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What if what really matters in fighting crime is how well you know your neighbor?

David D. Haynes

March 21, 2018 |

Milwaukee Journal Sentinel |

Multi-Media |

1500-3000 Words

Response Location: United States, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

It turns out the old adage of knowing your neighbor really can help make your neighborhood safer. A study of more than 250 cities found that a key factor behind a drop in crime in the last 20 years was the mobilizing of citizens by nonprofit organizations like block clubs. In Milwaukee these “urban guardians” have helped bring communities together and foster safer spaces that also address urban blight.

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Fighting Death By Gunshot

Tina Rosenberg

March 20, 2018 |

The New York Times |

Text |

1500-3000 Words

Response Location: United States, Los Angeles, California

It's known that technology can help aid efficiency in a variety of sectors. One area where it's proving to make an impact is within police departments. Although two different ventures, ShotSpotter – a realtime geo-locator of shots fired – and Xstat – a medical sponge that stops bleeding – are proving to be useful and effective forms of technological implementation for various police departments around the nation.

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In California, a data-driven 'life boat' for those transitioning out of foster care

Sarah Garrecht Gassen

March 16, 2018 |

Arizona Daily Star |

Text |

1500-3000 Words

Response Location: United States, Tucson, Arizona

When youth leave foster care, they can have incredible difficulties finding employment, housing, and transitioning into a life beyond the challenges of foster care. In California, First Place for Youth is a non-profit that uses a data-driven approach to measure their impact on the young people to whom they provide apartments and assign advocates.

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Malawian Farmers Fight Climate Change Head On

Deogracias Benjamin Kalima

March 14, 2018 |

Greentumble |

Text |

800-1500 Words

Response Location: Malawi

While climate change continues to complicate the realities of creating seasonal viable crops, farmers in Malawi are adopting conservation agriculture in at attempt to salvage what they can from their crops. Through a variety of "climate change resilience farming methods," local farmers have seen an increase in their crops' resiliency.

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Here's one of the best things schools can do to prevent mass shootings

Matt Rocheleau

March 14, 2018 |

The Boston Globe |

Text |

800-1500 Words

Response Location: United States, New Bedford, Massachusetts

As gun violence continues to threaten schools across the country, school districts have stepped up to put preventative measures in place. One such measure are threat assessment teams, comprised of mental health professionals, teachers, and law enforcement, who work to proactively identify students that may be a potential threat. In doing so, they seek to address issues like bullying or problems at home that may cause students to turn to violence in the first place.

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A Grand Experiment on the Grasslands

Emily Sohn

March 13, 2018 |

bioGraphic |

Multi-Media |

Over 3000 Words

Response Location: United States

Sometimes there's an equal amount to learn about failed solutions as there is about solutions that are working. In an attempt to save the lesser prairie-chickens that live in the American Great Plains from extinction, the Fish and Wildlife Service is faced with a decision to weigh the potential of altering the way the Endangered Species Act works. Trying to appease both businesses and conservationists, however, has its drawbacks which has lead to a series of workarounds implemented that have worked on various levels.

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Fukushima powers toward 100% goal on renewables as grid and cost woes linger

Eric Johnston

March 11, 2018 |

The Japan Times |

Text |

800-1500 Words

Response Location: Japan, Fukushima, Ōkuma

Despite the Fukushima nuclear disaster of 2011, the region is working diligently towards reaching a goal of being 100 percent renewable energy efficient by 2040. Through a series of pilot programs as well as partnerships, the region has gained strong community buy in as well as central government and business support.

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How snow has become a tool in urban planning

Matt Rocheleau

March 08, 2018 |

The Boston Globe |

Text |

800-1500 Words

Response Location: United States, Boston, Massachusetts

An increasing number of cities are looking to redesign roadways, sidewalks, and intersections based on the way spaces are needed after snow storms. Snow piles left after snowplows carve paths for vehicles are basically unused pavement that could be repurposed for things like wider sidewalks, green spaces, and bike paths. Philadelphia officials have redone an intersection after viewing photos by residents and advocates showing unused portions of pavement.

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Issuing Bonds to Invest in People

Tina Rosenberg

March 06, 2018 |

The New York Times |

Text |

1500-3000 Words

Response Location: United States, New Haven, Connecticut

In cases where funding is short for social programs, social impact bonds are becoming an increasingly appealing funding mechanism. Private investors and philanthropic institutions invest money upfront to fund a social program; if the program shows measurable success, the investors gain their original investment plus interest. A key example is in Connecticut, where a social impact bond was set up to expand the Family Stability Pay for Success Project. By spending money on prevention, investors and governments save money later.

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The chewing gum you don't mind stuck to your shoe

Dougal Shaw

March 06, 2018 |

BBC |

Multi-Media |

800-1500 Words

Response Location: United Kingdom, Winchester, Greater London

Did you know that the main ingredient in most chewing gum is a synthetic rubber, which resembles a close relationship to plastic? "It's called polyisobutylene," explains Anna Bullus, a British designer, "the same stuff you find in the inner tube of bicycle wheels." After realizing this, Anna decided to embark on a mission to recycle used chewing gum as a means of cleaning up the streets. What resulted was a way to create everyday products that include at least 20% gum, while simultaneously saving institutions money on what otherwise would have gone toward cleanup efforts.

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