Jeff Belzil
IWMF, Security Director
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Jeff Belzil is IWMF's Security Director. For 11 years, he has supported journalist safety worldwide, serving as a security advisor in high-risk areas of Latin America and Africa. A Canadian Army veteran with over 10 years of service and three combat tours in Kandahar, he received Canada's Star of Military Valor. He has trained over 5000 journalists and newsrooms in personal safety, violent protest, and counter-surveillance. His expertise focuses on Latin America and the US.
Craft 101: Infusing Safety Into Your J-School Syllabus
As Latine student journalists navigate escalating safety concerns on and off campus, journalism schools are rethinking how to protect the next generation of reporters. This interactive workshop focuses on adopting holistic safety practices in the classroom. The International Women’s Media Foundation will share how professors can create lesson plans on safety to support early career journalists. Educators will learn how to bolster the pipeline of Latine journalists and prepare them for threats in the industry.
Field Safety for Visual Journalist, Presented by IWMF
In a year marked by protests across the country, how can journalists stay physically and mentally safe while covering hostile environments? From tear gas to harassment by law enforcement, reporting in the field carries serious risks. This session will offer practical guidance on preparation, safety in the field, journalists’ rights, and post-assignment care. It will also address the unique risks Latine journalists may face amid rising immigration profiling.
Press Freedom & Safety Training Day: Immigration Enforcement & Protest Coverage (Part 1 of 3)
This session provides a practical framework for assessing risks while covering immigration enforcement operations and large-scale protests. Topics include ICE and CBP tactics, protest dynamics, law enforcement responses, crowd violence, and armed actors. Participants will also explore risks facing Latino journalists and non-U.S. reporters, along with field safety, risk mitigation strategies, emergency procedures, and the effective use of personal protective equipment (PPE).
NAHJ 2026 New Orleans Sessionize Event
Jeff Belzil
IWMF, Security Director
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