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A Year of Pushback to Save Social Innovation

Tina Rosenberg

January 09, 2018 |

The New York Times |

Text |

1500-3000 Words

Response Location: United States, Washington, District of Columbia

When the federal government fails to stimulate social change, local areas step up. Tennessee is giving more structure and funding to community college education, and it’s drastically increasing graduation rates. Alaska and other states are getting rid of money bail. All around the country, citizen activists are becoming advocates and attempting to make our political system accessible to everyone. Despite partisan politics in Washington, D.C., the country is nonetheless experiencing social progress.

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Harvey overwhelmed some levee systems. Future storms could do worse.

Emily Foxhall

December 14, 2017 |

Houston Chronicle |

Multi-Media |

Over 3000 Words

Response Location: United States, Houston, Texas

The aftermath of Hurricane Harvey left many Houston residents questioning the efficacy of one of the city’s only protections, the Levee Improvement Districts (LID), responsible for providing flood protection. In neighborhoods prone to flooding, there has been much debate about the actual protection the current levees provide, leading many to call for solutions like the expansion of the LIDs through elections (rather than appointees) or raising the levees.

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Black Alabamians discuss their decisive role in Doug Jones' victory

Kira Lerner

December 13, 2017 |

ThinkProgress |

Text |

800-1500 Words

Response Location: United States, Birmingham, Alabama

In Alabama, grassroots organizing targeting black voters resulted in a huge voter turnout. “98 percent of black women voted for Jones (Tyson’s initial estimate was conservative) along with 93 percent of black men.” “Just calling, knocking on doors, talking to people face-to-face, letting them know why this campaign matters, I think that’s the reason we won.”

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When Citizens Assemble

Patrick Chalmers

December 10, 2017 |

A Government By Us |

Documentary |

Over 15 Minutes

Response Location: Ireland

Ireland held a citizens’ assembly to discuss the country’s contentious abortion laws and demonstrated the potential of such democracy-building initiatives. A random selection of participants gathered over five weekends and formulated recommendations after hours of respectful, fact-based discussion.

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As shootings and homicides drop in Englewood, a new optimism grows

Annie Sweeney

December 08, 2017 |

Chicago Tribune |

Text |

1500-3000 Words

Response Location: United States, Chicago, Illinois

In Chicago's Englewood neighborhood, a name long synonymous with violence and gang activity, a mix of robust, data-driven policing and community engagement reversed a spike in violence from 2016 to 2017 to a degree unmatched anywhere else in the city. A $1.5 million investment in the Strategic Decision Support Center enabled Chicago Crime Lab analysts working with police at the neighborhood level to pinpoint problems and respond quickly. At the same time, police took a less antagonistic stance toward residents. That and lowered violence produced healthier activities like block parties and job fairs.

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Denmark's new feminist party declares, 'Out with the racists! In with the feminists!'

Karis Hustad

December 04, 2017 |

Public Radio International (PRI) |

Multi-Media |

800-1500 Words

Response Location: Denmark, Copenhagen

“Out with the racists, in with the feminists!” is the slogan of a new political party in Denmark. The Feministik Initiativ is “a new intersectional feminist party in Denmark.” It won 3,258 votes in the regional election. The party hopes to counter anti-immigrant sentiment, as well as fight for issues like equal pay and zero employment discrimination.

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First Nations powering up B.C.

Emilee Gilpin

December 04, 2017 |

National Observer |

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800-1500 Words

Response Location: Canada

From solar to geothermal to biomass projects, First Nations are finding ways to confront and combat fossil fuel concerns head on. In fact, over 30 Nations have some type of renewable energy source powering their communities, while 15 more have projects underway. Despite a lack of governmental funding assistance, First Nations are acting as a collective model for how communities can provide their own clean power to their own people.

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Pedal to Porch

Jill Harkins

December 04, 2017 |

The Philadelphia Citizen |

Text |

800-1500 Words

Response Location: United States, Detroit, Michigan

In Detroit, Michigan, residents reduce the effects of gentrification through physical activity and shared storytelling. The non-profit Pedal to Porch encourages residents to bike to their neighbors’ homes and record their memories. The effort helps retain some of the identity in Detroit’s changing communities and establishes new connections for the city to grow. Founder Cornetta Lane notes, “communities are more likely to bounce back from social and natural disasters when they know each other.”

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Take the Power Back

Sylvia Rowley Russell Beard

November 22, 2017 |

Al Jazeera |

Multi-Media |

Over 15 Minutes

Response Location: Germany, Cologne

In the face of climate change as a result of increased CO2 emissions, millions of concerned citizens have grown frustrated at the lack of change from more traditional forms of civil engagement such as petitions, protests, and campaigns against the behemoths of the oil industry. But some have found hope in a growing movement that pushes governments and large corporations to leverage a more effective tool: divestment - or withdrawing financial support from the fossil fuel industry.

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How civil service reform could be the secret to Africa's development

Odette Chalaby

November 20, 2017 |

Apolitical |

Text |

800-1500 Words

Response Location: Liberia

Liberia is a country that has suffered from over a decade of civil war, as well as government corruption. New female-led government leadership has created the President’s Young Professionals Program that has enrolled and integrated young people into public service agencies and ministries. The program has succeeded in re-establishing trust in the Liberian government, as alumni are dedicated to the mentoring of others, and have achieved high-level positions in the public sector.

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