Solving problems by addressing the underlying factors. By digging deep and attacking the root causes of a problem, changemakers are able to treat the disease rather than just the symptoms. These solutions offer help to those in need, employ a comprehensive approach to problem-solving, and address the determinants that keep individuals and communities from succeeding.
Treating underlying conditions, specifically those that are structural and systemic that cause social problems. These issues arise as a consequence from the way a society is organized. For example, a solution that addresses patriarchy or a lack of jobs in a poor neighborhood.
Help rather than punishmentThinking of behaviors such as addiction as diseases that require treatment.
Using a comprehensive approachProviding people with services that address multiple challenges at once.
2011
http://nationswell.com/restorative-justice-navajo-tradition-peacemaking?utm_source=Solutions+Story+Tracker
Monica Humphries
NationSwell
7 October 2019
Text / 800-1500 Words
Brooklyn’s Red Hook Peacemaking Program, part of the Red Hook Community Justice Center, is bringing together individuals in conflict to practice restorative justice. The program accepts cases coming through various courts, schools, and personal references, and brings together families, friends, and adversaries to participate in moderated, peacebuilding discussions. Seeing over 100 cases each year, the program has decreased recidivism rates and spread to other cities in New York.
https://www.npr.org/2019/10/03/766706906/5-decades-later-communities-land-trust-still-helps-black-farmers?utm_source=Solutions+Story+Tracker
Debbie Elliott
NPR
3 October 2019
Radio / 5-15 Minutes
The New Communities Land Trust was created in the 1960s as a way to build power and equity for and among African Americans in Georgia. The Trust works with Black farmers on many different levels, including helping them strengthen their farming practices and businesses. While the Trust was lost in 1985 due to discriminatory bank practices, it was restarted with a $12 million settlement from the federal government.
https://www.wuwm.com/post/tale-two-cities-new-york-providers-credit-aftercare-helping-youths-transition-home?utm_source=Solutions+Story+Tracker
Allison Dikanovic
WUWM 89.7 Milwaukee's NPR
2 October 2019
Multi-Media / 5-15 Minutes
After kids spend time in one of New York City's community-based incarceration facilities, they are enrolled in an "aftercare" program, which includes group meetings and mentoring, to help with the transition. As Milwaukee continues to reform its youth prison system, it is looking to New York as one promising model to consider.
https://www.thetrace.org/2019/09/las-vegas-mass-shooting-coroners-office?utm_source=Solutions+Story+Tracker
Ann Givens
The Trace
30 September 2019
Text / Over 3000 Words
Following the Las Vegas mass shooting in October 2017, employees at the Clark County coroner’s office found themselves grappling with the psychological effects. The head of the department recognized this struggle and took action: bringing in counselors, offering yoga, meditation, and massages, and having staff and family parties and get-togethers. With a work culture that often emphasizes working alone, this moment allowed for people to come together and create a sense of community.
https://soundcloud.com/icaselli/mental-health-solutions-on-lampedusa?utm_source=Solutions+Story+Tracker
Irene Caselli
BBC
27 September 2019
Podcast / 5-15 Minutes
In Lampedusa, a small Italian island, those that are struggling with mental health issues are finding help and solace in a local vegetable garden. Although this solution is not intended to act as a stand-alone answer, it has provided a sense of purpose for many involved as well as addressed the social isolation many were facing.
https://www.10news.com/news/team-10/innovative-open-jail-design-changes-san-diego-inmate-experience?utm_source=Solutions+Story+Tracker
Jennifer Kastner
ABC 10 (San Diego)
26 September 2019
Broadcast TV News / 5-15 Minutes
San Diego County’s Las Colinas Detention and Reentry Facility was redesigned to look less like a jail and more like a community. The newly designed facility prioritizes rehabilitation over punishment by providing educational facilities, like a fully stocked library, and mental health services. While the impact is still unknown, the goal is to make reentry transitions easier and decreasing recidivism rates.
https://theoutline.com/post/8006/cosa-program-minnesota-sex-offender-recidivism?utm_source=Solutions+Story+Tracker
Aviva Stahl
The Outline
26 September 2019
Text / Over 3000 Words
Minnesota’s Circles of Support and Accountability (CoSA) program takes a restorative, rehabilitative approach to sex offender re-entry and has lowered the risk of recidivism by 88%. The initiative provides participants with a group of volunteers that help them with emotional support, job finding, and challenge and shift the attitudes and behaviors that led to the committed crime. The rise of the #metoo movement has given way to the complexity of sexual assault, restorative justice, and rehabilitation – making programs like CoSA both more necessary and chellenging to sustain.
https://radio.wosu.org/post/decade-diversion-franklin-countys-court-addiction-recovery?utm_source=Solutions+Story+Tracker#stream/0
Paige Pfleger
WOSU
26 September 2019
Multi-Media / 3-5 Minutes
Merging accountability with treatment promotes recovery for those charged with drug possession. In Franklin County, Ohio, the municipal court system operates a program called Helping Achieve Recovery Together. The court recovery program provides a two-year track for participants to receive mental health support from peers and the courts, with the goal of moving them from the criminal justice system and into treatment.
https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20190925-the-race-to-stamp-out-malaria-along-the-bhutan-india-border?utm_source=Solutions+Story+Tracker
Christine Ro
BBC
26 September 2019
Text / 1500-3000 Words
Bhutan has committed to eliminating malaria from the country, as in on track to do so thanks in part to the Bhutanese government's consistent persistence to raise public awareness. Arming citizens with mosquito nets, spray and education, the small country has now outpaced India towards this public health goal.
https://projects.jsonline.com/news/2019/9/25/milwaukee-gun-violence-411-life-interrupts-cycle-stopping-shootings-public-health-approach.html?utm_source=Solutions+Story+Tracker
Ashley Luthern
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
25 September 2019
Text / 1500-3000 Words
Milwaukee’s 414LIFE program is treating violence like a public health issue, seeking to interrupt and prevent its spread. The pilot program is a collaboration between the city’s Office of Violence Prevention, local nonprofits, and hospitals and healthcare networks. The initiative works closely with victims of violence to make sure they have the support and resources they need to prevent violent retaliation and employs people who are from the communities they’re responding to in an effort to take a hyper-local response.
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