Support Independent Journalism in Mexico

Journalism is in crisis. Budgets for bureaus have been cut, as have been budgets for travel, and for investigative journalism. The results are pretty clear - we're not getting the kind of information we need to form an accurate worldview.

The News Media: Room for Improvement - Example to follow

When you make a contribution today, you're supporting an independent effort to dig deep into an important story: the shifting tides of the immigration reform movement in Mexico.

First, a bit about me.

• I'm a freelance journalist. I've written stories for the Earth Island Journal, Yes! Magazine, Alternet, the East Bay Express, and many more. (See below for an example of the UN-Fox and Friends approach to journalism)

So here we are.

• I'll be traveling with the Immigration with Dignity Caravan from Mexico City to the Guatemalan border in December.
  
• I'm writing about the caravan, immigration reform, and the wider regional human rights implications.
  

It's a tall order, and I need a little help to get this story before your eyes, dear reader. 

Why do I care about this story? 

Well, glad you asked. I'll be interviewing people from throughout North America and Mexico to complete the picture on immigration. Reporting from the caravan will be integral to the story -- this caravan is organized by the coalition Immigration with Dignity, an organization linking together over 80 different civil society organizations from throughout Mexico. The conversations happening along the caravan route will likely inform the shape of the immigration debate within Mexico for the coming years, with implications from the U.S. down to Central and South America.

What are you doing with the money, anyway?

Like I said above, thanks to shrinking budgets at media outlets around the country, there's nary a penny to be found for travel expenses for in depth reporting like the story I'm working on. This is an important story, and one to which I intend to apply the full depth of my journalistic ability and overall tenacity.

Only problem, airlines tend not to accept journalistic ability in lieu of cash payments. Bus drivers, same deal. I've been able to cover some of the costs of the journey, but not all. Your generosity means the difference between success and failure for this important story.

• $300 will cover some of the costs of the flight to and from Mexico City
  
• $200 will cover in country costs
  

It's all pretty reasonable. $500 for an in depth investigation into an important story you're not likely to find elsewhere in the U.S. media landscape. 

Hooray for attainable goals!

Other Ways You Can Help

So you can't contribute, but you still want to help? Most excellent.

• Get the word out. Share the campaign with your friends and family and encourage their support.
  
• Use the handy Indiegogo share tools!