Campaign Update: Efecto Cocuyo Responds to Venezuela’s Double Earthquake

Two years ago, we launched this campaign to help sustain Efecto Cocuyo, an independent digital news outlet that has endured censorship, political pressure, and the daily challenges of reporting in a country under authoritarian rule. Today, we are reopening it because Venezuela has been shaken once again—this time by nature.

On June 24, two earthquakes struck the country, leaving thousands of families in urgent need and entire communities facing devastation. Our team has been on the ground since the first moments, reporting from the Zero Zones, documenting damage, verifying information, and supporting communities where misinformation can put lives at risk.

In the midst of this emergency, many people have reached out asking how they can help. The truth is that every donation has an immediate impact.

$100 helps cover transportation to reach affected areas.

$40 contributes to a per diem for journalists working under extreme conditions.

Any amount supports urgent operations, equipment replacement, connectivity, and rapid response.

We are reopening this campaign because we deeply believe—and have seen time and again—that information saves lives. Your contribution allows us to continue reporting with rigor, humanity, and commitment in one of the most challenging moments Venezuela has faced.

Thank you for standing with us and with the communities most affected. Your solidarity keeps us going.

Team Efecto Cocuyo

The text below is the original of two years ago.

En Venezuela, los medios independientes, como Efecto Cocuyo, sufrimos censura cotidianamente.

Solo en 2024 hay registro de al menos 84 páginas y 120 urls de medios periodísticos digitales que han sido bloqueados por las teleoperadoras de internet, debido a las presiones del gobierno.

Los ataques contra periodistas independientes y organizaciones que defienden la libertad de expresión arreciaron en los días previos a la elección presidencial venezolana, con más bloqueos digitales, discurso agresivo por parte de las autoridades y estigmatización. Posteriormente, hubo mas bloqueos, criminalización y judicialización. Entre julio y agosto han puesto tras las rejas a 9 periodistas.

En 25 años, más de 400 medios han desaparecido, otros han sido comprados por capitales cercanos al gobierno.

El poder busca mantenernos en la oscuridad y que la información no se vea.

Entonces, nosotras -EC es un medio fundado por mujeres periodistas venezolanas- decidimos darles el gusto. ¿O no?

Escribimos nuestros mensajes con tinta invisible.

Después de todo, lo que no se ve, no se puede censurar, pero sí existe.

Aún en la oscuridad, la verdad puede emerger, y para lograrlo requerimos de tu apoyo.

EFECTO COCUYO es un medio nativo digital venezolano que nació con el lema de hacer periodismo que ilumina. Hoy, cuando el país vive un momento histórico, que puede implicar volver a la democracia, se requiere hacer más y mejor periodismo. Con tu respaldo lo podemos lograr.

Los fondos de esta recaudación estarán destinados a fortalecer al equipo de periodistas que día a día hacen su mejor esfuerzo para mantener informada a la comunidad; para la compra de equipos de respaldo que han sido dañados por los constante apagones; contribuir a cuotas para mantener el seguro médico al equipo humano ya que Venezuela vive una emergencia humanitaria compleja; y a sufragar gastos de movilización dentro del país ya que la falta de combustible ha encarecido en mas de 200 por ciento el uso de transporte.

Haz un aporte a Efecto Cocuyo.

Ayúdanos a seguir haciendo El Periodismo que Ilumina.

In English

In Venezuela, independent media outlets, such as Efecto Cocuyo, face ongoing censorship. In 2024 alone, 84 websites and 120 URLs of digital news platforms were blocked due to government pressure on internet providers.

The lead-up to the presidential election in Venezuela has seen a surge in attacks on independent journalists and organizations advocating for freedom of expression, characterized by digital blockades, aggressive rhetoric from authorities, and stigmatization.

Over the past two and a half decades, over 400 media outlets have vanished, while others have fallen into the hands of entities with close ties to the government. These power structures aim to keep information concealed from the public, shrouded in darkness.

However, we, the female journalists who founded Efecto Cocuyo, refuse to succumb to this suppression.

Our messages are written in invisible ink, for what cannot be seen cannot be censored. However, truth can emerge even in the darkest of times, and we seek your support to make this possible.

Efecto Cocuyo, a digital media outlet born in Venezuela, is dedicated to delivering journalism that illuminates. As our country stands at a historic juncture, with the potential for a return to democracy, we are compelled to produce more and better journalism. With your support, we can make this aspiration a reality.

Funds raised through this campaign will be utilized to fortify our team of journalists who work tirelessly to inform the community; acquire backup equipment to replace that damaged by frequent blackouts; contribute to medical insurance for our team amid Venezuela's complex humanitarian emergency; and cover travel expenses within the country, where fuel shortages have led to a 200% increase in transportation costs.

Contribute to Efecto Cocuyo and help us continue producing journalism that illuminates.