The power of Unity is derived by the many common issues that involve hiring, promotion, coverage, training and retention involving journalists of color. That was the platform on which Unity 99 stood. With two national conventions under its belt, Unity Journalists of Color this fall will embark on a strategic planning process to determine how the consortium should function in the future, where it should seek alliances, devise new programs and serve as the glue for existing efforts. The four member associations must continue to thrive. The Unity board now will explore how to proceed to be more effective between conventions.
Unity wants to serve as a powerful alliance that is more than a great convention planning group.
As ASNE tackles the new hiring goals seeking parity with the minority population, Unity can be an invaluable partner. Such a convening role is at the core of Unity. I believe there will be another Unity convention. Unity leaders first must answer not where and when the next convention will be held but how and under what kind of an organizing umbrella. Bailon, executive editor of The Dallas Morning News, was 1998-99 Diversity Committee Chair of ASNE and previously served on the Unity board of directors.