It’s not for the money.
Nor is it for the fame.
But it’s all because of you.
We asked the dedicated staff of the Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service why they do this meaningful work.
What shines through is the reaffirmation that NNS is built on a calling to inform and transform our community and our staff is carrying this out every day.
We do this work because of YOU and want to hear from you!
From now through December 16th, we invite you to share a quote and a photo of yourself to spotlight what NNS means to you to be included in our growing “Why NNS” collage. Your perspective will not only help us celebrate the beautiful community we have created in the last 11 years but will also provide us with significant insight as we look to expand and grow.
I believe information is power. And this power belongs to all of the people, not just some. NNS helps fill information gaps by ensuring that the voices in our community are heard. We showcase their brilliance. And we spotlight their resilience.
Ron SmithExecutive Director
“NNS does more than provide news. It informs, connects, and gives a voice to a community of neighbors and stakeholders who care about Milwaukee and call it home.”
Deb HeffnerDirector of Development and Partnerships
“I do this work because there are huge information and accountability gaps in Milwaukee and I want to be part of the solution.”
Bevin ChristieNews414 Project Manager
“NNS represents a continued, evidence-based dialogue between residents in our neighborhoods and people in positions of local power. To me, NNS is worth supporting because this sustained dialogue needs to be protected at all costs.”
Sam WoodsStaff Reporter
“NNS is truly a service. So, not only do we share accurate information, but we are intentional about ensuring that our readers know what to do with the information they receive. I think working that way lets our readers and communities know we are listening.”
PrincessSafiya ByersReport for America Staff Reporter
“NNS is a conduit between many organizations and the people women, men and children who are the core of our city. I have worked with NNS for 11 years. I feel that as photographer, I can help to visually share our city. There is such a very rich and diverse culture.”
Sue VlietPhotographer
“We don’t own any parachutes. You may have noticed: some news organizations parachute into your communities to cover something – and then disappear. We don’t. Providing hyperlocal coverage of communities on Milwaukee’s North and South sides is what we do. It is the only thing we do. And we’re not going anywhere.”
O. Ricardo PimentelManaging Editor
“I love the city of Milwaukee. I was born and raised here. NNS is my way to stay connected and give back to the city in a positive way.”
Dwayne BurtinDeputy Editor, Digital
“I came to NNS first as a reader. What I was drawn to was NNS was clearly providing information and news specific to residents who often don’t get that kind of coverage or who are relegated, one way or another, by other publications. And by being specific in this way, our stories end up being more relevant to anybody and everybody who reads them.
Devin BlakeStaff Reporter
“My work at NNS is extremely important to me because I get the opportunity to write about issues that impact my community, my family, and myself. My hope is that my love for this city is reflected in my writing.”
Edgar MendezSenior Staff Reporter
“Partnering with NNS has taught me what it really means to report for a community. That includes asking folks what information they need, rather than guessing, and celebrating the extraordinary things that ordinary people do each day. Many news organizations aim to serve Milwaukee, but no one does it like NNS does.”
Jim MalewitzNews414, lead, Wisconsin Center for Investigative Journalism
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