A Message to the Dallas South Family: A new endeavor awaits us
For almost three years now, people from all over the world have thought this space worthy enough to visit and check out our take on important news stories. Together, we really have helped to portray positive images of African-Americans in the media and challenge the negative images often depicted in mainstream media.
But we are now called to a new task.
Right now Dallas South is in the midst of a transformation, where we will move beyond simply commenting on the news to create more original content. It’s something that already takes place here, but the new venture will allow us to do so on a greater scale.
We will utilize the non-profit news model that has already been launched in other parts of the country. Think of it as our very own NPR specifically focused on Southern Dallas.
Some websites that already use this model include:
In the Senate hearings held yesterday on the future of journalism and media, Chi Town Daily, Voice of San Diego and Minn Post were all referenced. Chi Town Daily News specifically has been integral -by example and direct consult- in our examination of this model.
So today, I would like to make the Dallas South Family aware of our intentions to launch Dallas South News. Dallas South News will be a nonprofit organization utilizing technology, journalistic principles, and social media to empower and inform diverse communities. We will provide news coverage in the areas of local politics, education, health, housing, as well as commentary on state and national politics.
As traditional journalism struggles through a transformation period, we want to create a vehicle that will deliver news and commentary in the new media reality. This will only occur by utilizing innovative technology, social media, and the best professional and citizen journalists. It is important that people of color are not left behind during this transition. We must embrace new media to make sure that this does not happen.
On May 2nd, an Advisory Board convened to examine the feasibility of Dallas South News. This diverse group, which included writers, community organizers, attorneys, social media experts and local citizens all felt that this was valuable way to proceed in the present condition. I will share more about the Dallas South News Advisory Board in the days to come.
HOW CAN YOU HELP
The Dallas South Family has always been there for us when we have needed you, and I expect that to be no different in this endeavor. In the short term there are 3 ways that you can help.
1. Donate
Nonprofit does not mean free. Launching a news organization will require setting up a newsroom and bringing in paid journalists to cover underserved communities as mainstream media outlets reallocate their resources.
We have set up a PayPal account where you can make a donation to this cause today. We are in the process of applying for 501(c)(3) status, so your donation will eventually be tax deductible.
Our goal is to raise $10,000 by the end of the month. One hundred donors of $100 would be nice, but if we learned anything from the last Presidential Election, it’s that small donations add up. If you are not able to give $100, we’ll take five on it.
You can make a secure donation via PayPal by clicking on the button below. If you would like to make other arrangements, please email dallassouthnews@gmail.com.
2. Volunteer
In addition to paid journalists, Dallas South News will recruit an army of over 100 volunteer bloggers, reporters, and citizen journalists to write about Southern Dallas (definition of coverage area will follow) as well as state and federal political news that affects those areas.
If you would like to write about your school, church, neighborhood association, or community in general please let us know. Volunteer journalists will be asked to submit 1-4 articles per month. Periodic training session will be held to help transfer writing and reporting skills as well as journalistic values and principles to volunteers.
If you are interested in participating or know someone who may be, please email dallassouthnews@gmail.com
3. Click on and Spread the Word
It’s important that we drive up the traffic at dallassouthblog.com during this period. Please visit Dallas South everyday, and tell everyone you know about our endeavor. I will supply updates as often as possible, so stay tuned.
As always, thanks for your prayers and support. Without you, this would not even be possible.
Shawn P. Williams
Dallas South
