What Is the Council
The council is the governing body of The Displaced Times. It is made up entirely of Refugee-Led Organizations — each with an equal seat and an equal vote.
No single organization holds more power than any other. The council exists to ensure that the newsroom remains accountable to displaced communities, not to donors, governments, or any external interest.
Council members do not write or edit stories. They set the policies and principles under which the newsroom operates. The editorial team retains full independence on what to publish.
What the Council Does
Council members are responsible for governance — not operations.
Editorial Policy
Approve and review the editorial charter — the principles that guide what the newsroom covers, how sources are treated, and how conflicts of interest are handled.
Budget Oversight
Review and approve annual budgets. Ensure funds are allocated transparently across reporting, training, technology, and operations.
Community Accountability
Represent your community's interests. Bring concerns, feedback, and perspectives from the displaced populations your RLO serves.
Strategic Direction
Vote on major decisions — expanding to new regions, accepting partnerships, and setting long-term priorities for the media coalition.
What We Expect From You
Joining the council is a commitment, not a title.
Your RLO must be refugee-led
Founded and primarily governed by displaced or formerly displaced people. We verify this during the application process.
Active participation in quarterly meetings
Council members meet once per quarter to review editorial policy, budgets, and strategic direction. Attendance is expected. Meetings are held virtually to accommodate members across regions.
Respect editorial independence
Council members do not interfere with individual stories, sources, or editorial decisions. You shape policy — the newsroom decides what to publish.
Act in the interest of the displaced community
Your role is to represent the communities you serve — not your organization's interests alone. Decisions are made collectively, with displaced people's dignity at the center.
Transparency and good faith
Disclose any conflicts of interest. Share relevant community feedback openly. Council decisions are documented and shared with all members.
Contribute to operational costs
Each council member RLO contributes toward the day-to-day operations of The Displaced Times — reporting, technology, and training. Contributions are based on each organization's capacity, not a fixed amount. What matters is that every member shares in the responsibility of sustaining the newsroom, ensuring no single funder controls it.
What You Get
Council membership is not symbolic. It comes with real power and real support.
Equal voting power
One RLO, one vote. No weighted shares, no tiers. Every council member has the same authority.
Visibility for your community
Coverage priorities are shaped by the council. If your community's stories are being ignored, you have a direct channel to change that.
Access to training and tools
Council RLOs and their members gain access to training programs, digital tools, and professional development resources.
Co-ownership of a growing media institution
As The Displaced Times grows, so does the council's influence. You are not a beneficiary — you are a co-owner.
Operational Model
Every council member holds an equal seat and an equal vote.
Day-to-day operations — building and maintaining the platform, coordinating training programs, and managing the technology that powers the newsroom — are handled by the operational team, which reports to the council.
No single council member has veto power, appoints editors, or influences what stories are published. If the council votes to change direction, the operational team executes that direction.
How to Apply
If your Refugee-Led Organization is interested in joining the council, here is the process.
Step 1
Fill Out the Application
Complete our application form with details about your RLO — who you are, the community you serve, and why you want to join the council.
Step 2
Conversation
We schedule a call with the editorial team and existing council members to discuss expectations, answer questions, and understand your community's needs.
Step 3
Council Vote
Existing council members vote on admission. A simple majority is required. Once approved, your RLO holds a full and equal seat.
Ready to join?
Fill out our application form. We will review it and get back to you.
Apply to Join the Council