By Mike Rhodes (departing Editor)
The Community Alliance is in a transition as I leave and our expenses increase. It is up to you whether this bold experiment in publishing an alternative/independent newspaper in Fresno will survive the transition.
What we realized when I announced my departure is that the chance of our finding a volunteer editor was somewhere between slim and none. Not only have I been the editor, involved in what articles get published each month (not a small job), but I am also the business manager responsible for the paper’s distribution, balancing the books, volunteer coordinator and more.
The staff and volunteers of the Community Alliance reached the decision that two (paid) positions needed to be created to replace me. Fortunately, Chip Ashley has agreed to be the editor and we are still looking to hire a business manager. This is going to increase our expenses, which will be a challenge, but one that I think we can handle.
Among our progressive core values are sustainability and paying workers a living wage. It was not sustainable to assume I would volunteer as a full-time “editor” forever. The good news is that I know you (our readers) value this newspaper and want to see it continue. That is why I’m confident that you will contribute what you can to ensure that Fresno will have a progressive voice that is not controlled by corporate interests. The Community Alliance newspaper is a strong voice for social, economic and environmental justice and has earned your support.
If you are a regular reader of this paper I’m asking you to subscribe (see the subscription form on page 3). If you already subscribe, please consider becoming a sustainer at $10, $20 or $100 a month. One-time donations will also be enthusiastically received! We need everyone to step up and do more than you have done before—that is the only way that we will be able to continue publishing this paper. The future of independent media in this community is completely in your hands (both figuratively and literally).
*****
Donate to the Community Alliance newspaper through PayPal.
