It was March 2002 when Kindred (then byronchild) first hit the newsagent stands. The challenge of midwifing a courageous and uncompromising magazine amidst the noise of mainstream media has been its own hero's journey, one that has been shared with organisations such as the Australian Vaccination Network, and it's
magazine Living Wisdom. In the span of those 8 years, the world has changed dramatically-and our readership along with it.
The scope and speed of the global changes, both in play and required, make it apparent that in order for Kindred to be effective and responsive, it must remain nimble. Further, we must be exemplary in our commitment to our core principles, most significantly that of sustainability. Knowing this has required that I deeply examine what sustainability really means, and how its three tenets-social, financial, and environmental-need to be ever more deeply investigated and implemented within this project.
It has become apparent, upon reflection, that Kindred is, at this moment in our shared history, poised and ready to make powerful, innovative revisions in the way we think about, and manifest, the greatest possible impact, for the greatest possible good in the three main tenets of sustainability: social, financial and environmental. Given this remarkable opportunity, we realise we must, if we are going to make a real difference - and be the very change we want to see - act boldly, decisively, and without delay.
From Print to Web In response to the changes I see happening in how people engage with information, as well as in response to the need for Kindred to be truly sustainable, I have spent the last two years developing an ambitious multi-platform web project. This soon-to-be-launched new website is a collaborative, community learning, community supported site, where discussion forums, blogs, expert columns, link-journalism and community-generated content are harnessed to support the worldwide imperative that we begin to live differently.
In the wake of this new online project, Kindred Magazine will no longer be available in a print magazine format. All of our future material will be available freely online. Additionally, printed versions of content will be made available to underprivileged populations that have no access to Internet, through values-shared charities and organisations. In this way Kindred can transcend any socio-economic limitations imposed by any barriers to Internet access.
For some, this may feel disappointing (and of course, sudden), but from where I am looking, I have never felt so clear about the direction of Kindred. I have seen-just through our previous very conservative website-the immense capacity of the online medium to be able to move, shift, collaborate, and be efficiently current. It is also the main medium of the new generation of parents, and increasingly a source of information and inspiration to grandparents (who, as we know, are returning to a more consistent role in children's lives).
Joining Forces with Living Wisdom We are most honoured and pleased to be collaborating with the Australian Vaccination Network and Living Wisdom magazine in our next stage of our development. Our subscribers will be receiving Living Wisdom magazine, in lieu of their print subscription to Kindred and joining the larger and as-committed Living Wisdom family. But in addition, our letting go of print allows for us to work much more collaboratively with Living Wisdom, promoting it on our website, directing readers to it's articles and partnering with Living Wisdom in ways that will not only provide more material to the public, but also create a much larger combined global voice. It is only in organisations like ours working together that messages of health sovereignty, parenting reform, human rights and sustainability will begin to make a difference.
Meryl Dorey has very kindly offered me the opportunity to edit an ongoing natural parenting section in Living Wisdom, beginning with the July / August edition, a project I am most excited about.
The Future of Kindred Online and You The new web project will enter pre-launch about three months from now, with the project going live approximately one month after that. Between now and then, I invite you to let me know about any projects, individuals, or initiatives that might be included in it. If you have any feedback, ideas, or concerns, I would also be pleased to hear from you. Below you will find a variety of ways, some familiar, others exciting and new - that you can use to stay in touch with how things are progressing, and offer several avenues for your much-appreciated feedback.
Through our online newsletter, Facebook page, Twitter and my blog (see below), you'll be receiving updates on the project's developments, and then a countdown. When we're finally live, we'll celebrate by inviting you to dive in and explore its many capacities.
Where to now?
Now is an important time, not only for Kindred, the AVN and Living Wisdom, but for all of us. And I encourage you to stay in touch with us via the following methods if you haven't already. This is not only so we can share with you the adventure of our transformation, but also so that you can give us your ideas and feedback, to help us shape shift in collaboration with you. As well, let us know how Living Wisdom and Kindred combined can best serve you. Here's a great way to stay in touch:
