Westword Kicks Off End-of-the-Year Membership Drive

Westword has always been free. But while our stories are free, our independent journalism doesn’t come cheap. And so we’re launching an end-of-the-year membership drive to help fund our newsroom in the new year.

The theme for this drive: “When news happens, Westword is there.” Again and again, Westword has stepped up in times of change, challenge and opportunity. We help our readers make sense of uncertainty, put issues in historic context, and prepare for what’s ahead.

That’s been particularly true over the past year.

When Donald Trump held a rally in Colorado just before the 2024 election, we were there — talking to supporters, listening to the once-and-future president promise to launch “Operation Aurora,” and preparing readers for what could come next.

When Mayor Mike Johnston testified before Congress, we were there (virtually), watching how the city’s special $2 million legal contract was being spent and reporting on how the mayor explained Denver’s stance on immigration.

When 30,000 Coloradans came out to cheer Bernie Sanders, we were there, talking to supporters, listening to the one-time presidential candidate, and capturing the response of both fans and foes.

When the second No Kings rally two weeks ago moved from the Colorado State Capitol to downtown, we were there…and staff writer Bennito L. Kelty encountered a cop-fired pepper ball in the process of reporting.

When Colorado Democrats started positioning Denver to host the 2028 convention, we were there, looking back at the 2008 DNC in the Mile High City and looking forward to what a convention twenty years later might look like.

And as Coloradans prepared to deal with the suspension of SNAP, we were there, reporting on the latest judicial moves and offering suggestions for where the hungry could find help.

These weren’t just assignments. They were stories that connected us with our community, reminding us of why it’s a privilege to live in Colorado…and why it’s imperative that we work to keep this state special.

If that work has informed, empowered or inspired you this year, I hope you’ll consider making a contribution and becoming a member. By December 31, we hope to raise $50,000 to power our work in the new year. That’s a bold mission — but we believe we’ll get there with the support of our incredible community.

Every gift brings us closer to our $50,000 goal, which will help us better plan for next year’s coverage, specifically around the election season.

It’s indeed a privilege to work for you…and with you. Whether you make a contribution or, like so many others, are too cash-strapped in these troubled times to give, we appreciate your support.

Keep reading, and thank you for being part of our community.