/https://static.texastribune.org/media/images/2016/11/22/community-reporter.png)
Editor's note: Since this post was published, philanthropist and businessman Doug Deason of Dallas has kindly pledged to match the first $10,000 raised through our community reporter crowdfund. Help us unlock this generous gift by contributing today.
This Thanksgiving week, all of us at The Texas Tribune are thankful for you — for those of you who've supported us over the last seven years by giving to our nonprofit, nonpartisan news org, by reading the great content we produce each day, by attending our many events around the state, and by getting civically engaged at election time and at all times. We've stayed true to our public service mission, and you've responded.
In that spirit, here's a modest post-election ask. Since Nov. 8, there have been many calls to support fact-based, nonpartisan journalism. We say: Hear, hear. Since day one we've taken very seriously our opportunity and responsibility to inform our friends and neighbors — and engage with them — about public policy, politics and statewide issues in a manner that's fair, thorough and accurate. No telling them what to think. No thumbs on the scale.
We’re now doubling down on that “with” part. No matter if you're elated or dejected by the election results, one thing is clear: Voices not previously heard by the political establishment are being heard now. It’s a good time for the press to hone its listening skills too. This is and always has been — or should have been — a two-way conversation.
That's why we’re crowdfunding the Trib’s first-ever community reporter position.
This reporter will go the extra mile, literally, to forge relationships with our readers all across this state, translating their feedback into stories produced by our awesome reporters. The new position will ensure that the voices of more Texans from more places inform our coverage. This reporter’s beat will be *Texans*.
While much of our hard and important work begins at the Capitol, where laws are passed, policies are enacted and tax dollars are spent, it's across Texas, in counties and cities and towns, that the impact of those decisions is felt. That needs to be part of the story — of every story. With your help, we'll do an even better job of connecting the dots.
Our goal is to raise $25,000 to cover part of the cost of this additional position by the end of the year — in time for the start of the 85th Texas Legislature.
Give what you can at support.texastribune.org. Thanks!
Information about the authors
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/profiles/Evan_Smith_LW_TT_01.jpg)
Evan Smith
Co-Founder and Senior Adviser
Learn about The Texas Tribune’s policies, including our partnership with The Trust Project to increase transparency in news.