UPDATED Sept. 20, 2021: YourArlington began as an experiment in community journalism dedicated to reporting news about Arlington, Mass., and the Arlington-related views of its residents. That experiment continues, but it is not unique -- it is part of a nationwide movement once called "citizen journalism."

The phrase gained currency through We the Media, a 2004 book by Arizona State University professor Dan Gillmor. This kind of journalism encourages members of a community to write about that community; the writing may be reporting, or it may be opinion.  

YourArlington Site policies

Bob Sprague, an Arlington resident since 1989, is the founder and was the editor until July 1, 2023, when Judith Pfeffer took over. Read the announcement here >>

Sprague is a member of the Arlington Chamber of Commerce.

The site is a member of LION Publishers, which stands for Local Independent Online News Publishers, and also a member of the Institute for Nonprofit News.

On Dec. 8, 2021, the site announced a significant change: It had become a nonprofit organization, recognized by the IRS as a 501(c)(3) as eligible to receive tax-deductible contributions. 

Accordingly, YourArlington no longer seeks advertising but instead encourages public support through individual donations, underwriting and grants. YourArlington controls what it publishes and remains independent of those providing donations.

Donate here >>

A board now guides the site, but it exercises no editorial control.

Its voting members are Bob Sprague, president and chair; Annie LaCourt, treasurer; Kim Haase, secretary; Susan Webber, in charge of fund-raising; and Jim Concannon and Susan Stamps, members at large.