‘Calling Out Workplace Abuse’ will answer questions on becoming a whistleblower

Have you ever considered becoming a whistleblower?

“Calling Out Workplace Abuse” is a free webinar set for noon on May 10. In it, you can learn answers to common questions that survivors and whistleblowers face as they decide whether to speak to journalists.

Questions like: How do I approach reporters? How can I protect myself from retaliation? And what legal threats could I face for speaking publicly?

The event is put on by No Coast Media, a new venture cofounded by Lauren Roberts.

Roberts has first-hand experience navigating these types of questions. In news articles published in Mirror Indy, IndyStar and other local media last year, Roberts described experiencing sexual harassment and retaliation while working on Mayor Joe Hogsett’s first mayoral campaign.

She has publicly advocated for systemic changes, including the ability for city employees to contact an independent entity to report sexual harassment or abuse in the workplace.

The webinar is also hosted by Women4Change Indiana, a nonpartisan nonprofit that advocates for women, and the National Women’s Defense League, which works to prevent sexual harassment and to protect survivors.

A national NWDL report released in March, titled “Abuse of Power,” included information about Democratic Senators David Niezgodski and Greg Taylor.

The NWDL’s founding director Emma Davidson Tribbs will be a panelist on the May 10 event. Other panelists include civil rights lawyer Andy McNulty and me — an investigative journalist who has reported on Roberts’ experiences and several other sensitive issues over the years.

Roberts will moderate the panel.

The identities of attendees will be hidden to help protect your privacy, and no one will be able to message each other.

You will be able to ask questions of the panelists, though.

More details about privacy can be found on the event’s registration page, and questions can be directed to Roberts and fellow No Coast Media cofounder Vince Chandler at [email protected].

Mirror Indy, a nonprofit newsroom, is funded through grants and donations from individuals, foundations and organizations.

Mirror Indy deputy managing editor Ryan Martin is available at 317-500-4897 or [email protected]. Follow him on X, Bluesky, LinkedIn and Instagram.

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