The IPA amplifies the power of independent publications so as to foster a more just, open and democratic society.

Political and cultural movements have used magazines, newspapers, broadsheets and newsletters to develop the vision and power their struggles have required. The IPA believes that a diverse range of news and commentary is essential to democracy. In an age of media consolidation, independent publishers struggle against difficult odds to make their voices heard. The IPA exists to h elp them in their struggle, through direct technical assistance, training, information sharing, public education, advocacy and promotional efforts.

This funding initiative is for our technical assistance program which is an essential foundation for our other services. Technical assistance -- consisting of manuals, workshops, consultations, loans, and forms of mutual aid -- is integral to the success of the IPA's programs and members. Perhaps because it is the most basic and least glamorous component of the IPA's work, it receives the fewest philanthropic dollars.

By providing publishers with the tools they need to run their businesses successfully, the IPA directly supports the independent press, enabling them to get their messages to the public. Technical assistance is made up of several distinct areas:

- The Revolving Loan Fund. To help resolve lack of access to capital, the IPA provides loans of up to $50,000 for members to use for marketing, increasing advertising, improving newsstand distribution or upgrading infrastructure. Applicants are encouraged to present well-thought out business plans.

- Technical assistance manuals. Focused on the small-scale publisher, the IPA technical assistance manuals help both the novice and the experienced publisher learn more about a specific aspect of publishing, including advertising, direct mail, printing, e-mail, libraries, business plans, and diversity. -

- The IPA listserv. The Online Publishers Forum is a vital and dynamic e-mail exchange devoted exclusively to advice, tips, referrals and ideas about independent publishing.

- The Independent Press Institute. A series of workshops, roundtable discussions and seminars held nationwide is designed to bring knowledge, contacts and a sense of community to IPA members. The workshops cover everything from advertising sales to infrastructure to marketing and are pitched to publishers at every level of expertise.

The most powerful tool that the IPA's TA program has is our membership. Our members are engaged, ready to learn and most importantly they have a sense of community which means that they are willing to give up their time to help other member publishers avoid the mistakes that they made. In the last few years, publishers have contributed to TA manuals, participated in workshops organized by the IPA, and most importantly, have taken part daily in email discussions on our listserv, providing helpful answers and asking thought-provoking questions. Likewise we have considerable publishing expertise on staff.

Through this skill-building, independent publications will have the tools and knowledge they need to negotiate a hostile publishing environment and to share their mission and message, whatever it may be, with the largest possible constituency. This will allow for a much greater diversity of voices in what is currently a monolithic media system

For details, see Independent Press Association or contact Martha Bowen at paper@indypress.org.

To donate in support of this project, just follow the instructions at Donate. Be sure to note "MVC / Independent Press Association" on checks.

Media Venture Collective is accepting donations in support of Independent Press Association, and has an agreement with them to apply those donations strategically to that end.