After Four Years of Journalism, Our Commitment to Truth in Challenging Times Remains Steadfast

This week marks an important occasion—Spheres of Influence is officially 4 years old! As we celebrate this milestone, we reflect on the incredible strides we have made over the past year. It has been another year of learning, growing, and continuing our dedication to shedding light on critical, underreported issues in global affairs. Our journey has been shaped by resilience, passion, and a commitment to thoughtful, impactful journalism.

This year has taken a significant toll on us, both mentally and emotionally. The ongoing genocide in Gaza and the escalating aggression against Lebanon have starkly shown how deadly journalism as a profession can be. As young journalists with dreams of growing our careers and reporting on pressing issues from around the world, the targeted killings of journalists in Gaza, along with their families, have deeply shaken these aspirations. Witnessing the loss of fellow journalists in Gaza, now in Lebanon, and across the globe, along with the dangerous conditions they endure to tell the truth, makes it difficult to maintain the same level of motivation in our own mission.

Adding to this alarming “pattern of killing,” censorship is increasingly hindering journalists’ ability to report on critical global issues. Just this week, Israeli soldiers raided Al Jazeera’s bureau in Ramallah, in the occupied West Bank, and ordered its closure for 45 days, accusing the network of “incitement to and support of terrorism.” Is not this a blatant attempt to prevent journalists from reporting the truth to the world? Meanwhile, at the United Nations General Assembly, world leaders are once again gathering to deliver their recycled speeches on peace, freedom, and democracy. But if the freedom of expression and media is not protected, can we really rely on the United Nations or the international order to deliver justice and make the world more peaceful?

Here in Canada, with the passage of Bill C-18, the Online News Act, we have lost the ability to share our articles on Meta platforms, including Facebook and Instagram. Meta’s news ban has significantly impacted public engagement with our content, limiting many people’s access to our news articles.

Despite these challenges, journalism remains to be a fundamental profession that requires patience, resilience, and sacrifice. If journalists in Gaza continue to report on the humanitarian crisis and daily massacres under life-threatening conditions, we too can persevere in our mission to highlight underreported stories, amplify marginalized voices, and analyze global affairs through a decolonial, intersectional lens.

We remain committed to telling the truth and being a platform that helps readers gain a more holistic understanding of the world’s challenges.

As we reflect on the past four yours, I want to emphasize that our work is made possible by our incredible team of young volunteers, who balance their contributions with school, work, family obligations, and more. I also want to extend my heartfelt thanks to our readers and members. Your support has been a driving force behind our continued success.

Looking ahead, we are excited to continue our journey, with some exciting things in the works which we cannot wait to tell you about. But as a youth-led non-profit, we still rely on your support and generous donations, so please help us stay afloat and continue our mission.

Happy 4th anniversary to Spheres of Influence, and here’s to more years of success and growth to come.

Will you send us a birthday present to help us kick off our fifth journey around the sun? Support us here!