A membership program made for you

Become a Chicago Reader member today! Reader, did you know the Chicago Reader is a nonprofit? I recently joined the Reader Institute for Community Journalism as Chief Development Officer. Like you, I read the Reader because I love Chicago and I love how the Reader exposes (but doesn’t always resolve) the mysteries of our city. I love the idiosyncratic lens through which the Reader informs. And I support the Reader as a donor because I value the voices who tell these stories. It’s been a little over a year since the Reader officially became an independent, nonprofit publication. You may know the Reader is now a nonprofit, but do you know what that really means? For starters, it means that the Reader isn’t owned by a big corporation, a hedge fund or a billionaire -- and it never will be. It means that our sole focus is serving you, our readers, by making the best alternative paper in the country. With no one taking profits out of the business, every dollar is reinvested in making an impact in the communities we serve. (And when you donate to the Reader, your gift is now tax-deductible!) But being nonprofit also means the Reader now depends more than ever on support from our most dedicated readers like you. Local advertising still plays a big part, as does support from foundations, but the Reader will only continue to thrive if readers are willing to chip in. We can't thank our readers enough for the support they've shown over the past few years. [But the best way to ensure you can continue enjoying the Reader for years to come is by becoming a member.]( In exchange for your ongoing support, you’ll receive early access to every new issue, an exclusive member pin, an art print from a local Chicago artist, and more. You decide how much you give, and you can cancel at any time -- but we’re betting you won’t want to. [Become a member of the Reader today.]( When you become a member, you’ll be helping keep the Reader free for everyone. We don’t believe in hiding news behind a paywall, which is why we post every story online for free. And for more than 50 years, you’ve been able to pick up a free copy of the Reader at bus stops, grocery stores, libraries, and many other spots all throughout the city. When you become a member you'll help sustain talented journalists, photographers, and staff who showcase why Chicago shines as one of the world’s best cities. With your ongoing donation, we can continue to amplify marginalized voices, highlight unique stories, and provide you with Chicago’s best and most comprehensive coverage of food, music, movies, arts and culture. We’re fortunate to have more than 1,500 loyal members, but to continue bringing you the Reader you know and love, we know that number has to grow. That’s why I’m writing to you today. For just a few dollars a month, you can play a part in supporting independent, nonprofit, alternative journalism in Chicago. [Will you become a member of the Reader today?]( Diane Pascal Chief Development Officer P.S. For a limited time, when you become a member at any level, we’ll send you an art print from a local Chicago artist as our way of saying “thank you.” [BECOME A MEMBER]( This email was sent to {EMAIL} [why did I get this?]( [unsubscribe from this list]( [update subscription preferences]( Chicago Reader · 2930 S. Michigan Ave. · Suite 102 · Chicago, IL 60616 · USA