Nine reasons to support The 51st

As The 51st’s Director of Growth and Engagement, I think a lot about how best to explain the work we’re doing, and why it’s worth supporting. Our team believes deeply that being built and funded by our community is what’s gotten us this far — and what will sustain us into the future.

We’re grateful to have you in that community, and as the year comes to a close, we’re asking for your help. For the first time, we’re participating in a program called Newsmatch, which will double the $ amount of any donation you make through the end of the year. That includes the full-year value of a monthly membership, if you sign up today!

But you don’t have to take our word for it: Here’s why nine of your neighbors joined us as paying members — and think you should, too.

“As a D.C. native, and daughter of community organizers and former local newspaper publishers, I deeply understand the true value of local reporting — and man, that's never really been as important here as it is now, huh?“
– Julia, Ward 6

“I'm looking for more authentic local journalism. The Washington Post feels more like ‘journalism’ as entertainment. I realized that if I want local news like what I'm looking for, then I need to be paying for it.” 
– Josh, Ward 4

“Simply, I love D.C. The people, the community, the culture, the love and pride for the city … it’s infectious. There are so many stories to be told and I’m excited to see that there is a publication like the 51st to tell them.”
– Brit, Virginia

“There's nothing more important than local news presented by locals — especially in a city that doesn't have the same fundamental rights as other cities and states. It's time we hear what's going on from people who are on the ground experiencing it.” 
– Jacquelyn, Ward 6

“D.C. is already marginalized politically, making it even more important that it has strong local journalism to represent its interests.” 
– Mark, Maryland

“I loved DCist and I really admire the grassroots journalistic effort here to create a similar space for local news. I also appreciate the voice — it feels authentic, grounded, and passionate. I hope The 51st can flourish!” 
– Shivani, Ward 5

“Since the loss of DCist, I've really missed having local news, especially in these times. Something essential is lost every time a local news outlet closes down. People thrive in community and local news keeps us anchored in our shared place and in our connection and responsibility to each other. Thank you to The 51st for filling this gap. Here's to bringing back local news!” 
– Julie, Ward 3

“It’s important to me to stay well informed about what’s happening here in the District, given the most recent developments in connection with the current administration, and I also want to share good information about D.C. with my friends and family who don’t live here and aren’t familiar with our capital city. I believe Washington, D.C., belongs to all of us, and I look forward to the day when D.C. residents will have the full representation we deserve!” 
– Judi, Ward 2 

Amid all the big challenges our community is facing together, sometimes the simplest messages stand out:

“My neighbor recommended it.” 
– Marion, Ward 1

Can’t support us financially this year? That's okay! You can still help The 51st: Be just like Marion's neighbor.

Join our referral challenge today, and get a unique link you can share with your block’s listserv, groupchat, Facebook group, etc. Through the end of the year, our top referrer of new email signups each week earns a goodie bag! With your outreach, we’ll get closer to our end-of-year goal of 3,000 new free or paid subscribers.

With a ton of gratitude,
Maddie Poore,
Director of Growth and Engagement, The 51st