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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 |

Text |

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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Climate Resilience on Detroit's East Side

Nina Misuraca Ignaczak

September 13, 2019 |

Belt Magazine |

Text |

Over 3000 Words

Response Location: United States, Detroit, Michigan

Working toward environmental justice takes organizing on the community level. In Detroit, the Women of Empowerment promote resilience against the adverse effects of climate change on the city’s east side by spearheading projects that range from legal cases to the installation of solar panels. The group also partners with local nonprofits like the Eastside Community Network and Heatwaves Housing and Health (HHH), to collect data that can inform climate-resilient city planning.

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They were evicted and had to take their homes with them. But they also won something in return.

Cristina Bolling

September 09, 2019 |

La Noticia |

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1500-3000 Words

Response Location: United States, Charlotte, North Carolina

When the mobile park they lived in was sold and evictions were imminent, residents of Oakhaven banded together to demand relocation packages and other rights. While they were eventually forced out, they succeeded in winning more money than they were originally promised, and they credit this to their ability to organize and petition.

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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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Green Thumbs, Black Gardeners: How Urban Gardens Help a Community Grow

Chad Small

August 26, 2019 |

Blavity |

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800-1500 Words

Response Location: United States, New York, New York

Eliminating food deserts is a community effort. Thanks to work of members, volunteers, and other partners of the East New York Farmers’ Market (ENYF), the East New York neighborhood of Brooklyn, formerly troubled by a lack of nutritious food, now benefits from semi-weekly produce markets. ENYF also serves as a positive community service for youth and young adults.

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This Oakland Community Hub Was Designed for Restorative Justice

Emily Nonko

August 08, 2019 |

Next City |

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800-1500 Words

Response Location: United States, Oakland, California

Partnerships between nonprofits strengthen efforts to promote economic justice. Working together, several nonprofits focused on economic and restorative justice in Oakland have succeeded in opening Restore Oakland, a community and multipurpose center. The new building, which received funding from private donations and from the Akonadi foundation, provides a space nonprofits like the Ella Baker Center and the Restaurant Opportunity Centers United (ROC United).

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Feeling Lonely? Perhaps You'd Like to Talk to Some Strangers

Julia Hotz

July 18, 2019 |

The New York Times |

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800-1500 Words

Response Location: United States, San Francisco, California

Feeling isolated often leads to increased feelings of loneliness, but is also a reason why new meet-ups such as Tea With Strangers are becoming widely used as a solution. Based on the idea that strangers can become more like neighbors, these gatherings promote conversation and connection with the goal of reducing isolation.

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Preaching Faith in Democracy

Courtney E. Martin

July 02, 2019 |

The New York Times |

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800-1500 Words

Response Location: United States, Seattle, Washington

Shared expressions of community and fellowship are fostering a non-partisan approach to civic engagement. The nonprofit Citizen University, based in Seattle, Washington, provides small grants to trained community leaders who host Civic Saturdays. The meetings take place across the country in libraries, town centers, and at small businesses. Groups gather to share song, poetry, and to discuss political concepts as ideas on a spectrum, rather than in opposition to one another.

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Residents turn detective to fight crime

Tom Colls

July 02, 2019 |

BBC |

Podcast |

Over 15 Minutes

Response Location: United States, Atlanta, Georgia

A U.S. company, Flock Safety, has developed a security and surveillance system that allows residents to monitor the color, model, and license plate of every car entering their neighborhood. The system uses car license plate cameras that aren’t monitored by the local police or governments, rather, by residents themselves, to help deter crime. While the system has shown success to the tune of an average of two crimes solved every day, it also raises questions around the problematic nature of surveillance culture, privacy, and profiting off of safety and fear.

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Middlebury is walking towards restoration

Colleen Carroll

July 01, 2019 |

The Devil Strip |

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800-1500 Words

Response Location: United States, Middlebury, Ohio

The town of Middlebury, Ohio organizes community walking audits that allow residents to actively relay concerns and complaints about their community. The audits focus on neighborhood improvement and encourage active community members to lead the charge in local development.

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