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Hello {{ first name | friends}},
Here are the results of the 2025 reader survey. Just 59 responses this year, but I can still see interesting trends, taking into account last year's data as well. Please note, I've rounded percentages up or down in my reporting for simplicity. Also, there are pretty charts, so be sure to display images for this one. :)
1. How long have you been subscribed to SARN?
This year, 42% of readers have been subscribed to the newsletter for 1-2 years. Similar to last year, they represented the biggest proportion. Around 32% have been subscribed for 3-4 years, and 14% since the very beginning. Thank you all for your continuing support - it means the world to me.
2. What is your subscription level?
This year, I simplified the options available, because nobody remembers what tier they’re on. So this year's data shows that 63% of people subscribe for free, with 37% having paid plans. That includes 27% who subscribe annually. I appreciate all my readers, and am grateful to those who contribute to keep the lights on. [Note that the percentage among respondents is higher than reality - only about 5-6% of the people who read the newsletter support it financially. If you want to be one of them, hit the upgrade link.]
3. Who’s reading SARN?
SARN readers fall into a number of categories. The biggest are:
Committed anti-racist (36%)
Person who has experienced other isms (20%)
Person who has experienced racism (15%)
It's also note worthy that the readership includes founders/leaders committed to anti-racism (7%), DEI professionals (7%) and beginners on their anti-racism journey (6%). Some people crossed multiple categories. And among those who responded other were:
white woman with adopted Black children
teacher
religious
I read a lot of your newsletter to get your perspective on things. But when I'm depressed, I skip "going into the water"
Person who needs to learn more about racism and other isms
raising racialized children
Former DEI Professional
It's great to know that 12% of readers read all the emails - I email 10 times a month, so I appreciate the commitment. Some 58% read 75% of emails and 22% read at least half of all the emails.
5. Which section of SARN do you find most valuable in your personal or professional anti-racist practice?
Unsurprisingly, the essays (63%) and reading lists (27%) were among the content considered most valuable. That's pretty similar to last year's findings, and matches the feedback I usually get from people.
However, based on last year's questions, I asked another question about the second most valuable content, to allow for a tiny bit more nuance:
6. Which section of SARN is the SECOND most valuable in your personal or professional anti-racist practice?
Interestingly, interviews with founders and activists (42%) and essays (27%) scored big here, which is a good prompt to me to get more interviews in. If you know a founder or activist I should consider, reply to this email and let me know.
7. What ONE thing would you change about SARN to make it even more valuable to you?
Most people were pretty happy. Here's a sample of the comments you made:
Not a single thing!
I appreciate the time and thoughtfulness that goes into SARN. No suggestions for changes!
Being in Australia I would like to read more Indigenous and Torres Strait voices but really I have other podcasts/ media outlets for this. It's fine it's centred where you're from. [Note: I would also be happy to feature more of these perspectives as I aim to include global examples of racism.]
I wish you could be paid more for your work. [Note: Me too!]
Book recommendations; staff book lists and reviews, etc. [Note: I do have some reviews, but am considering ways to increase these.]
One commenter asked for a V-neck version of the SARN tee, and I was happy to oblige.
8. How likely are you to recommend Sharon’s Anti-Racism Newsletter to a friend or family member?
With 10 being “most likely”, this came out at a solid 9/10 overall for the second year running - thank you!
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9. If you enjoy SARN, please leave a short testimonial.
Y'all truly brought me joy with the testimonials you left. Here's a sample:
Sharon's Anti-Racism Newsletter is an expansive, inclusive, no-nonsense resource. As a cis woman of European descent, I’m grateful for how she spotlights the impact of anti-Black racism and misogynoir - through her voice, her interviews, and the writers she amplifies.
If racism is something you want to understand, SARN is a good place to start. Sharon makes it visible, personal, shows its deep roots and points you where to find out more and how best to oppose it.
I have always been drawn to stories as my main way of learning. Sharon does a phenomenal job of using real experiences from people, her self included, and weaving in observation and opportunities to learn and reflect.
So many of us would like to be more anti-racist, but freeze when it comes time to actually do something. Sharon's newsletter is informative and offers hope that we can make a difference. I'm glad to be able to read it.
SARN is one of my most valuable regular reads. Sharon provides a wide variety of content that helps people of all backgrounds gain a deeper understanding of antiracism, reflect on their own perspectives and antiracism practice, and find actionable ways to work against -isms in their lives. However you learn best, Sharon has something for you, from podcasts to short essays to longer-form content. You will learn so much by subscribing!
[Note: Some people chose to let me attribute their testimonials. I'll be sharing those on social media and elsewhere in the coming months.]
10. Which country are you mostly reading from?
I added this question just to support what the data was already telling me, and there weren’t any surprises. Some 68% of readers are in the US, with Canada (10%) and the UK and Europe (7% each) making up the next biggest chunks. Some 5% of readers are in Barbados and 1 Australian reader responded, though I know there are others.
11. What’s your primary work environment?
I was very curious about where my readers work, especially given the shifting environment for anti-racism and DEI discourse, not just in the US, but in other parts of the world.
So 24% work in corporate, nonprofit and self-employed are 19% each and just 7% in the government sector. Among those who replied “other” were Disabled people, those who had worked in multiple sectors, students and others.
12. Are you racialised as or do you identify as:
Similar to last year, 27% identify as people of the Global Majority (including 17% Black, and 5% Asian), with 61% identifying as white. Though they didn’t respond to the survey, I know that I also have Latine and Indigenous readers. Some people said they were mixed, others multi-ethnic, while others rejected the identity and fiction of whiteness (while still recognising their privilege to do so.)
13. Please select your age group:
There are SARN readers in every age group with the majority being 45-54(24%), 55-64 (22%) and 65-74 (20%) and 35-44 (17%)
14. Please state your gender.
Similar to last year, this was an optional question and not everyone chose to answer. As before, SARN readers are all across the identity spectrum: (trans folx, femmes, nonbinary folx, gender expansive folx, queer folx, cis folx and more). I'm delighted by that.
15. In what ways (if at all) has the changing political climate in the country where you spend most of your time affected how you show up as an anti-racist, social justice activist, or DEI professional?
This was a new optional question to try to understand some of what's happening. Answers came from all over the world, and I'll be returning to them often as I consider how to continue to support you all. I may even pull a few more insights out in a separate article in the future. Here are a few of the responses:
The political climate has pushed me to be more intentional with my resources. I focus my giving on mutual aid, especially supporting Black women, because that feels like a tangible way to live out my values and stand in solidarity.
I'm more likely to read up on anti-racist and social justice and call out people who say racist things. I'm more able to catch my own biases and try and self-correct.
I am actively working to show up more. I am deeply disturbed by the injustices and demonization of members of our community.
It is in my teaching and conversations - In my home as I talk with my French partner my 7 year old son. I use my voice in French society and have adapted my teaching materials.
In Canada, the changing political climate has made DEI more relevant mainly because we see it as a way to distinguish ourselves from the US. I used to say that in Canada, we were 5 years behind the US in terms of DEI programs and strategies, but now the gap is closing; as the US EO's and policies pull back on DEI, Canadian companies remain committed to DEI and work that needs to be done. However, having to work or travel to the US means that I need to watch what I say or post about the current administration.
So there you have it. I'm grateful to everyone who took the time to respond. As always, I’ll use this feedback to guide content and strategy in the coming year.
Thanks for reading,
Sharon
Note: poll feedback is private - if you’re happy to share your thoughts in public, then please also leave a comment.
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I am an anti-racism educator and activist, the author of “I’m Tired of Racism”, and co-host of The Introvert Sisters podcast.
© Sharon Hurley Hall, 2025. All Rights Reserved. This newsletter is published on beehiiv (affiliate link).