Editorial
35 years have generated many changes, relationships and connections
As we prepare to celebrate The Fig Tree's 35th anniversary, we rejoice in the enthusiastic response. We had 38 people volunteer to host tables for the Benefit Lunch, but only have space for 30 tables, so some are hosting half tables. We recommend that hosts/guests RSVP early to assure seating
We hope our efforts to bring a different perspective of news and to raise some voices not present in other media does make a difference in the communities of the region, state, and in our circulation around the nation and the world.
Many thanks to the thousands of people over the years who have been our supporters, advertisers, partners, underwriters, sponsors, readers, editors, writers, mailing and delivery volunteers, board and committee members, event planners, other volunteers and our web designer.
Many, many people make each edition of The Fig Tree and the annual Resource Directory possible.
We celebrate you!
For May and June, we are preparing the anniversary issues. It's a time to remember all the people who have shared in this media ministry over the years, from the founding steering committee through today's committee members helping to plan the benefits, financial development plans and the Eastern Washington Legislative Conference.
We especially thank the designer of our logo, Yaya Senklip, who is the daughter of a founding member, Carl Milton.
We will retell the story of how The Fig Tree started and its development over the 35 years. We will reflect on some of the stories we have shared over the years.
Just glancing back several years, we see changes in the design of the front page from shifting the location of the mailing label. That opened us to a new layout with The Fig Tree logo running across the full top of the page, until we added the box with the list of stories inside.
Just a quick glance at our archives—in 54 plastic stacking trays filled with about seven copies of each issue—answered another question: When did we start publishing in color? It was in September 2011. At that time, more advertisers wanted color. For a while, we ran eight pages in color and four in black and white, but the number of advertisers wanting color increased, so by charging for color, we were able to cover the costs of publishing all pages in color. It's just eight of the 35 years, but what a difference it makes to have color photos with the articles and color ads.
We then created a full-color logo with The Fig Tree design, which was possible thanks to Photoshop.
When we started, the typesetting, graphics and design were in the pre-digital era. As computers and software developed, we shifted from a manual typewriter to an electronic typewriter to a Macintosh SE with Pagemaker. What a difference there is to what we can do with our current software and computers. Those at the office were provided by grants from Rotary 21. We learned the word processing, data and design software and kept up with advances.
Now we have a list of the processes for preparing mailings, updating fliers, mailing timing and database steps.
With 11 issues in the first few years and 10 issues in the rest of the years, and with about seven feature articles in each issue, we estimate that we have published about 2,500 stories of people who make a difference. There is some overlap with updates on stories about agencies or projects, interviewing the same or different leaders.
People who want to support but cannot come to a benefit can send donations and help in other ways. We invite:
• Letters to the editor on what The Fig Tree means to you.
• Opportunities to share The Fig Tree story congregations and groups.
• Support through "thank you" and "congratulations" ads in May and June.
• Anyone to introduce The Fig Tree/Resource Directory to others.
• Article ideas and ongoing advertising.
• Community partners and major donors.
• More volunteers to help write, edit, distribute, promote and plan.
We celebrate all who make up The Fig Tree community in so many ways!
Mary Stamp – editor
Copyright@ The Fig Tree, March, 2019
