The Global Center for Journalism and Trauma (GCJT), in partnership with iMEdD’s Ideas Zone, invites applications for a four-day European Journalist Retreat to be held 14–18 October 2026 in Vamvakou, Laconia, Greece. This retreat will bring together 16 reporters, editors, social media editors, photographers, and multimedia journalists from across Europe working on the front lines of today’s most challenging stories—from conflict and political polarization to displacement, climate crises, and disinformation.
The retreat will offer an opportunity for journalists to take a short time out from newsgathering to strengthen their craft, reflect on the ethical dimensions of their work, build sustainable practices for reporting on trauma and crisis, and connect with peers working under similar circumstances.
About the Retreat
Journalists across Europe are navigating unprecedented pressures: increasing exposure to traumatic events, escalating threats to press freedom, and a relentless news cycle dominated by violence, instability, and human suffering.
During the retreat, participants will explore how understanding the impacts of trauma and tragedy can help protect their well-being, sustain high-quality reporting, and adopt trauma-informed practices, while also learning strategies to build resilience and foster ethical, supportive newsroom cultures.
The retreat builds on a model developed over 25 years by the Global Center for Journalism and Trauma and its predecessor, the Dart Center for Journalism and Trauma, which has supported journalists worldwide through fellowships, training, retreats, and professional peer networks.
Sessions will include expert-briefings – drawing on the latest evidence-based approaches to psychological resilience and peer support – group discussions, and reflective workshops.
Sixteen journalists will participate in a collaborative, confidential environment where they can share experiences, discuss ethical challenges, and learn from one another.
Topics will include:
- Trauma-informed reporting best practices, including:
- interviewing survivors of violence and tragedy
- ethical decision-making when covering crisis and conflict
- approaches to sensitive storytelling that minimise the risk of harm
- Psychological safety and resilience including:
- understanding trauma exposure in journalism
- strategies for managing stress, secondary trauma, and burnout
- Newsroom culture and leadership, including:
- sustainable practices for long-term wellbeing
- duty of care in news organizations, trauma-aware leadership and peer support
- building healthier newsroom environments
During the retreat, participants will be invited to bring a piece of their own work or a professional challenge for group discussion, collective learning and deeper dialogue.
The retreat faculty includes senior journalists, trauma specialists, and experienced facilitators with extensive experience working with journalists covering crisis and conflict.
Why Vamvakou?
Vamvakou, a small village in Laconia and the site of the Vamvakou Revival initiative, offers a tranquil setting far from newsroom pressures, where journalists can pause, reconnect with their purpose, and engage in reflection and peer learning. The village’s revitalization through culture, education, and sustainable development complements the retreat’s focus on resilience, ethical practice, and creative thinking. By stepping out of the daily cycle of deadlines and breaking news, participants can fully engage with workshops, discussions, and collaborative exercises within a setting that nurtures both professional growth and personal renewal – making Vamvakou an active part of the retreat experience and helping them return to their work with renewed focus and perspective.
Eligibility:
- Applicants must have at least five years of professional journalism experience and be living and working in Council of Europe countries (full list of eligible countries here). Sixteen (16) European journalists will be selected to participate.
- The retreat is open to reporters from all media (print, online, audio, broadcast) along with photographers, video journalists and editors.
- Applicants should regularly report on conflict, violence, migration, climate crises, or other high-impact stories* in Europe.
*High-impact stories are those that shape public understanding, influence policy, and require careful ethical and trauma-informed reporting. Examples include: covering migration crises, refugees, or armed conflict, reporting on protests, polarization, or authoritarianism, extreme weather, climate impacts, or environmental disasters; pandemics, mental health crises, or systemic neglect; exposing misinformation, propaganda, or threats to democratic processes.
- Both staff journalists and freelancers are welcome to apply.
- Fluency in English is required, as all seminars will be conducted in English.
- Applicants must demonstrate journalistic excellence and be interested in engaging in peer learning and professional reflection.
The retreat covers:
- Round-trip air or train travel from any European country to Athens, Greece, along with transfers to Vamvakou, Laconia;
- Five nights of accommodation, and
- Meals during the retreat.
Application Details:
The deadline for applications is 11 May, 2026 at 6pm GMT. All applicants must submit their applications via the online platform Submittable.
Applications will open 6 April.
Applicants will be asked to submit:
- Professional CV
- Bio
- A brief statement (no longer than 750 words) describing the applicant’s interest in the retreat and how it relates to their work.
- Two examples of relevant reporting from the last 24 months.
- One letter or recommendation from a supervisor or professional colleague.
The Global Center for Journalism and Trauma is an international resource center, innovation lab, and professional network dedicated to improving coverage of violence, conflict, and tragedy while supporting journalists’ psychological safety and resilience.
