Dear Reader,
I have one of the best jobs in city journalism. Having started as a intern
nearly three years ago, I never thought I would become a staff member,
let alone the full-time City Government Reporter, for Gotham Gazette.
I write today to share my story, and also, to ask for
your support because it was only through generous contributions from readers like you
that I was able to be hired after volunteering for two years. Let me explain.
I started in September of 2014 during my last semester of grad school
at NYU. After school ended, I continued to volunteer for the better part
of a year. I did so because I loved what I was doing as a reporter, and
Gotham Gazette was allowing me to write stories that matter - stories
I am proud of, and stories that I hope to write throughout my career.
It was a moment of great pride (and gratitude) when the generous support
of readers and donors to the Citizens Union Foundation, made it possible
for me to be hired as a full-time reporter for Gotham Gazette.
Reader
support allows us to report the news that often goes ignored by larger media organizations
and helps facilitate critical conversations on government reform and accountability.
With the help of eager and enterprising interns, we carry out the mission
for which Citizens Union Foundation founded Gotham Gazette: to educate
and enlighten New Yorkers on the policies that affect their daily lives
and the politics that go into governing this city and state.
But we cannot do it alone. We need
your help to continue that work. Help us elevate both excellent reporting and excellent
reporters. Please give generously today, as much as you can, to allow
Gotham Gazette to be the best it can be for you, our readers.
Thank you
Samar Khurshid
City Government Reporter
Gotham Gazette