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Rich Lord, center, listens to a community member at a May 16 community bike ride, organized by the World Affairs Council, which explored democracy as something we do, not just something we have. (Photo courtesy of Betty Cruz/World Affairs Council)

Dear Reader,

What’s the first word that comes to mind when you hear the word democracy? That’s what a university researcher asked the Public Source staff at one of our recent lunch-and-learn sessions.

What’s your answer?

My answer today: alive.

I’m not implying that our democracy is the picture of vitality, nor that it’s on life support. My message today: Democracy is by nature a moving, changing, adapting organism. By definition, its component parts aren’t always in sync, but when they pursue common goals, they’re powerful.

Sometimes our democracy seems to be at a loss for shared goals. Politicians seem intent on cementing their power rather than adapting to changing times that call for consensus solutions to problems.

As a nonpartisan outlet, Public Source seeks to provide Southwestern Pennsylvania with the fact-checked information and diverse perspectives that flow through the veins of a vibrant democracy. For instance:

* Homeownership seems a mirage to many up-and-coming Pittsburghers, so we probed the reasons and remedies in “The Homeownership Wall ([link removed]) : Here’s how homeownership became a fading dream, and what it means for young Pittsburgh.”
* Higher ed can be a fountain of social and technological advances, and we outlined the threats to and defenses of campus innovation in “Gagging Academia ([link removed]) : The right to teach, debate and protest faces a high-stakes challenge in Pittsburgh’s universities and beyond.”
* We saw that 3 in 5 working-age adults with disabilities aren’t employed, and brought expert insights and anecdotes together in “Job One ([link removed]) : How young people with special needs enter the workforce.”

Accessible homeownership. Academic excellence. Employment opportunity. These aren’t wedge issues: They’re areas around which we can build democratic consensus and make progress.

When you support Public Source, you’re making constructive journalism possible. You’re ensuring the information and insight keep flowing. You’re keeping democracy alive. For that we’re grateful. Now is an especially powerful time to make a gift of support; generous community members are matching your donation, dollar for dollar. But that match is only available for a few more days. Can you make a gift of $25, $50, or the amount of your preference to help us keep doing this work? ([link removed])
Match your gift now. ([link removed])

Sincerely,

Rich Lord

Managing Editor and proud member

Pittsburgh’s Public Source

To be removed from fundraising messages, please email [email protected] (mailto:[email protected]?subject=Please%20remove%20me%20from%20fundraising%20emails.&body=) . Donations by check can be made payable to Public Source and mailed to our office at 1936 Fifth Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15219. So that we can credit you properly, please include your email address with your gift.

Pittsburgh's Public Source is a nonprofit news organization that informs and inspires the Pittsburgh region through the power of deep, independent journalism.
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