Your Support Needed: Let's Reignite Courage News Together
Journalist Jenn Dize here asking for your help
Hey there,
Jenn here – I hope this email finds you well! There are so many devastating things happening across the world right now. Please know that you’re not alone if you’re finding it all a little too overwhelming. It is okay to take breaks from the news, breaks from all the heartbreak and anger. You have to take care of YOU, put your air mask on first, so you (and all of us!) can keep fighting for a better world. The horror is just beyond everyday comprehension.
That’s part of what I want to talk to you about. Perhaps you’ve noticed that I’d taken a short time away from Courage News – at least as far as the Substack is concerned. Speaking the truth is difficult when so many you formerly trusted refuse to do it and there’s so much hate that can come from it. But it matters.
I’ve thought – do I even want to do this anymore? When so many seem not to care about the truth and about others? When so many in the progressive media space have *literally* sold out (shout out to Peter Thiel money-takers!)?
I’ve given a lot to journalism and it has weighed on me. I’ve been assaulted, mugged, beaten by police, lost a platform I gave my life to build, lost three phones due to damage incurred while reporting, contracted debilitating long COVID, and, frankly, have found it extremely difficult to earn a living wage when the algorithms take advantage of human nature's frequent focus on drama, trite scandals, and general outrage over every conceivable topic.
New to Jenn? Here’s Me!
People would rather watch drama about YouTubers or read about why this person is mad at that person. Meanwhile, journalists (including me) who mean well and deliver consistently truthful reporting are shoved to the side fighting to make a basic living because they won’t give in to the outrage machine that divides and harms us all.
Due to financial constraints, I haven’t been able to do what I envision Courage News to be – an outlet you can *always* trust to tell you the truth even when it isn’t popular, based on facts, evidence, and human compassion.
I want to get back out in the field.
I want to do more investigative pieces that matter.
Some of My Work:
Despite the financial setbacks, my fire to bring you underreported stories and champion justice for the overlooked and underprivileged has only grown stronger. I got into this line of work for a reason –
I’m good at this, goddammit, and I actually care.
Today, I’m excited to share a refined vision for Courage News. I want to unveil what’s going on in this country and across the world. Another thing I want to do? I want to bring to the table GOOD NEWS on top of exposing corruption and horribleness. Because none of us will make it if we don’t have some hope and see good in the world anymore. Courage News will reinstill hope and showcase the triumphs of justice.
However, to make this vision a reality, I need your support now more than ever before.
By subscribing to Courage News on Substack or by flat-out donating, you’re investing in the power of truth, justice, and hope. Every dollar raised will go towards in-depth reporting, covering stories that matter to you and the countless others who deserve to be heard. Whether it’s $5 or $500, know that it MATTERS. That you will be making a difference.
Here’s a Donation Page for Journalism:
Moreover, I invite you to write me share story ideas, issues, or communities you believe deserve attention – a lot of stuff is going to get buried under the rug with the devastation that’s happening in the Middle East (#CeasefireNow).
Your support of me and my journalism over the years, and your belief in Courage News, have been its cornerstone. I am immensely grateful for the trust and engagement from readers and viewers like you.
Please consider supporting Courage News on Substack and/or by donating at any amount. Your generosity will fuel my quest for truth, justice, and a better tomorrow. I *promise you* I will never give in to the algorithm or the apparent penchant some have in this space for fighting, division, and controversy.
Thank you for being part of this journey! I look forward to helping make the world a better place with you by my side!
Solidarity Forever,
Jenn Dize