who are we?

Ink-stained Wretches is a grassroots advocacy group dedicated to building a culture of appreciation for quality journalism in aid of democracy.

Founded in early 2020 by a scrum of former Waterloo Region Record newsroom staffers, our network has grown to more than 50 volunteers in Canada, Australia, New Zealand and Europe.
 
Although we co-ordinate an annual journalism film festival, our premier project is the #SpotlightPressFreedom campaign to raise awareness for UN World Press Freedom Day. Please see details on our CAMPAIGNS page.

Note: We don't want your money...we want your participation!

If your press club, media guild/union or advocacy group would like to explore working with us to build a culture of appreciation for quality journalism — or if you'd like to volunteer as an individual — contact us at [email protected]
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Mirko Petricevic, chief ink-stigator (co-ordinator). Reporter, photographer, copy editor (1986-2014)
Christian Aagaard, reporter, columnist, deputy city editor (1990-2012)
Richard Brennan, political reporter, city editor
David Cooke, MPP, Kitchener, (1985-1990)
Jeff Ducharme, reporter, photographer, journalism instructor (1990-2024)
Chuck Howitt, reporter, copy editor, assistant city editor (1979-2013)
(Rev.) John Lougheed, Waterloo Region and Saugeen Shores.
Eugene McCarthy, reporter (1959-2002) RIP
Carolyn McLeod-McCarthy, editorial graphic artist (1991-2012)
Cathy Miehm, online editor and copy editor (1997-2016)
Tom Nunn, business reporter (1984-1998)
Dave Pink, reporter, opinion and sports editor (1989-2012)
Robert Reid, arts reporter (1986-2015)
Barry Ries, reporter (1980-1994)
John (Jack) Simpson, freelance