How MediaPort Belarus uses NotebookLM to onboard exiled journalists

The Challenge: The "Day One" Disorientation MediaPort Belarus is a coworking hub in Bialystok that serves as a landing pad for journalists fleeing repression. When a new reporter arrives in exile, they are often exhausted, stressed, and overwhelmed by questions:

• Legal: "How do I legalize my stay in Poland?"

• Logistical: "How do I rent an apartment without a credit history?"

• Professional: "What are the tax rules for freelancers here?"

• The Problem: The senior editors (like Aliaksei) answer these same questions every single day, taking time away from their editorial work.

The Solution: NotebookLM as the "Exile Handbook" The community can create a shared "Welcome to MediaPort" Notebook. This turns the collective wisdom of the hub into an always-available support agent for new arrivals.

The Workflow:

• The Input: The hub managers upload a collection of PDFs: Polish residency application guides, tax forms for journalists, and a "Common Questions" document compiled from previous members.

• The Prompt: A newly arrived journalist logs in and asks: "I just arrived from Grodno. What are the first three documents I need to file to work legally? Where can I find a doctor who speaks Russian/Belarusian?"

• The Answer: NotebookLM provides a step-by-step checklist based strictly on the uploaded legal guides and community contacts.

The Outcome: Scalable Solidarity This ensures that the "hospitality" Hrodna.life is famous for is available 24/7, without burning out the human mentors.

• Support: Immediate answers for vulnerable colleagues, even at 2 AM.

• Accuracy: Prevents rumors/misinformation about legal status by relying on official uploaded docs.

• Community: Frees up the humans to focus on emotional support and coffee, rather than repetitive administrative explanations.