We're in the spring Membership drive at Crosscut, and I hope you'll consider joining or renewing your Annual Membership. Crosscut is a nonprofit, public-interest media organization that depends on our hundreds of Members for support. Public support enables us to produce thoughtful journalism for the public good, free from commercial constraints.
Gordon and Celia Bowker, longtime supporters of Crosscut, have pledged $1,000 in matching funds, which will double all gifts above $75. Memberships, which are tax-deductible, begin at $35 a year, and you can choose a monthly automatic deduction schedule if you wish. It's easy to donate online.
Another inducement for today is a drawing for two tickets to see Chunky Move, an Australian dance company making its debut at Meany Hall, April 12-14. Winner of Tuesday's drawing, for a pair of tickets to Pacific Northwest Ballet's upcoming show of "Carmina Burana" and Balanchine's "Apollo," is Kristin Kennell of Seattle, who joined at the $100 level.
All Members enjoy benefits, including free-to-Members parties, chances to meet newsmakers and city-makers, and discounted tickets to such programs as Seattle Arts & Lectures. See the Members Page for more details.
Crosscut is turning five years old next week, and in a story below I give some of the history and evolution of the site. It's an exciting new development in local, quality, community-driven journalism, and it's happening in several cities. One of the most ambitious is BayCitizen.org, which just announced a merger with the prestigious Center for Investigative Reporting in Berkeley, which covers all of California. The combined entity will have a budget of $10.5 million and a staff of 70 — this in a time when most commercial media operations are dwindling.
It's exciting what this new form of online, community-focused, thoughful journalism can accomplish, but we can't do it without public support from our Members and other generous donors. If you like what Crosscut means in your civic and cultural life, I hope you'll feel moved to contribute your support. We particularly need your support now that some initial grants from major foundations are phasing out.
Thanks for your consideration.
