I don’t want to boast but openDemocracy is here to stay – with, that is, a little bit of ongoing help from our friends, readers and writers. A year ago we faced a life or death crisis. With magnificent support we cleared our debts, funded 2013 and started the work to ensure that oD isn’t just independent of corporate power, but also sustainable for the long-term.

We have just published a list of everyone who have recently given financially, I hope to soon see your name on it too!

Here are some things you might not know about openDemocracy:

- Our readership is growing: unique visits up 26% over the last year.
- We’re truly global, with readers in 234 countries and territories.
- 84% of you have encountered facts or perspectives on oD you’ve seen nowhere else
- Half of you have used arguments from oD, over a quarter have changed your opinion on an issue after reading us.

And while our readership is diverse, there are many “influencers” – activists, scholars, journalists and policy makers – so when we make people change their mind, that changes the world.

If the world knows that openDemocracy is here to stay it will grow our influence and make what you read and write here more important because less easily dismissed.

That’s why we are asking for modest ongoing support. A one-off contribution is really helpful, but a regular donation is better as it signals continuity.

As a small token of appreciation we’ll send you the Week in 1 Minute, written by an editor to sum up our best content.

And unless you want to keep it private, which you can, you will join a great and growing list of names of those who are helping us stay independent and grow.

Text to donate: It's now possible to make a one-off donation by texting OPDE13 followed by £5, £20, £50 or £100 (any amount of your choosing) to 70700. For the full range of donation options see our donate page.