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Policing the Police

Jelani Cobb Anya Bourg

June 28, 2016 |

PBS Frontline |

Broadcast TV Programs |

Over 15 Minutes

Response Location: United States, Newark, New Jersey

The Department of Justice has ordered the Newark Police Department to make reforms to its policing practices, so that public safety will not compromise the human rights. An investigation into the NPD has shown that officers made too many undocumented stops and used unjustified excessive force, resulting in community mistrust. The Newark mayor has begun re-training the police force, reworked standards for punishing police misconduct, advocated body cameras, and civilian oversight of the police department – all of which has started to improve community relations and build trust.

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Citizen-Led Bucharest Park Gets Official Stamp

Christine Ro

June 27, 2016 |

Next City |

Text |

800-1500 Words

Response Location: Romania, Bucharest

In Romania, citizens have led an organizing effort to create their first urban nature park, a particularly important achievement because civilian and government collaborations can be difficult in Bucharest. After four years of debate, research, and approval, the park has been officially recognized and is now working towards becoming a space for recreation, education, and tourism.

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The Town That Made Its Own Internet

Rick Paulas

May 26, 2016 |

Pacific Standard |

Text |

800-1500 Words

Response Location: United States, Greenfield, Massachusetts

Before 2011, 40% of residents of Greenfield, Massachusetts did not have Internet access. The mayor hired someone to help the town become its own Internet Service Provider, build out the necessary fiber, and fund the entire project without raising taxes. Dan Kelley, who oversaw the project, said “the biggest reason the plan in Greenfield has worked is because of the buy-in commitment made by the town’s residents.” The new affordable Internet is helping residents throughout the town stay connected.

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Small-town America is arguing over whether to welcome Syria's refugees or fear them

Jared Goyette

May 24, 2016 |

Public Radio International (PRI) |

Text |

1500-3000 Words

Response Location: United States, Missoula, Montana

A grassroots organization called Soft Landing Missoula (SLM) is a community effort to bring refugees to Montana. It was started by two women who met on opposite sides of a protest, but, through consistent and respectful conversation, have learned to respect each other's views and form a meaningful friendship. SLM puts that principle into practice by sitting down with the mayor, city council members and the county commission to work with the International Rescue League to start a process that helps migrants settle into Montana. They consider conversation to be the most important tool in overcoming bias.

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What Maryland's test lab can teach Minnesota about thwarting radical recruiters

Mila Koumpilova

May 16, 2016 |

Minneapolis Star Tribune |

Multi-Media |

800-1500 Words

Response Location: United States, Montgomery Village, Maryland

Following terror attacks around the world, a community nonprofit is working to counter violent extremism by bringing diverse communities together with law enforcement to address underlying causes of radicalization and training neighborhoods to create watch systems.

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Schools work to aid children of domestic violence

Krista M. Torralva

April 23, 2016 |

Corpus Christi Caller Times |

Text |

1500-3000 Words

Response Location: United States, Brockton, Massachusetts

Massachusetts’ Brockton Public School district has trained the entire staff at three elementary schools to recognize signs of trauma in children. Inspired by the book, “Helping Traumatized Children Learn,” by Eliana Gil, the district’s initiative has now inspired another text and has spread to school districts around the world. Core to the initiative is trying to work more proactively toward social emotional health.

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A Hunger to Live: The Struggle to Interrupt the Cycle of Violence

Donna Ladd

April 20, 2016 |

Jackson Free Press |

Text |

Over 3000 Words

Response Location: United States, Jackson, Mississippi

After going to prison themselves, John Knight of Jackson and Shanduke McPhatter of Brooklyn are living straight and determined to make changes. They work as "violence interrupters" in their neighborhoods, using an approach called "Cure Violence," developed by Dr. Gary Slutkin. They mentor other young, at-risk men and encourage them towards graduating high school, community service, staying away from drugs, and pursuing honest work.

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Houston's Quiet Revolution

Michael Berryhill

March 01, 2016 |

Places Journal |

Text |

Over 3000 Words

Response Location: United States, Houston, Texas

Hundreds of immigrants in Houston often have no access to any social aid. One community, East Aldine, exemplifies this. It lacks sewers, water, or trash collection. But, with the help of one nonprofit residents are bypassing the city, and getting the help they need.

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Bengaluru is being swept by citizen-led plastic bans

Shree D N

February 16, 2016 |

Citizen Matters |

Text |

1500-3000 Words

Response Location: India, Bengaluru, Karnataka

While laws and regulations banning the use of plastic bags and wrappers lag in the government, neighborhoods within the city of Bengaluru (Bangalore) have taken it upon themselves to remove wasteful plastic from their communities and their environment. From organizing marches and demonstrations, to creating clever alternatives - such as renting reusable bags from stores and wrapping goods in newspaper - numerous zones within the city are going plastic waste-free on their own initiative, and inspiring their neighbors to do the same.

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A year later, how this grassroots effort to help elders live at home is snowballing

Erin Rhoda

December 25, 2015 |

Bangor Daily News |

Text |

1500-3000 Words

Response Location: United States, Blue Hill, Maine

As the traditional family structure changes and the elderly population of the United States grows, options for independent living grow challenging for the aged, who struggle with issues like loneliness, transportation to medical appointments, and carrying groceries. A grassroots effort called At Home is working to bring together community services, medical providers, and volunteers to provide assistance to seniors and afford them the opportunity to live independently in their own houses.

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