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On One Issue, Americans Are United. Too Many Are Behind Bars.

Tina Rosenberg

October 30, 2019 |

The New York Times |

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1500-3000 Words

Response Location: United States, Washington, District of Columbia

In such a divided country, many groups from lawmakers to advocacy groups are finding rare bipartisan cooperation around the issue of criminal justice reform. Two congressional representatives, one Republican and one Democrat, have found common ground, as well as the Justice Action Network, which forms bipartisan coalitions, one of which was instrumental in passing the First Step Act.

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In some states, the census is an investment. Not Connecticut.

Mark Pazniokas

October 30, 2019 |

The Connecticut Mirror |

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1500-3000 Words

Response Location: United States, Connecticut

The Hartford Foundation for Public Giving granted $448,400 to 20 community organizations to support voter registration and the census. Connecticut did not earmark any money in the state budget for the census. Public libraries will use grant money to hire staff to help residents complete the census online, the method being encouraged due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The census is tied to federal aid and political representation so advocates warn that, despite being a federal responsibility, state funds are needed to support nonprofits and foundations working to ensure an accurate count of Connecticut residents.

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An Athenian remedy: the rise, fall and possible rebirth of democracy

Patrick Chalmers

October 16, 2019 |

The Correspondent |

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1500-3000 Words

Response Location: Greece

Citizens’ assemblies, which allow for mass participation in political debates and decision-making with a lottery system to select speakers, are increasingly being used to overcome issues such as corruption and the unwillingness by incumbent politicians to address controversial issues. Many countries now use citizens’ assemblies, including Ireland who used one in 2017 to push forward a debate and decision on its abortion ban after decades of political deadlock. Citizens’ assemblies do face challenges, including being dismantled by ruling politicians who feel they challenge incumbent power.

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How solar ‘skin' helped an Indiana homeowner win a fight for rooftop panels

Kari Lydersen

October 15, 2019 |

Energy News Network |

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800-1500 Words

Response Location: United States, Indianapolis, Indiana

After the homeowners association denied his request to install solar panels on his roof due to their aesthetic, Indianapolis-resident Joey Myles used SolarSkin to disguise the panels to look like asphalt shingles. The company Sistine Solar makes these films that coat solar panels in various images that can be used to blend in with roofs or other forms of artwork. The panels with skins only generate about 85 percent of energy as those without skins, but they can withstand extreme weather.

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Can 'deliberative polling' solve political polarization?

Fareed Zakaria

October 13, 2019 |

CNN |

Broadcast TV Programs |

3-5 Minutes

Response Location: United States, Dallas, Texas

While many politicians use political polarization to their advantage, communities across the world are finding that talking through the divide can actually have an impact on how someone votes. Polls conducted before and after community dialogue sessions show that perspectives of many of those participating changed, and in Ireland, many think this strategy is what resulted in the legalization of abortion.

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The ‘Badass Grandmas' Who Fought Corruption and Won

Michael Deal

September 17, 2019 |

Forbes |

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800-1500 Words

Response Location: United States, North Dakota

An unlikely group of "Badass Grandmas" came together in North Dakota to fight corruption in state government. Coming from both Democratic and Republican backgrounds, the group formed organically during an early morning discussion. Inspired by their neighbors in South Dakota, the group successfully passed a constitutional amendment approved by voters to overhaul government ethics oversight.

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The Kids Are Alright, and They're Fixing Their Neighborhoods After Natural Disasters

Monica Humphries

September 05, 2019 |

NationSwell |

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800-1500 Words

Response Location: United States, Rockaway, New York

In starkly unequal Rockaway, Queens, New York, a group of 60 young people organize grassroots campaigns to equalize outcomes across race and class lines in the Rockaway Youth Task Force. Just a year after its founding Hurricane Sandy hit, and the RYTF really came into its own when it turned a vacant, half-acre lot into a thriving youth-run farm. The group also successfully lobbied the city to extend a bus line that gave over 10,000 more residents transportation access.

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Meet the Young Activists Fighting Chicago's Gun Violence, With Lobbying and Group Hugs

Kim Bellware

September 03, 2019 |

The Trace |

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1500-3000 Words

Response Location: United States, Chicago, Illinois

GoodKids MadCity, an anti-gun violence group that is led by black and brown youth in Chicago is working to create a safer community. Members, most of whom have been directly impacted by gun violence, work together to address the systemic drivers of gun violence in their city, including poverty, trauma, and lack of safe spaces. They do so by creating a community for themselves and by engaging politically – pushing local lawmakers to address the systemic drivers they’ve identified.

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Young voting advocates take up the fight against suppression

Milan Polk

August 29, 2019 |

The GroundTruth Project |

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800-1500 Words

Response Location: United States, Greenville, South Carolina

Young advocates for voting rights are fighting back against laws that make it difficult for young people and other marginalized groups to register to vote. Through public campaigns, lawsuits, and voter registration drives, these youth advocates are taking action as their peers come of age to vote.

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By the people: How Ohio citizens better their communities through direct action

Jim DeBrosse

August 27, 2019 |

Soapbox Cincinnati |

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Over 3000 Words

Response Location: United States, Ohio

Grassroots movements made up of ordinary citizens can go a long way in creating change. This article details several initiatives across Ohio that were led by citizens using a combination of lobbying, education, persistence, knowledge of government practices, and organization. Some things that were achieved using these methods are wage reimbursements and increased bus access.

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