Call for Session Proposals
Mental Health in Journalism Summit
Do you have insights, research, tools, or experiences that can contribute to building systems of care in journalism? We want to hear from you!
We invite media professionals, freelancers, mental health and wellbeing practitioners, researchers, press freedom advocates, union and labor representatives, funders, and newsroom and media organization leaders to contribute in shaping the Mental Health in Journalism Summit 2026.
The call for participation closes 31 May, 23:59 PST
About the Call for Proposals
The Mental Health in Journalism Summit 2026 takes place online, October 6–9, under the theme Stronger Together: Building Systems of Care. The program is co-created with the community.
In this third edition, we particularly encourage submissions from individuals and organizations with direct experience navigating complex environments, especially those from the Global South.
What We're Looking For
We are seeking proposals on the following focus areas:
Mental Health as a Foundational Pillar of Press Freedom
Psychological safety is intrinsic to physical and legal protection. We invite sessions that explore how systemic support for mental health safeguards the integrity of reporting and the health of our democracies.
The Power of Moral Imagination: Co-Designing Our Future
Inspired by the audacity to imagine the world as it could be, this topic focuses on the collaborative design of new, human-centered systems. We welcome sessions that bring together diverse stakeholders, to co-create radical, systemic solutions that prioritize human sustainability.
Open Call: Community-Led Innovations and Experiential Workshops
We welcome creative proposals outside the categories above: peer-led workshops, trauma-informed toolkits, and experimental ideas that let the community practice new ways of working together.
Institutionalizing Care: Moving from Policy to Newsroom Practice
We seek proposals that detail leadership models, funding strategies, and editorial workflows that make mental health care an operational standard in journalism organizations, not just a perk.
Global Lessons in Solidarity: Centering Perspectives from the Global South
We invite proposals that highlight cross-border solidarity and decentralized support systems, challenging Western-centric narratives with community-driven models of care.
Types of Sessions
When preparing your submission, consider which format best serves your idea:
Keynote
An inspiring talk suited for large audiences, grounded in personal expertise and experience.
Panel
A moderated conversation with 3–4 panelists exploring a relevant topic from different perspectives.
Case Study
A presentation of practical experiences, successful initiatives, or research outcomes relevant to mental health and journalism.
Experiential Workshop
A hands-on session using experiential methods — such as breathwork, mindfulness, movement, or creative practices — to support the wellbeing of participants. Workshops are part of the participative program on October 6–7, ahead of the main Summit days.
Lightning Talk
A concise presentation of an innovative idea, research finding, or emerging practice
How to Participate
There are four ways to contribute to the MHJS26 program:
Submit a Full Session Proposal
Ready to bring a complete session to the Summit? Submit your full proposal, including the topic, format, proposed speakers, and engagement plan. This covers keynotes, panels, extended panels, case studies, and lightning talks.
Propose an Experiential Workshop
Have a practice or method you’d like to bring to the pre-Summit participative program on October 6–7? Submit your workshop idea, including the approach, duration, and what participants can expect.
Submit as a Speaker
Do you want to be part of this year’s Summit but are looking for the right session to join? Submit your profile and areas of expertise, and, if selected, we’ll match you with sessions where your perspective fits.
Submit a Session Idea
Do you have a topic you think deserves a place in the program, but are not sure yet about speakers or logistics? Share your idea with us. We’ll take it from there — reaching out to potential speakers, shaping the format, and building it into the program.
Please note that all speakers and facilitators participate on a pro bono basis.
Submit your proposal
If you would like to contribute to the Summit program, please submit your proposal using the form below.
The deadline to submit your proposal is Sunday, May 31, at 23:59 PST.
If you have questions about the proposal process, please contact us at:
Organized by:
The Self-Investigation is registered as a foundation in the Netherlands and operates globally.
Our mission is to make mental health a core part of organizational culture through consulting, learning spaces, and community initiatives, so people can keep doing the important work the world needs.
Co-funded by:
The Fred Foundation was created in 1996 by Fred Matser, a leading Dutch philanthropist, humanitarian and philosopher. It supports social initiatives dedicated to living life in harmony – harmony with ourselves and each other, and with nature.
Bronze Sponsors:
Outreach Partners:
Join the global conversation on mental health in journalism
The challenges facing journalists today require collective reflection, new tools and stronger support networks.
Be part of the Summit and help shape the future of healthier journalism.