Hi there,

There’s something happening on the Island, can you feel it? As your independent local news service, we’ve been lucky to see firsthand the change that is possible when people come together and work toward solutions in face of systemic challenges.

To continue serving the hundreds of you who read our reporting daily, we’re asking just 20 of you to pledge your support to independent community news with a monthly contribution. Will you pitch in?

Instead of focusing only on our community’s problems, we report on community-driven solutions. 

Here’s what reader Anne had to say about supporting The Discourse: “Well worth it. You all do such important work.

I really appreciate how these news sources cover more than the Cowichan region… the Citizen has local news but disconnects us from our Island-and-beyond ecosystem.

Thank You! For keeping my horizons broadened!”

We shine a light on groups and movements across Cowichan Valley, Nanaimo, and Comox Valley that inspire hope and effect change. You’ve probably seen our reporting on:

• The community project that honoured 84,000 fish that died in Cowichan River;

• The seniors who protested against poor living conditions in non-profit housing in Nanaimo; or

• The activists rallying against a ship breaking operation with environmental impacts in Comox Valley

We’re only able to do this because over 300 of your neighbours have already committed to sustaining our community journalism. In return, community reporters Shalu, Julie, and Madeline work tirelessly to get to know you, answer your questions and investigate your concerns.

It’s been a challenging few years for the Canadian news industry, especially local news, and we truly are here because our readers — you! — have shown an appetite for our independent community journalism. Thank you.

With that said, will you join your neighbours and become a monthly supporter?