In a recent episode of the “Amanpour Hour,” acclaimed journalist Christiane Amanpour answered a question from a viewer.
“As a concerned citizen of the world and as a father of an 11-year-old girl, how can I add to the democratic voice of the world? Democracy is starting to feel increasingly like an endangered species.”
Amanpour noted that we teach democracy by teaching our children civics, by teaching them to be engaged and by teaching them what matters.
“It is true that there are right now more illiberal democracies around the world … and that everything is at stake right now,” she said.
This seems truer every passing day; there is a sense of urgency that is gaining momentum.
So how do we teach our children to be engaged? How do we reach beyond textbook-driven civics classes? These days, we gather a large percentage of our information from the internet but, contrary to popular belief, print is not dead.
Nowhere is that more evident than in small communities, where local and hyperlocal newspapers provide fact-based information, op-eds and investigative stories. Teaching our children to be critical and divergent thinkers, to be voracious readers and to pursue knowledge starts with the printed word.
We need your investment and commitment
And although we look to our community newspapers for school sports, local events and the police beat, they serve a much larger role. Reporting on these things that knit our community together is important.
But our newspapers also exist to protect democracy and shine a light on that which threatens it. What can you do to support your community newspaper so that it can continue to serve its vital purpose?
First, be engaged! Join a board. Volunteer your time and talent at one of our very worthy local nonprofits. Run for City Council (please).
All of this creates a vibrant community of people who care about the place where they live.
Secondly, show your newspaper that you believe in and support the important work going on in the newsroom. And there are many ways to do that. Pitch a story. Write a letter to the editor. Advertise! Subscribe. Give a subscription!
Because the Pikes Peak Bulletin is part of the growing nonprofit newspaper model, financial support is critical. We need your investment and commitment to create sustainability and longevity.
So, in this season of giving — in this season of illiberal democracies — all of us who believe in our democracy must protect it by supporting our community newspaper. And, through Jan. 3, 2024, it’s easy to do that through our Give! campaign profile page.
Just scan the QR code or click the link to make your donation. It’s a win-win scenario, with the Pikes Peak Bulletin receiving essential funding and you getting fun rewards.
Engagement in community, commitment to protecting democracy and involvement in what matters. What great things to teach our children.
givepikespeak.org/nonprofit/pikes-peak-bulletin/
