Hello rabble readers!

April 18th, 2001. That’s when it all started. 

We launched rabble.ca from the streets of Quebec when over 20,000 civil society activists, trade unionists and environmentalists rallied to protest corporate globalization and the negotiations of the Free Trade Area of the Americas. 

I was there reporting when protesters pulled down the fence barricading the hotel where the meeting was being held – we were met with three days of tear gas attacks from the police. There was no social media yet, but through our networks we were able to report the stories from the streets around the world. 

rabble was a visionary publication back then, seeing ourselves as space for news and discussion of social movements and their issues. Because of the support of our dedicated community, it still is today. What a remarkable legacy that rabble continues to be a critical source of information and opinion, more than two decades later.

That’s why I am supporting rabble in its ambitious campaign to raise $21,000 in 21 days in celebration of 21 years of rabble rousing – I hope you will consider joining me! Each and every contribution from $21 to $210, or monthly from $5 or more, will help continue that legacy.

Soon after rabble’s launch, a world-altering event happened – 9/11. The anti-globalization movement that was challenging corporate globalization was soon marginalized (it would be ten years until the Arab Spring and Occupy Wall Street put people out in the streets again). Then came an era of powerful online social movements from #MeToo, #IdleNoMore and #LandBack, to #WomensMarch, #ClimateStrike and #BlackLivesMatter. 

And rabble has been there, every step of the way.

We are living in a time when democracy itself is at stake – progressive independent media has never been more important than it is now. This is why we need rabble.

From the beginning, rabble has proudly maintained a focus on labour and worker rights, feminism, grassroots activism, anti-racism, Indigenous solidarity and a progressive analysis of national politics. rabble remains the same today as when it was launched, dedicated to amplifying underrepresented voices and critical social movements.

rabble has always been corporate-free and community-supported, without paywalls or limits to content access. A community of mobilized readers lending their support ensures this dynamic media space remains open and accessible to all. 

But we need your help. Together we can ensure that rabble – in its 21st year – will have more impact than ever, shining a spotlight on solutions to some of the biggest challenges we face. 

In solidarity,

Judy Rebick

Founder, rabble.ca

P.S. We are so grateful to our readers and sustaining partners who have supported rabble, some since the very beginning! Please consider lending your support again to mark this special occasion. 

If you haven’t been part of the community that keeps rabble thriving yet, I encourage you to join in at any level. Every new supporter will get a chance to win a copy of Everything on the Line, 20 years of engaging stories from rabble’s archives!

Support rabble today with a contribution of $21 a month or a special one-time gift of $210, you will receive a copy of Everything on (the) Line and a special union made tote bag!

Judy Rebick

Judy Rebick

Judy Rebick is one of Canada’s best-known feminists. She was the founding publisher of rabble.ca , wrote our advice column auntie.com and was co-host of one of our first podcasts called Reel Women....