Humanitarian Disaster Institute Joins Crisis Publishing Coalition

Humanitarian Disaster Institute Joins Crisis Publishing Coalition

By Michael Ireland, Senior Correspondent, ASSIST News Service (www.assistnews.net)

COLORADO SPRINGS, CO. (ANS, Aug. 16, 2016) – The forthcoming three-and-a-half-day Crisis Publishing Institute organized by Magazine Training International (MTI) is designed for Christian writers, editors, and publishers who face the challenge of reporting on catastrophic events.

Participants will learn how to discover and report the truth in complex, rapidly-changing situations and how to offer a biblical perspective to their readers. And, they will receive reliable background information on the crises about which they must write.

The Institute will offer three separate tracks with sessions on topics like guiding and caring for "War Zone" reporters, moving beyond the five "W's", staying safe in dangerous situations, photographing tragedy, coping with the emotional impact of reporting on tragedy, and tools for covering crises.

Magazine Training International (MTI) announced that Humanitarian Disaster Institute (HDI) of Wheaton College has joined the Crisis Publishing Coalition.

Coalition members are organizations and individuals who make up a board of reference for the Crisis Publishing Institute to be held October 15-18, 2017, in Europe. Coalition members advertise the program to their constituents, recommend speakers, and serve as advisors to program organizers.

"We have seen firsthand the powerful impact thoughtful reporting on faith issues can have on communities impacted by mass and humanitarian disasters," said Dr. Jamie Aten, director of HDI. "At the same time, we have observed situations where media caused more harm than good.

"Overall, there has been a drastic increase in mass and humanitarian disasters. There is a significant need for a forum to better prepare religious reporting to tackle today's global crises. This is why we've chosen to join the Crisis Publishing Institute coalition."

"We are pleased to welcome Humanitarian Disaster Institute as a coalition partner for this institute." said MTI President Sharon Mumper. "I look forward to working together in the future."

Other coalition members include Tyndale House Foundation, Evangelical Press Association, and COMIX35.

Tyndale House Foundation seeks to minister to the spiritual needs of people, primarily through literature consistent with biblical principles.

The mission of COMIX35 is to bring people to Jesus Christ through the visual storytelling media of comics. The Evangelical Press Association is a professional association of Christian publications that strengthens evangelical periodicals through inspiration, instruction, and networking.

The mission of Magazine Training International is to encourage, strengthen, and provide resources to Christian magazines as they seek to build the church and reach their societies for Christ. Over the last 28 years, MTI has offered some 65 conferences, courses, and seminars on-site in East/Central Europe, Asia, and North America. The online training program includes online courses, Webinars, free e-books, and training videos. In addition, MTI offers training manuals in more than 10 languages, DVD and MP3 courses, and a resource-packed website.

The mission of Humanitarian Disaster Institute is to equip churches and faith-based organizations to prepare for the unthinkable, care for the vulnerable, and cultivate resilience in times of disaster. Their mission is carried out both domestically and internationally through psychological research, training, and resource development. HDI focuses on the psychology of religion/spirituality disaster research, disaster ministry, disaster spiritual and emotional care, and refugee and trauma care.

More information is available at the MTI website www.magazinetraining.com and on Facebook.

Media Contact: Sharon Mumper, President, Magazine Training International.

5376 Tomah Dr., Suite 210, Colorado Springs, CO 80918. Phone: (719) 598-9743 Fax: (719) 598-1007.  E-mail: smumper@magazinetraining.com, and website: www.magazinetraining.com.

Photo Captions: 1) Damaged vehicles after Hurricane Katrina. The Crisis Publishing Institute will help reporters and editors cover such crises. 2) Sharon Mumper. 3) Michael Ireland

About the Writer: Michael Ireland is a volunteer internet journalist serving as Senior Correspondent for the ASSIST News Service, as well as an Ordained Minister who has served with ASSIST Ministries and written for ASSIST News Service since its beginning in 1989. He has reported for ANS from Jamaica, Mexico, Nicaragua, Israel, Jordan, China, and Russia. To help partner with Michael in ministry, log-on to: https://actintl.givingfuel.com/ireland-michael

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