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Jakarta's urban poor have found a way to fight City Hall - and win

Evi Mariani Sofian

April 04, 2018 |

The Guardian |

Text |

800-1500 Words

Response Location: Philippines, Jakarta

One kampung in Jakarta, or “informal urban neighborhood,” fought back against a city that didn’t want the neighborhood to exist. There has been a trend for these small neighborhoods to be bulldozed in the name of development, but the “progress” threatens the homes and livelihoods of thousands of families. Now, volunteers are helping these small kampungs remain politically active and continue to make positive change.

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They Risked Their Lives To Bring Music Back

Alix Spiegel

March 21, 2018 |

NPR |

Radio |

5-15 Minutes

Response Location: Somalia, Mogadishu

With the extremist group Al-Shabab active in the country, music has been a source of trauma for Somalis with music banned in Shabab controlled territory and musicians assassinated. A reality show centered around musical performance is hoping to bring music back into public life.

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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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Civic Participation Begins in Schools

Sylvia Rousseau Scott Warren

March 20, 2018 |

Stanford Social Innovation Review |

Text |

800-1500 Words

Response Location: United States, New York, New York

The educational system in the United States prioritizes individual student success over the common civic good. But schools and organizations are bringing back civics education by creating democratic learning environments inside schools and helping students work on real-world policy issues.

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In a Historic Downtown, Disaster Becomes a Chance to Build Something Better

Adina Solomon

March 20, 2018 |

Bloomberg CityLab |

Text |

800-1500 Words

Response Location: United States, Clarkesville, Georgia

After a fire destroyed much of downtown Clarkesville, the city invested millions of dollars in properties to restore. Local government leaders sought feedback from community members, and the result was a revitalized downtown, an improved version of the previous downtown. The redevelopment success can be a model for other cities.

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Rural Montana summer fairs worth the weight shouldered by civic groups

Seaborn Larson

March 19, 2018 |

Great Falls Tribune |

Text |

1500-3000 Words

Response Location: United States, Choteau, Montana

Small towns along the Rocky Mountain Front in Montana have a history of putting on summer festivals to attract locals and tourists alike and to earn funds to benefit their communities. As the festivals now face challenges, such as aging populations, locals are coming up with creative solutions. Whether promoting younger community members or finding corporate sponsors, these small towns will work to ensure their communities survive.

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Children's Cabinet

Roxanne Patel Shepelavy

March 19, 2018 |

The Philadelphia Citizen |

Text |

1500-3000 Words

Response Location: United States, Somerville, Massachusetts

In Somerville, MA, businesses, nonprofits, government officials, and schools take a collaborative and holistic approach to improving children's lives. “Thinking about city budget, priorities, decision-making through the lens of kids ensures good outcomes for everybody,” a director of the initiative notes. Could Philadelphia benefit from breaking down silos and following Somerville's innovative lead?

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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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How College Campuses Are Trying to Tap Students' Voting Power

Farah Stockman

March 03, 2018 |

The New York Times |

Text |

1500-3000 Words

Response Location: United States

Universities are using competitions, music, and prizes to encourage civic engagement among students. Efforts are aided by a national study that allows schools to see how many of their students voted either locally or absentee.

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Champions of the Vote

Roxanne Patel Shepelavy

March 02, 2018 |

The Philadelphia Citizen |

Text |

800-1500 Words

Response Location: United States, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

In Fairhill, a neighborhood in North Philadelphia, voter turnout was a mere 12% in one recent election. Fairhill Neighbors, a coalition of neighborhood groups, is seeking to combat lower turnout rates with a personal engagement program. “Voting Champions” are community members who will work to register voters, drive them to polls, and generate excitement about voting, with the hopes of transforming civic participation in their area.

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