Just kidding — we have no idea what a metaverse is. A recurring theme of this page is High Country News’ search for creative ways to connect with our readers in this era where our staff is scattered across the region and a pandemic still lingers. One way we’ve been doing that is by hosting more virtual events.
Late last year, we started a series of live video conversations for HCN’s supporters, where fellows, interns, editors and even board members have joined to talk about their recent work. So far, we’ve discussed how public lands are absorbing the pandemic-fueled crush, the downsides of green energy and the Indigenous fight for environmental justice, to name a few.
The series — which we’ve taken to calling HCN Live! — has let us introduce our supporters to the faces behind HCN and field some of your questions. In fact, each event has been filled with so many keen, insightful queries that we could never hope to answer them all. HCNLive! is taking a well-earned summer break, but if you want to hear when the next event in the series is scheduled, simply make a donation of any amount to High Country News. (The link is hcn.org/support, should you be moved to support HCN beyond the cost of your subscription.)
Meanwhile, on social media, we’ve begun hosting more events where readers can learn about HCN’s recent work, maybe get a peek behind the scenes or toss a few questions our way. On Twitter Spaces, an audio-only format anyone can listen to, writer Carly Cassella discussed the mysterious mud worms showing up in Washington oysters harvests today and the clues hidden in ancient shells, a story published in April’s Archives issue. That was followed by Ruxandra Guidi’s chat with Miguel Ordeñana, the subject of her May profile — the wildlife conservationist who first captured footage of P-22, the mountain lion that braved the Los Angeles freeway system (yikes!) and somehow made a home in Griffith Park.
On behalf of all the staff who’ve helped put these together and the contributors, writers and friends who have joined, I’d like to thank everyone who’s been able to watch, listen or participate. Let me know at dearfriends@hcn.org if you’ve enjoyed the events, what might make you hit that register button and what other ideas you have for how we can meet across the West’s vast spaces to share good conversations. — Michael Schrantz
New faces
Much of the credit for our recent social media events goes to Michael Leveton, our new community outreach manager. Michael has worked with big names like Gatorade as well as important causes like GenderCool, and we’re happy to have his energy, enthusiasm and sense of humor to power our new outreach.
HCN also welcomed a new contributing editor for books, culture and commentary. Melissa Chadburn has been an editor for the Economic Hardship Reporting Project and has written for the LA Times, the New York Review of Books and The New York Times Book Review, among others. Her first novel, A Tiny Upward Shove, was published this spring to enthusiastic reviews, with Publishers Weekly lauding it as “an astonishing debut … electrifying.” We are delighted to have her on board.
It takes a lot of work — and a lot of talented people — to keep HCN going. This page was designed by Marissa Garcia, who joined us earlier this year and is doing a wonderful job of sending aesthetically pleasing letters, brochures, emails and more out into the world.
And Bradon Schwarz, the newest member of our fundraising team, has already jumped into the work of building relationships with HCN’s faithful across the West. Thank you, Bradon!
Last but not least, a hearty (if belated) congratulations to B. ‘Toastie’ Oaster, who started out as an intern and is staying on in a permanent position as a staff writer on our Indigenous Affairs desk. Check out Halito, their weekly video roundup of the week’s news at hcne.ws/halito
We welcome reader letters. Email High Country News at editor@hcn.org or submit a letter to the editor. See our letters to the editor policy.
This article appeared in the print edition of the magazine with the headline Meet you in the metaverse?.
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