In a year of self-reflection, an important part of a shift in my mindset has been seeking connection outside my day to day with the values and missions I care about.

Those that know me, the impact of journalism and improving people’s information environments is tops on my list. Why? Because when people begin to trust the same sources of information, they can talk to each other again. Communicate better. Reduce isolation and increase our sense of worth and hope for the world around us. It’s as much about civics as it is about the quality of the information itself.

So with that, it should be no surprise the @daylightsdnews.bsky.social‬ team’s launch party checked all these boxes, plus several others. Not only did I meet new people that care about the same values, I found people from my past unexpectedly show up to what I assume would be a small, intimate gathering for much of the same reasons as me. You never know who you’re going to run into at a non-profit news party :)

Even if news isn’t your thing, there are many reasons to support local events and finding your people. Go out there, experience something new, break out of your bubble. It’s a start!