End of the year, now more than ever

After the results of the 2024 elections, it is clearer than ever that the role of independent media is crucial for the future of our Latino communities. In an environment of growing misinformation and political divisions, it is essential to have media that separates fact from fiction, offers accurate, truthful, and relevant information, and gives a voice to those who have historically been marginalized. La Voz, the magazine I co-founded over 20 years ago, is one such media outlet and remains a beacon of hope and connection for the Spanish-speaking people of the Hudson Valley. But we cannot do this work alone. We need your support now more than ever.

Over our 20 years of existence, La Voz has become a vital source of news, culture, and information for the Spanish-speaking communities of our region. We serve a diverse and growing Latino population in 10 counties of the Hudson Valley, providing coverage that reflects the voice of our community.

As a publication, we are aware of how media shapes perception, especially regarding underrepresented communities. Although Hispanics are one of the fastest-growing populations in the United States, our voices remain disproportionately absent from English-language media. Too often, our communities are covered from an outside perspective, laden with stereotypes, misinformation, or political agendas that fail to capture the breadth and complexity of who we are.

La Voz, however, has a singular mission: to serve the Spanish-speaking communities of the Hudson Valley with accurate, relevant, and culturally resonant information. Our publication reflects the people we serve—proud, diverse, and full of promise. But the work we do comes at a cost. From printing and distribution expenses to compensating our dedicated team members, we rely on donations, sponsorships, and grants to continue our work.

As the cost of living increases, the financial demands on small, independent media like La Voz are greater than ever. Despite everything, we are determined to continue providing a platform for Latino voices in our region. But we cannot do it alone. We need your support—readers, friends, allies—to keep this publication free and accessible to everyone who needs it.

How does your donation help?

Support our staff: Our dedicated team is small but mighty. From our full-time program assistant, Nohan Meza, to myself as part-time director, along with our independent contributors and student workers, your donation helps us provide fair compensation to those who make La Voz possible.

Expand our reach: We print, distribute, and mail thousands of copies of La Voz every month throughout the Hudson Valley. With your support, we can reach new readers and strengthen our connections further.

Ensure journalistic excellence: Journalism is a demanding field, and we are committed to training the next generation of Latino journalists and editors. Based at a local university like Bard College, we create opportunities for bilingual students to gain practical experience.

Increase our impact: Donations allow us to invest in the resources needed to grow, whether by updating technology, expanding our editorial team, or organizing community events.

We know that La Voz is making a difference, but we cannot do it without you. As the year ends, I ask for your support with a tax-deductible donation. Any amount you can give will significantly impact our ability to deliver the information that matters to our community and ensure that our work continues into the future.

La Voz is more than a magazine; it is a space where our struggles and achievements are visible, and where the reality of our community is told by those who live it. Your support is not just an investment in our publication; it is an investment in the voice of our community, our culture, and our future.

You can donate securely online at lavoz.bard.edu/donar.

On behalf of the entire La Voz team, thank you for your support.

Happy holidays!

Mariel Fiori
Managing Editor and Co-founder

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