Democracy cannot flourish without a free and professional press,. Yet in many countries a free, professional press remains a dream. Billions of people cannot trust the news they see, read and hear.

Journalists often lack training. Many report under difficult and dangerous circumstances. Many more are so underpaid they have to moonlight in jobs that conflict with their reporting. Often, even the idea of well-managed and financially independent media is a novelty.

The International Center for Journalists (ICFJ) is out there every day, working with the colleagues to build a strong, independent press. The motto of this organization is to establish a press that can keeps government honest, News that is accurate and compelling, journalists who hold authority accountable and Media that make business transparent.

ICFJ's programs, developed by journalists for journalists, have a proud history of being driven by real needs, producing quality results and remaining sensitive to different cultures. ICFJ shares the best practices of the journalism profession in two primary ways.

The Center also brings overseas media professionals to the United States. Visiting journalists undergo intensive training in Washington, D.C., and often intern at newsrooms around the country, working side-by-side with their U.S. colleagues.

ICFJ favors long-term programs and strong follow-up activities, based on the firm belief that professional journalism programs should have lasting impact. To this end, ICFJ often provides online mentoring through e-mail discussion groups after on-site training programs are completed. Online mentors offer valuable advice, critiques and professional guidance to program participants once they are back on the job and facing everyday challenges.