The Fig Tree 2026 Spring Benefit Speakers

Erica Salkin boosts newspapers

 

Erica Salkin, professor of journalism and communication studies at Whitworth University and Fig Tree board member, loves newspapers and always has.

I've studied them, I've written for them, I've argued with them and more importantly FOR them for most of my adult life.

Lately, I worry about them. These vehicles of democracy and community stories are disappearing all across the country. According to Northwestern University, close to 3,500 newspapers have vanished since the year 2000, leaving one in every four Americans with limited access to a local print newspaper. Researchers call these newspaper-less areas "news deserts," and the description is apt.

A newspaper has the power to both inform and connect. It sheds light on the real stories of the area and the readers it serves. Make no mistake, good journalism is an act of service, and empowers people to work together to solve problems, spark opportunities and inspire hope.

Today, we have welcomed you together to share your stories, your opportunities and your inspiration for the Fig Tree. While our overhead expenses are extremely low, advertising revenue covers less than half of the cost of writing, editing, producing, printing and distributing this community newspaper and the Resource Directory. Our media are available free. We need the support of our community, so we can continue to support the region with stories of faith, hope and resilience, and so communities of faith and nonprofits can be in solidarity as we Persist Together and Inspire Miracles.

This room today can make that happen. Your gifts will help secure another year of the Fig Tree and the Community Resource Directory.

The goal is to raise $40,000 with the Benefit Lunch and the Breakfast-Time Benefit.

Our ongoing goal is and continues to be to break through divisions among people of faith to build understanding, and to promote unity and action for the common good.

To watch the 2026 Benefit Videos click here.