From the Founder’s Desk: Here’s proof that local news matters to communities

Want proof that local news matters to your community? See what our readers have to say:

“We had a great turnout for our program last month and the majority of those attending had seen it on your publication. Keep up the good work for our community!” — Cheri Ryan, Lynnwood-Alderwood Manor Heritage Association

“We appreciate the great support that My Neighborhood News offers in helping us promote our veteran-oriented events.” — Dan Mullene, American Legion Post 66.

“It’s important that people know through your coverage that there are resources for young girls of color – that includes having a place for them to go to learn things that will help them in life.” — Olympia Edwards, Project Girl

“I can’t say enough about how great the series was that MLTnews did on the finance…about the city [and] in our bordering cities. — William Paige Jr., Mountlake Terrace City Council

So readers, please help us celebrate all the ways that local publications — like this one — connect communities. Meet reporters and share story ideas and feedback at two events this Thursday, April 9 — which is Local News Day. (More on that below.)

Most important, as part of this effort, we’ve launched a $10,000 Spring Into Action for Local News matching campaign. Thanks to the generosity of local donors who requested anonymity, all donations through April 30 will be matched, up to $10,000. There are two easy ways to participate: text localnews to 50155 or visit our online donation page here.

Please consider supporting us at a level that reflects how much you value our local news coverage. All donations are 100% tax deductible, as allowed by law. Our federal tax ID # is 88-3919841.

You can donate here or you can mail a check to:

My Neighborhood News Group
10016 Edmonds Way, Ste. C-150
Edmonds, WA 98020

What is Local News Day?

It’s a new, nationwide effort — with more than a thousand newsrooms participating — that celebrates how local news organizations provide verified, independent reporting that helps residents make everyday decisions about local issues that matter, from schools to public safety to health care to elections. It’s valuing the information that alerts readers to key events, from food bank fundraisers to theater performances. It’s recognizing all the things — big and small — that communities value, whether it’s a third-grader creating a crew to keep his school clean to a high school sports team winning a state championship.

We invite you to meet our reporters on Local News Day, April 9, when we’re hosting two local news cafes. The first, from 8-10 a.m., will be at EdWay Taphouse and Coffee Cafe, 22811 100th Ave. W., Edmonds. The second — co-sponsored by our news partner Se Habla Media — will be from 5-6:30 p.m. at Mazatlan Mexican Restaurant, 6003 244th St. S.W., Mountlake Terrace. There’s no cost to attend either of these events, and food and drink purchases are optional.

We are also proud that our efforts are being recognized by local governments. On Tuesday, April 7, a group of journalists gathered at Edmonds City Hall for the second of three proclamations being issued by our local cities. (A Lynnwood proclamation was delivered April 2 and a Mountlake Terrace one will be presented April 9.) While media members often compete with one another to get the story first, Local News Day gives us a chance to collectively reflect on our work, which — as journalist Alan Barth wrote in 1943 — serves as “a first rough draft of history.”

See you at the news cafes!

Teresa Wippel
Founder, President and CEO
My Neighborhood News Group
My Edmonds News/My MLT News/My Lynnwood News

P.S. We recognize that during these challenging financial times, not everyone can make a donation. And that’s the reason we don’t have paywall: to ensure our news is accessible to all.