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How This Teen's Quest to Define 'Sustainability' Changed State Law

Geoff Dembicki

October 17, 2014 |

The Tyee |

Text |

1500-3000 Words

Response Location: United States, Kaneohe, Hawaii

Hawaii private school students were taught about ecological sustainability, but public school students were not. After losing a school essay contest about sustainability, a high school student convinced Hawaii’s legislature to pass a resolution requiring that every student learn the meaning of the concept. Due to this student’s advocacy, the state is also piloting a program to install solar panels on its public schools to teach children how to be more self-sustaining.

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Reclaiming ‘We the People,' One Person at a Time

David Bornstein

September 04, 2014 |

The New York Times |

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1500-3000 Words

Response Location: United States, Washington, District of Columbia

Retreat programs can improve self-awareness and understanding of others. The Center for Courage & Renewal creates safe environments for people to speak honestly with each other, something Parker J. Palmer says is needed to de-polarize society.

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Boston: There's an App for That

Ben Schreckinger

June 10, 2014 |

Politico |

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Over 3000 Words

Response Location: United States, Boston, Massachusetts

Boston had a hard time solving civic problems efficiently and holding its leadership accountable. In response, a team in the Mayor's office was charged with "making Boston better through clever, low-cost hacks" such as a mobile app that allows residents to send government service requests to City Hall.

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The Fayetteville Observer's search for crime solutions takes us to Memphis

Greg Barnes

January 26, 2014 |

Fayetteville Observer |

Multi-Media |

1500-3000 Words

Response Location: United States, Memphis, Tennessee

In Memphis, “school officials, politicians, business leaders, preachers, nonprofit organizations and everyday residents” came together to fight crime in a strategy known as Collective Impact. Could this approach help other cities like Fayetteville fight crime?

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TurboVote Aims to Make Voting as Easy as Renting a DVD

Josh Dzieza

December 13, 2013 |

NationSwell |

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800-1500 Words

Response Location: United States

TurboVote allows users to fill out voter registration forms online and then mails them the paperwork to sign along with a stamped envelope addressed to the user’s local election office. The site also sends email and text reminders for mailing deadlines and polling place locations to its over 200,000 registered users. TurboVote partners with 68 universities, where many students are first-time voters and/or need to register at a new address. Students at partner universities receive the forms for free (otherwise it costs $1.60 per form) and popup windows on university websites remind students to register.

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Ever Wonder Why Nobody Goes to Town Council Meetings? Meet the Folks Who Are Changing That.

Rob Gurwitt

December 11, 2013 |

NationSwell |

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1500-3000 Words

Response Location: United States, Omaha, Nebraska

Very few people go to city council meetings. MindMixer, a tech startup company, increased civic participation in states across the U.S. with online platforms for city officials and the community to discuss ideas.

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In Bogotá, Activists Are Fighting Against a Backslide in Pedestrian Safety

Sarah Goodyear

June 13, 2013 |

Bloomberg CityLab |

Multi-Media |

Under 800 Words

Response Location: Colombia, Bogotá

Bogotá has become a danger for pedestrians. Cars have the right of the way and it is up to pedestrians to stay alert and safe. Now, citizens are using paint on sidewalks and roads to draw attention to dangers such as potholes or areas where pedestrians have been killed.

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From Young Adult Book Fans to Wizards of Change

Courtney E. Martin

March 21, 2012 |

The New York Times |

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1500-3000 Words

Response Location: United States, Los Angeles, California

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.

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Why ‘Solutions Journalism' Matters, Too

David Bornstein

December 20, 2011 |

The New York Times |

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800-1500 Words

Response Location: United States, New York, New York

Crises and problems are well-covered in the media. When the media focuses instead on organizations that are doing social good, it has a better effect because then these organizations are more likely to receive support and expand their access.

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On Gay Rights, Moving Real-Life Friends to Action

Tina Rosenberg

July 07, 2011 |

The New York Times |

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800-1500 Words

Response Location: United States, New York, New York

The ability of social media and online civic participation to impact law and politics is still developing, but one social media tool - Friendfactor - was used successfully in New York to help bring about the passage of Gay Marriage Equality. It may be an indicator for how powerful platforms like this one will continue to play a role in societal growth and change.

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