A writing and journalism tool for homeschoolers in NC
The Full Bird is a teaching tool for homeschool students wanting to improve their writing or who have an interest in journalism and current events. Those participating will:
- Have their work edited in Associated Press style by someone who edits for two weekly NC print newspapers
- Gain real-world journalism experience by covering local or state-relevant stories, interviewing the players involved and doing original reporting
- Produce a piece for their portfolio that can be viewed at the URL link and shown to potential employers
- Receive extensive feedback after turning in a first draft and before posting
For information on how students can participate with the Full Bird this year, contact David Larson at davidgateslarson@gmail.com.
About the tutor
David Larson will tutor all students who participate in the Full Bird individually. David is the current associate editor of North State Journal -- North Carolina's only statewide print newspaper -- where he writes on politics and faith and regularly has interviews with major figures in national and state politics. Recent interviews include: Sen. Thom Tillis, former Gov. Pat McCrory, current GOP lieutenant governor nominee Mark Robinson, NC Treasurer Dale Folwell, NC Insurance Commissioner Mike Causey, and many others.
As associate editor, David focuses on carefully reading each story to be published in the "A section" -- the front few pages with the top news -- making sure it complies to Associated Press and grammar rules. David is also managing editor of the Stanly County Journal, a local print newspaper for Stanly County, NC. SCJ covers local city council meetings, county commission meetings, events, school sports, crime reports, death notices and much more.
David is a multi-award-winning journalist, with 1st and 2nd place awards in 2018 from the North Carolina Press Association, and two 2nd place awards in 2019. He is a weekly volunteer tutor of GED students at the substance abuse treatment center TROSA in Durham and a chess coach at multiple elementary schools in the Triangle area through Triangle Chess. David has a bachelor's in political science and a master's in theological studies, enjoys hiking and reading, and is newly married with a baby on the way.
Meaning of "The Full Bird"
The Full Bird is a play on words that just means that both "right wing" and "left wing" opinions will be present, showing the "Full Bird" of American thought. David Larson started the site with the aim of providing a place for multiple viewpoints on our state's politics and current events. With much of the media being split into two camps shouting "fake news" at the other, having a variety of views of the day's events prominently displayed hopefully will be a good way to at least understand and interact with our neighbors' perspectives.
The aim is not to create some mushy middle where we can all agree. That's not possible. Instead, we will seek to engage with those we disagree with and dispute the strongest versions of their arguments — not comfortable stereotypes and strawmen. Please feel free to comment on and share our links and our original pieces. Argue and debate with each other if you have to. There is nothing wrong with disagreement. When done right, it may even help you strengthen your arguments and learn respect for the other "side."
Previous history of the site
The site, which will re-launch with this mission in 2020, was previously used in a similar fashion for colleges. Students from UNC Chapel Hill, Elon, East Carolina, UNC Pembroke, William Peace and many others from around the state have been featured on the Full Bird.
An entire political communication and campaigns class at High Point University participated, with one student getting over 2,500 page views on a single piece. She was then able to use this experience in getting other journalism work, subsequently having multiple pieces appear in other publications.
