http://media.lakewoodobserver.com/issue_pdfs/Observer_Vol_07_Issue_20.pdf
Sorry for the delay!
All
Well another issue of the Lakewood Observer is out on the streets and online. This one was accomplished with nearly a whole new crew of trainees on board who were willing to build and take the Lakewood Observer Project into new directions with all new material. This is refreshing and good, and one of the reasons I like this project so much, as over the past 8+ years we have seen many step up and grab the LO Talking Stick to tell their story-- taking advantage of the rare opportunity to get their voices out unfiltered and hear back from other Lakewood residents as they respond about what they think of your story, and add their concepts and their ideas at the grand and ever-growing table of the Lakewood Observer.
As has been pointed out by many, "This is the surest way to make sure a city is growing and progressing in the right direction." --Dr. Michael Schoop, President of Tri-C Metro Campus, and on the board of The Campus District Observer. "It has been a great asset for Lakewood, and every community they are in." --Ned Hill, Lakewoodite, and Dean of the Levin College of Urban Affairs, and on the Board of The Campus District.
While we are all having incredible fun with the Lakewood Observer, and all Observers, we take this work very seriously and refuse to bend or break just because the same powers that existed before the Lakewood Observer are back in the sheep's clothing of "civic journalism." It is funny, the harder others try, it seems the more and more communities are lining up to work with the Observer Project. This month we will finally start Observers to fill in the gaps between Lakewood and the Westlake Bay Village Observer, and between Lakewood and the Campus District. With more options and opportunities than ever before, the smartest communities now get it. There is no reason to bamboozle the citizens, especially if you can bring them in, get them up to speed, and partner with them through respect, understanding, and trust. After all, the community is there for them, not for City Hall.
Or, as Lisa LaParo, who works in the media department of the Cleveland Clinic says, "We have charted and tracked every form of media out there, in print, online, flyers, educational seminars, and more. Nothing reaches the people of a community better than the Observer Family of Community Media." Of course this makes sense, because in the case of the Lakewood Observer, nearly 10% of the city has taken an active part. That means in Lakewood, only the PTA has had as good a history of engaging citizens, and of course theirs is directed to families.
This issue we partner with the PTA, and once again for the 7th straight year, the League of Women Voters, to get their information out on candidates. These are partnerships we treasure, because they too have the same opinion on politics as the Lakewood Observer does, there is no need to back or spin any candidate. Put the information out to as many people as you can, and let them make educated decisions based on that information and what they believe, and or need, in their lives. Again, this is how you make a community whole.
This issue has seen the paper grow and the chain grow.
Damn I love this job.
Damn I love this city.
peace
James C. O'Bryan
Publisher
Lakewood Observer, Inc.
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