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How a Vermont social network became a model for online communities

Andrew Liptak

January 24, 2019 |

The Verge |

Text |

Over 3000 Words

Response Location: United States, Moretown, Vermont

A Vermont-based online network, the Front Porch Forum, has spread around the state as a way for community members to share ideas, resources, and initiatives. Neighbors offer support in everything from rogue Roombas (yes, you read that correctly) to disaster relief efforts.

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Revitalizing and Reconnecting Western New York's Regional Biking Network

Mark Wessel

January 24, 2019 |

Next City |

Text |

800-1500 Words

Response Location: United States, Buffalo, New York

In western New York, local bike advocacy groups have found power in numbers, banding together to gradually convince their governments to expand cycling access and communities to change their attitudes toward cyclists. By organizing mass cycling rides, which were at times disruptive by design, and other advocacy efforts, GOBike Buffalo and connected groups have convinced government and foundations alike to launch a major bike network.

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The inspiring thing that happened when a Japanese village went almost waste-free

Alex Gray

January 21, 2019 |

World Economic Forum |

Text |

1500-3000 Words

Response Location: Japan, Kamikatsu, Shikoku

Kamikatsu, a small Japanese village on an island, is on track to become a zero-waste village. The community is made up of only 1,700 residents and—through a combination of community conversations and sorting the waste to be profitable—they managed to keep more than 80% of their waste out of landfills and incinerators. On top of the environmental impact, the Zero Waste Academy brings together a largely-elderly population as a group focused on a mission and has led to an increased sense of community and well-being.

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Federally Funded Companions Keep Seniors Connected To Their Neighbors

Patty Wight

January 20, 2019 |

NPR |

Text |

Under 800 Words

Response Location: United States, Maine

For America's aging population, loneliness is a serious concern and a public health issue; a national program for Senior Companions relies on volunteers, who must be at least 55 years old and commit to at least 15 hours a week, to visit registered participants in their homes. Volunteers and participants become friends, building personal relationships and easing loneliness one interaction at a time.

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These Scouts Are Prepared For Dirty Dishes — And Keeping The Peace

Simon Allison

January 19, 2019 |

NPR |

Text |

1500-3000 Words

Response Location: Central African Republic

The Central African Republic is rife with political problems including the lack of a health system, proving problematic for a country where Ebola runs a constant risk. Despite the challenges, the Catholic Scouts Association has stepped up to create and implement programs that aim to "promote vaccination, check out rumors about Ebola, carry messages between rival military factions and more."

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Rent-a-sister: Coaxing Japan's young men out of their rooms

Amelia Martyn-Hemphill

January 18, 2019 |

BBC |

Video |

5-15 Minutes

Response Location: Japan, Tokyo

In Japan, an organization called New Start employs women that help men who are withdrawn from society. These men, called hikikomori, are often experiencing mental health issues, and cannot leave their homes. That’s where New Start’s rent-a-sister program comes in. These women spend months, sometimes years, with these men, building trust, giving advice, and adjust to society. The organization also provide halfway houses for these men, with 80% successfully re-entering society as independent individuals.

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Youth Empowerment

Jennifer Rooks

January 17, 2019 |

NH-PBS |

Broadcast TV Programs |

Over 15 Minutes

Response Location: United States, New Hampshire

Across New Hampshire, youth are leading the fight against substance abuse. Programs like Dover’s Youth-to-Youth, Stand Up Sachems, Youth Leadership Through Adventure, and the Making it Happen Coalition, are all youth-led, adult-supported initiatives that are empowering young adults to create and disseminate substance abuse awareness and prevention campaigns. Fundamental to each of these efforts effective communication and creating a sense of community as key to prevention.

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How the U.K. is fighting the loneliness epidemic

Thomas Daigle

January 16, 2019 |

CBC |

Broadcast TV News |

3-5 Minutes

Response Location: United Kingdom, Liverpool, England

Lonliness is a huge health risk in senior citizens. To address this, the U.K. is killing two birds with one stone by assigning mail carriers a couple of seniors to check in on once a week. Mail carriers already know the area well and are easily recognizable, so regular conversations with residents were a logical next step. The carriers conduct surveys every week in order to gain quantitative data to inform their practices, and the program continues to be a success with the senior citizens served.

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How can cities engage their citizens? Museums can show the way

Anoush Darabi

January 16, 2019 |

Apolitical |

Text |

800-1500 Words

Response Location: Denmark, Aarhus

Taking its cue from digital engagement strategies of cultural institutions across Sweden, the Danish city of Aarhus, Denmark is making the redevelopment of an area called South Harbour more equitable and inclusive. Using "lab sessions," or structured discussion groups with actionable topics, the local entrepreneur heading up the project tests the ideas that come from the sessions on a small scale.

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'We're going to the pub': finding a way out of loneliness, one app at a time

Tom Wall

January 15, 2019 |

The Guardian |

Text |

800-1500 Words

Response Location: United Kingdom, Bracknell

In the UK, where loneliness amongst senior residents has been declared a public health issue, councils, churches, and local charities are working to ensure that people are provided opportunities to connect with others and find the social interaction they need to stay healthy. Some of their methods include a community map filled with all of the local activities that take place, including more informal gatherings that take place regularly, and outreach to both older people who might benefit and younger people who might be able to offer a service. The programs have cut loneliness in Bracknell, UK, since 2015.

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