What will the Amherst Current be and for whom?

The Current will be a trusted source for perspective and analysis about big topics that impact the Amherst community and its future.

The Amherst Current will serve community members in Amherst who want to understand the government and school district initiatives and decisions that will impact them, but who do not have the time or desire to attend or follow every government meeting.

How will the Current accomplish this?

The Amherst Current will publish regularly (at least once per week) about big topics. Guiding principles are:

• Educate and inform — articles seek to explain and build understanding, not to persuade
• Evidence-based — articles and columns share perspective that is based on facts and evidence, not speculation or assumption
• Easy to read — medium-length articles and columns written in “plain language” (600 words is the sweet spot, people are busy!)
• Easy to write — a variety of article formats to encourage community members of any skill- or confidence-level to contribute

What is a “big topic”? What topics will the Amherst Current cover?

Topics will evolve and ebb and flow in coverage but generally will be issues and initiatives that impact:

• Housing — affordable housing, student housing
• Taxes and tax base
• Culture and community — arts, recreation, community-building
• Public schools
• Built environment — public buildings and spaces, roads, sidewalks
• Climate and natural environment

How will the Current engage contributors who are busy or less confident about writing?

The Amherst Current will feature a variety of article formats and approaches to scaffold support for contributors who have knowledge about big topics and a desire to inform the community.

We invite community members to contribute, whether a comment, column, or simply an article idea.

Who is managing the Amherst Current?

The Amherst Current is presented and managed by Allison McDonald, who is serving as managing editor and web producer.

The Current is guided by a group of Editorial Advisors who provide support in generating content ideas, supporting contributors, or developing columns or articles.

how can i submit a column or letter for consideration?

If you have a column or letter that you’d like us to consider for publication, great! Please send it to us at theamherstcurrent@gmail.com. You may send it as a document attachment or paste it into the email.

If you have an idea and want to discuss it or get feedback before drafting something, write to us! Send an email or complete our Contact form to let us know.