Avoiding the Curse of the Oil-Rich Nations

http://opinionator.blogs.nytimes.com/2013/02/13/avoiding-the-curse-of-the-oil-rich-nations

Tina Rosenberg

The New York Times

13 February 2013

Text / 800-1500 Words

Alaska has created a way for residents to financially benefit from the state's dependence on oil revenues. By giving residents a yearly portion of the revenue, the state has been able to see positive effects from an often conflict-ridden industry.

Can Free College Save American Cities?

http://www.politico.com/magazine/story/2014/04/kalamazoo-the-promise-save-american-cities-105366.html#.VYmmCflViko

Cassie Walker Burke

Politico

3 April 2014

Text / Over 3000 Words

Huge numbers of students lack the chance to go to college because of financial problems. Recently, Kalamazoo schools received more funding allowing them to have the chance to help and pay for students to then go to college and receive a higher education.

Can Government Play Moneyball?

http://opinionator.blogs.nytimes.com/2014/04/16/can-government-play-moneyball

David Bornstein

The New York Times

16 April 2014

Text / 1500-3000 Words

The pressure is on for the federal government to spend tax money more wisely. Evidence-based policy making is gaining in popularity as a way for the government to spend tax money wisely. While not quite as flashy or exciting as past ways, this has a proven track record of positive impact.

Living-wage' movement growing in region

http://www.ocregister.com/articles/wage-523783-living-long.html

Margot Roosevelt

Orange County Register

1 September 2013

Text / 800-1500 Words

In the past five years, as federal and state minimum wage levels failed to keep pace with the cost of living, and as the recession took its toll, the living wage movement has accelerated. Across the United States, more than 125 cities and counties have enacted ordinances or passed ballot initiatives to lift the wages of the working poor.

In the Fight Against Poverty, It's Time for a Revolution

http://opinionator.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/01/12/in-the-fight-against-poverty-its-time-for-a-revolution

David Bornstein

The New York Times

12 January 2012

Text / 1500-3000 Words

LIFT, founded in 1988 by college students, employs an approach to poverty alleviation grounded in building relationships with communities. LIFT finds volunteers who have demonstrated empathy and then employs them to meet with local families in need, helping them set goals, monitor their progress, and access services.

In the Long War on Poverty, Small Victories That Matter

http://opinionator.blogs.nytimes.com/2014/01/08/in-the-long-war-on-poverty-small-victories-that-matter

David Bornstein

The New York Times

8 January 2014

Text / 1500-3000 Words

A panoply of responses to poverty has emerged to address poverty in the United States and abroad. The responses share in three key tactics: Measuring impact, paying for success, and collaboration.

Education lessons from Maine, New Hampshire

https://digital.vpr.net/post/education-lessons-maine-new-hampshire

Jane Lindholm

Patti Daniels

Vermont Public Radio

7 April 2015

Radio / Over 15 Minutes

As Vermont struggles to create legislation regulating school district management and financial efficiency, the state looks to models in Maine and New Hampshire for guidance. In Maine, school districts have tried to save money and resources through consolidation; in New Hampshire, officials have reworked the way schooling is financed altogether.

Minneapolis uses citywide plan to reduce youth violence

http://archive.jsonline.com/news/crime/minneapolis-uses-citywide-plan-to-reduce-youth-violence-b99537782z1-316820251.html

Ashley Luthern

Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

18 July 2015

Text / 1500-3000 Words

After a rampant problem of violence among youths, Minneapolis enacted a violence-prevention plan which focused on collective action and stemming the causes at their source, resulting in nonfatal shootings involving youths drop by 72%. Now, other cities with similar problems are trying to follow suit.

From Young Adult Book Fans to Wizards of Change

http://opinionator.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/03/21/from-young-adult-book-fans-to-wizards-of-change

Courtney E. Martin

The New York Times

21 March 2012

Text / 1500-3000 Words

Global social and economic problems are difficult to change. However, fan-activism fuels the interests of fans of popular young adult fiction. Books such as Harry Potter and the Hunger Games have inspired activist groups that raise awareness of global hunger, reading, and relief supplies to impoverished nations, among others. Being a fan has served as a bridge to become politically active and solve the world’s problems.

Camcorders For Justice

http://moreintelligentlife.com/content/features/anonymous/camcorders-justice

James Scudamore

Intelligent Life

1 January 2014

Text / Over 3000 Words

In India, videos made about the many social problems are secretly broadcasted in different villages to make people aware of the real problem and also aware of what they can do to fix it. Video Volunteers, an organization that coordinates these video productions, catalyzes community change through transparency and accountability.