MANSFIELD — Things just keep getting cooler and cooler here at Richland Source. 

Hopefully you guys know by now that Richland Source was invited to be one of only 17 news organizations in the world participating in a Local News Membership Accelerator within the Facebook Journalism Project. We’ve also launched a new membership page and a Christmas gift campaign. 

Back when we traveled to Austin, Texas for the first session of the Accelerator, we had the chance to be interviewed by Facebook for a short film they were making about the program. They actually quoted us in a blog post recapping the first session. 

Well, they must have liked what they heard, because a few weeks later we got an email from Facebook saying they were interested in doing a video focusing on one Accelerator participant, how they’re building a community around their news, and tracking their progress in the Accelerator program.

And they wanted Richland Source to be the subject. Seriously. 

Here’s the thing, though: This is way bigger than just Richland Source. The reason Facebook wants to come to Mansfield and film a documentary is because of you.

You, dear reader, are the backbone of the Source. Your relationship with your favorite local online-only news organization is what makes our jobs worth doing. And it’s the reason the world’s largest social networking company thinks what’s happening here in Mansfield is pretty darn special. 

So Facebook is sending a film crew to Mansfield next week to learn what our region already knows: Something a little magical exists between the Source and our readers. The filmmakers want to learn about our town, our members, and why you believe in and support local journalism in Mansfield.

The result will be a short documentary about the critical connection between a local newsroom and its readers, and what that can mean for a city.

We want to help Facebook make a great film that authentically represents who we are. That’s why we’re throwing our first inaugural Reader Appreciation Forum on Wednesday, Dec. 19 to show the documentary crew what we’re all about. 

After a members-only event starting at 4 p.m. in the afternoon (are you a member yet?) we’ll kick off at 5 p.m. with light-hearted chats with your favorite journalists, food from Doc’s Deli and Two Cousins Pizza, drinks from The Phoenix Brewing Company and Relax, It’s Just Coffee, and live music from The Trio.

The event is free and all food and drinks are complimentary of Richland Source. However, there is limited space in our building, so make sure you register ASAP. We’re super close to selling out. 

The after-party will take place at Deluxe Catering & Events just up the street. Dan Lew is hosting a special Wednesday edition of karaoke just for us from 7-9 p.m. only. We’ll plan to head that way immediately following the event.

This isn’t something that happens every day around here. Let’s make it count.