Checkerspot trolls for story ideas

It's not often you see a magazine send out a release inviting story ideas for its next issue,particularly with a week's lead time. That's the case with the newly launched Checkerspot magazine from the Canadian Wildlife Federation, whose editors are asking writers for story ideas by June 1 for their fall/winter 2007 issue. The magazine was launched in May and is published twice a year and here's part of the pitch from Jodi Di Menna, the editor:

Rather than focusing on the political wrangling surrounding global warming, our magazine will empower a young (25- to 44-year-old), urban, trend-setting audience to do something about climate change in their own lives. We want first-rate editorial content, which is why we are inviting you to contribute to our next issue.

We need feature-length (1,000 to 2,000 words) and short (100 to 200 words) stories on scientific discoveries on the impacts of and contributors to global warming; innovation and technology that could help curb greenhouse gas emissions; actions by individuals, communities or businesses that aim to mitigate or adapt to climate change; and, on the flip side, news on how individuals, communities or businesses are contributing to climate change.

Some stories will focus on emerging climate-conscious lifestyle trends — from the food we eat and the places we live to how we get around and how we spend our leisure time.

One department will be a humorous, first person account of an individual trying to trim his or her personal carbon emissions. Another will focus on a particular problem area in climate change — airplane travel, for example — and provide tips and information for readers to take individual action.

All stories should have a strong Canadian link. International stories, relevant within Canada, are welcome.

We will pay competitive rates for first rights and we need your story proposals by June 1st, 2007.

The magazine's phone number is 613 599 9594 ext. 269.