[Publisher’s Note] Why We Do It

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by Todd Stauffer
June 29, 2011

In just the past week or so, I've become a bit obsessed with the question of "Why?"

It started with a TED Talk that I watched one evening on YouTube while making dinner. The talk was by Simon Sinek, author of the book, "Start With Why" (http://www.startwithwhy.com). I haven't read the book, yet, but I plan to dig into it almost immediately; it might be a perfect fit for the long Fourth of July weekend.

But even the very premise he communicates in his talk--the idea that to truly inspire people you need to lead with your passion, or your "why" for doing something--has my head spinning on a number of different levels.

There's the JFP level. We produce the Jackson Free Press for a fairly straightforward reason, but one that we don't always articulate.

Our goal is to make Jackson--and Mississippi--a better place for its citizens by celebrating their diversity, creativity and vitality. That's why we publish.

As an independent media outlet, I think we can add to the dialogue, helping people make informed decisions, and shining a light on public decision-making and the use of community resources that don't benefit the diversity of our population. We've devoted all our resources and efforts to that end, and we're constantly striving to get better at it.

Sinek's proposition is that you move from your "why" to your "how"--how you do something is informed by why you do it. Our "how" is that we produce engaging stories that seek to grab our readers' attention and give them new information. Above all, we seek to publish the truth--not always "both sides" of a story, as false objectivity is the refuge of a press that seeks primarily not to offend advertisers.

As Carl Bernstein of "Woodward and Bernstein" fame has said, we seek to print the "best obtainable truth." It's a good start.

This past week the Jackson Free Press' editorial staff was again commended for doing that job well. In the 61st Annual Green Eyeshade Awards, the JFP staff was given four awards for excellence in reporting in the southeastern United States by the Society of Professional Journalists.

First Place in Courts and the Law reporting went to Valerie Wells and Donna Ladd for their in-depth narrative story about prosecuting children as adults. Second place in Political Reporting went to Adam Lynch for his cover story about judicial corruption in the state, and Third Place in Feature Writing went to Lacey McLaughlin for her in-depth and unpredictable story about teen pregnancy and the problems with abstinence-only education. And Donna got her second First Place in Serious Commentary in as many years from the SPJ for her Editor's Notes.

We're particularly gratified by these awards as they give us an opportunity to compete against a variety of publications in towns and states much larger than ours, giving our staff the well-deserved kudos that they can bring back to Jackson and Mississippi with great pride. And we were the only media outlet in Mississippi that won Green Eyeshade awards--for the second year in a row.

Beyond our award-winning news and analysis, we seek to tell stories about authentic local people and the businesses and organizations they create. We champion the idea of buying local and we encourage you--whenever possible--to consider the source of your goods and services.

We believe strongly that local businesses, organizations and arts groups are what make Jackson unique and vital--and that it's small, local businesses that will drive the economy and create jobs. It's local people, engaged in innovation, entrepreneurship and free enterprise--working with smart government, people of faith and dedicated non-profits--who will lift Jackson to new heights.

Another "why" level to what we do is the idea that we can use media to do good in our community, bringing people together in common cause. That fundamental "why" has led to a "what"--the JFP Chick Ball.

Now in its seventh year, the Chick Ball celebrates female musical talent in Jackson (a frequently overlooked and under-booked group of creatives) while driving donations to an extremely worthy cause--the cessation of domestic abuse in central Mississippi. The JFP is partnering with the Center for Violence Prevention to plan the biggest evening, yet, of entertainment, food, drink, art and music.

Already, the donations and sponsorships are higher than they've ever been, with more people participating prior to the event than ever before. The music is lined up, the supporters and volunteers are pitching in, and one heck of a party is coming together for July 9, 2011 at Hal & Mal's. The suggested donation to get into the event is only $5, with ample opportunity for you to give more.

Sponsorships start as low as $50 and includes entry to the Chick-A-Boom VIP reception from 6 to 8 p.m. during the regular Chick Ball. If you'd like to be a sponsor, call 601-362-6121 x16 or write .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) or just swing by the JFP with a check made out to Center for Violence Prevention. You'll find details online at http://www.jfpchickball.com and in next week's 2011 Chick Issue, featuring a guide to the Chick Ball, its silent-auction items and the 2011 "Chicks We Love" feature. Or follow @jfpchickball on Twitter or look us up on Facebook.

The goal this year with the Chick Ball is to raise at least $30,000 to go to rural programs in the counties surrounding Jackson; in years past the Chick Ball has bought the Center a "Freedom Van," raised seed money for the area's first batterer-intervention program and created a fund to help victims get out of legal entanglements with their abusers. Along the way, the Chick Ball has celebrated heroes who have worked to pass important legislation, bear witness and make changes to help battle domestic violence.

Why do we do the JFP? Why do we throw the Chick Ball every year; keep a watchful eye on issues of vital public interest; and support local arts, non-profit fundraisers, entrepreneurs, educators, musicians, festivals, markets, artists, creatives and local business?

Like most of you, we want to help make Jackson a better place for everyone who calls it home. We believe the community includes every neighborhood and every ZIP code and that each person deserves a chance to help build a great city and state.

What could be a better "why" than that?

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