Dear readers,

Welcome to Community Voices, your home for deep-dive conversations about issues that matter to Eugene-Springfield and Lane County. We’re building a place to hammer out issues and get to the interior of problems stuck in our communities for too long. And we’re counting on your input. 

It’s been some time since Lane County residents have had local opinion content that examines and works through nagging dilemmas and bugaboos. Sadly, with a media landscape stretched thin – gutted even – and pushed to its very limits, we journalists haven’t always had resources to serve readers in ways we are trained to do. 

Now, though, we’re happy to report that’s all changed here and now. 

In Lookout Eugene-Springfield’s Community Voices, we’ll share a spectrum of perspectives and voices, ideas and concerns close to home. 

Tell us what matters most to you and your family members. Your neighbors and coworkers. Bring your conversations to our pages, where we’ll host spirited but respectful discussions that promote understanding and lead to solutions.

You’ll hear, too, about our forums and events that will reinforce civic engagement and community connections, media literacy in schools (something close to our hearts) and scholarship opportunities. All part of our master plan for community-centric opinion journalism.

We don’t pretend to know all the answers. We’re just happy to provide a dynamic platform for dialogue.

Will we take some strong stances? You bet. When the time’s right, we’ll have something to say. You can count on that. 

Editorials that reflect Lookout’s values will come after meeting local criteria: Do the issues matter to our community? Do they connect dots and promote fresh ways of thinking? Are they fair and diplomatic?

I’ll be your guide and contact for Community Voices and will curate and create Opinion content. Together, we’ll get conversations going. That is, with your help. 

Take a look at our submission guidelines and send us Letters to the Editor. We’re talking with community connectors and thought leaders, and will soon have guest columns and editorials.

It’s all coming, step by step. 

In the meantime, we’re learning how to work as an A–team in our collaborative downtown office, where a buzz reverberates within the walls. No exaggeration: Our excitement is palpable. 

We imagine that spirit will come through in this era of opinion journalism.

Readers, we’re pumped to take our shot, and earn your time and attention to become a trusted local institution. 

Thank you for your warm wishes and continued support. 

Reach out and let us know what’s on your minds. And, remember, our success is measured by how closely we get it right, delivering opinion content that matters most to you.