Uplift Local is a nonprofit community news initiative launched in the Columbia River Gorge region (covering parts of Oregon and Washington) to fill critical local news gaps, especially for rural and Spanish-speaking audiences. It was founded in 2023 following extensive community research—including input from more than 3,600 individuals in four languages—identifying news deficits in rural and culturally distinct communities.
Operating in both English and Spanish, Uplift Local emphasizes participatory, community-first journalism. Its model includes training and paying “Documenters” to attend and report on public meetings, which are then fact-checked and shared with partner news outlets, expanding local civic coverage. The outlet also provides direct, accessible reporting via online articles, email newsletters, and SMS updates, partnering with existing local media to amplify coverage.
Backing Uplift Local isn’t just about sustaining local journalism—it’s about preserving democratic information flows where traditional media have retreated. As news deserts gentrify civic understanding, this nonprofit brings multilingual voices into the public discourse and empowers underrepresented communities. Its growth positions it as a critical defender against misinformation, a trainer for new journalists, and a bridge between citizens and local government at a moment when informed community engagement is especially needed. Please check them out!