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How Jordan's decision to integrate Syrian refugees is paying off

Josh Vardey, Chloe Domat, Sophie Guignon, Sylvain LePetit

March 09, 2021 |

France 24 |

Video |

5-15 Minutes

Response Location: Jordan

Based on pressure from international aid organizations, the kingdom of Jordan now offers permits for refugees to work in agriculture, construction, hospitality and other industries. As a result, the large Syrian refugee community has better integrated into society and can help support their families. NGOs help refugees with the administrative paperwork and also facilitate access t0 vocational training and the equipment people need to get started in the jobs. In return, aid organizations have invested over $8 million in infrastructure and education projects.

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The Era of the Wood Skyscraper Is Arriving

Klaus Sieg

March 08, 2021 |

Reasons to be Cheerful |

Text |

800-1500 Words

Response Location: Canada, Vancouver, British Columbia

The Brock Commons Tallwood House in Canada was the tallest building made of wood when it opened in 2017. Now, thanks to government policies, scientific research, and hundreds of examples of proof-of-concept, more developers around the world are looking to construct buildings out of timber. Using timber is cheaper than cement, concrete, and steel and can actually store carbon emissions in its supports instead of releasing the greenhouse gas into the atmosphere.

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Leader in vaccination, Denmark has lessons for Lithuania

Greta Klimkaitė

March 07, 2021 |

Lithuanian Radio and Television (LRT) |

Text |

800-1500 Words

Response Location: Denmark

Denmark has one of the highest COVID-19 vaccination rates in part because decisions around the distribution campaign was centrally organized. All doses start at the national institute for epidemic control and are sent to the country’s five healthcare regions, where they were prioritized to hospital workers and residents and employees of nursing homes. Special identification numbers in an online system helps notify residents of their vaccine appointment date. The country also made their own decision about how many vaccines they can get from a single vial, increasing it from five to seven.

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Does a Complete Streets policy really make a difference?

Cheryl Splain

March 06, 2021 |

Knox Pages |

Text |

Over 3000 Words

Response Location: United States, Mount Vernon, Ohio

Complete Streets initiatives promote traffic and pedestrian safety In 400 communities across the United States. The goal of the program is to help residents live more active and healthy lifestyles while also making communities more attractive to potential residents. The initiative has resulted in higher property values, increased consumer spending, and better transportation options.

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Using Tech, California Counties Have Cleared 140,000 Marijuana-Related Convictions

Cinnamon Janzer

March 05, 2021 |

Next City |

Text |

800-1500 Words

Response Location: United States, California

After California legalized marijuana, it offered people a way to erase their marijuana-related criminal records. But few tried, in part because the process was difficult. Code for America's Clear My Record initiative automated the process by creating lists of cases eligible for expungement and notifying counties that they could easily take the next step. As a result, 140,000 convictions have been reduced or dismissed, relieving those people of the burden of a criminal record when applying for a job. CFA is working to expand the program nationwide.

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Beyond language: How to enfranchise voters who don't speak English

Emily Previti

March 03, 2021 |

The GroundTruth Project |

Text |

1500-3000 Words

Response Location: United States, Orange County, California

Orange County is a gold standard for supporting voters who aren’t fluent in English. All voting materials come in multiple languages and online databases and voting equipment are compatible with the multilingual system. The county works with community groups and hires native speakers to translate materials for increased accuracy. The county's bilingual workforce has steadily increased, with 30% of election workers now speaking the native language of the voters needing support. Due to the pandemic, language support was provided by video conference, an option that will continue to be available in the future.

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House Rules

Leah Cantor

March 03, 2021 |

Santa Fe Reporter |

Text |

Over 3000 Words

Response Location: United States, Santa Fe, New Mexico

A shortage of available affordable housing in Santa Fe, New Mexico was exacerbated by inclusionary zoning laws that discouraged real estate development. Restrictions on new rental properties drastically increased rents due to a dearth of available housing and supply has increased as the law was reversed.

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For those frustrated with vaccine system, a crew of volunteers is ready to help

Felice J. Freyer

March 02, 2021 |

The Boston Globe |

Text |

800-1500 Words

Response Location: United States, Massachusetts

A community effort is underway in Massachusetts to help people secure Covid-19 vaccination appointments, despite a confusing government roll-out system. The Massachusetts COVID Vaccination Help volunteer group is composed of volunteers from across the state, who are using their free time to help individuals schedule appointments. Although there are concerns about privacy, users thus far have commended the group's persistence and success in booking appointments.

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BElovedBIRTH Black Centering offers support to Black newborns and moms in Oakland

Sonya Lustig

March 01, 2021 |

The Oaklandside |

Text |

800-1500 Words

Response Location: United States, Oakland, California

In Oakland, California, a group of Black birth workers has been working to improve prenatal and postpartum care for mothers by offering care that is designed “by, for, and with Black people.” The group uses a series of evidence-based strategies that are largely based on community-centered care practices, with the overall goal of countering racism in the healthcare system.

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School Without Walls: Program Created by 110-Year-Old Black Church Becomes ‘Lifesaver' for Madison, WI Parents During Pandemic

Zoë Kirsch

March 01, 2021 |

The 74 |

Text |

1500-3000 Words

Response Location: United States, Madison, Wisconsin

School Without Walls is an offshoot of a summer learning and enrichment program that Ladson-Billings and Jones launched back in June to help 3rd- and 4th-graders confronting pandemic-related learning loss. In a time of political instability, global disruption, and a complex, virulent disease, one solution for anxious parents emerged from something simple: human relationships forged at a faith-based institution.

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