen the morning of Thursday, September 10. Please refrain from submitting a pitch if you cannot attend the Summit and participate at that time, as we won’t be able to schedule the peer learning group sessions outside of this time window.
Community Ambassadors will participate in the following activities:
August: Complete Ambassador onboarding and collaborate with LION staff to design a plan to help group members engage, connect, and work on strategies to move their organizations toward sustainability
September: Work with LION to recruit members to join their peer group, after leading an in-person kickoff session at the 2026 Independent News Sustainability Summit in San Diego, California, on September 10.
September - November: Facilitate regular connection opportunities for their peer group, including a monthly virtual check-in meeting for members to lead conversations about shared challenges, potential solutions, and available resources for group members
September - December: Participate in regular virtual ambassador cohort meetings, facilitated by LION staff. This will be a place to share successes, challenges, lessons, and tips with fellow Community Ambassadors.
December: Submit final survey and/or any reporting on their groups
With all of these activities, it will be important for selected Community Ambassadors to create a welcoming space within LION for group members. Ambassadors will also model how to be flexible, growth-minded, and iterative in adapting to their group’s needs.
To apply to be a LION Community Ambassador, complete this form by 5 p.m. PT. Friday, April 10, 2026.
If you have any questions about LION’s Community Ambassador program, email LION Community Manager Natalie Van Hoozer at natalievanhoozer@lionpublishers.com.
An information session on applying for the Community Ambassador program and other upcoming LION opportunities will be held on Thursday, April 2 at 10 a.m. PT. Please register using this link.