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A ‘Second Chance' After 27 Years in Prison: How Criminal Justice Helped an Ex-Inmate Graduate

Erica Green

July 08, 2019 |

The New York Times |

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1500-3000 Words

Response Location: United States, Washington, District of Columbia

Since 2016, the Second Chance Pell program has been providing financial aid for those experiencing incarceration to pursue a college education. Started under the Obama administration, it has gained bipartisan support and traction in the Trump administration as well. Considering 90% of incarcerated individuals will be released, the Second Chance Pell program serves as a demonstrated commitment to reduce recidivism and mass incarceration.

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As Floods Keep Coming, Cities Pay Residents to Move

John Schwartz

July 06, 2019 |

The New York Times |

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800-1500 Words

Response Location: United States, Nashville, Tennessee

The city of Nashville is a model for other U.S. cities focusing on how to deal with homes that are flooding more consistently than before. The National Flood Insurance Program exists to help insure homes that wouldn't be covered by private insurance; for some homeowners, the frustration of constant flooding is alleviated by the city's initiative to buy back those properties from their owners, turning them instead into more environmentally friendly parks, paths, and other flood buffers.

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The hip hop school taking on Medellin's mean streets

Oliver Gordon

July 05, 2019 |

Struggles from Below Magazine |

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1500-3000 Words

Response Location: Colombia, Medellín

Learning the art of hip-hop provides youth with an alternative to the violence and despair that characterize disadvantaged neighborhoods. In Medellin, Colombia, a program called 4 Elementos teaches kids dance, Dj’ing, rap, and graffiti in a structured way, providing a creative outlet. Hosted in the high school of one the cities most troubled neighborhoods, the program began as an initiative of the Colombian hip-hop group, Crew Peligrosos. Having already reached thousands of kids, the program is looking to expand across Colombia with support from the ABC Foundation.

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Renewing London

Oliver Gordon

July 04, 2019 |

Struggles from Below Magazine |

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Over 3000 Words

Response Location: England, London

In London, two community-driven initiatives are working side by side to engage residents in sustainable practices. Energy Garden, a community energy cooperative, has created green spaces in rail stations offers residents community gardens, nature education, and solar power. Repower, the other initiative, works with residents to communally invest in renewable energy for low-income neighborhoods while also providing those neighborhoods with energy jobs and mentoring services.

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How grassroots partnerships are working toward long-term food security

Alexis Allison

July 03, 2019 |

Columbia Missourian |

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Over 3000 Words

Response Location: United States, Branson, Missouri

Overcoming the causes of social isolation plays a crucial role in combating food insecurity. From faith-based community meals paired with job programs in Branson, to food recycling initiatives that tap into local markets in Kansas, multiple organizations across Missouri and the United States are developing solutions oriented toward local needs. In some cases, such as the work of Mother Hubbard’s Cupboard in Bloomington, IN, building community leads to political advocacy and civic engagement.

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Graduating from college still a struggle for many California foster youth

Rob Waters

July 01, 2019 |

San Jose Mercury News |

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800-1500 Words

Response Location: United States, California

To address the difficulties foster youth face when trying to complete a college program, California has implemented a series of support mechanisms designed to increase the chances of graduation. From extending the cutoff age to receive services to 21 to priority registration for classes, studies are already showing success from these changes.

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What Can We Do About Our Water?

Jennifer Reed

July 01, 2019 |

Gulfshore Life |

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Over 3000 Words

Response Location: United States, Sanibel, Florida

On Sanibel Island, Florida, residents know all too well the intensive steps necessary to clean up polluted water. Like many other bodies of water in Florida and across the country, the city has suffered from "nutrition pollution" that has threatened their environment, but comprehensive measures enacted over the past decades - including land use plans that severely restrict development and efforts to educate homeowners on pond management - are helping the area turn around and providing a playbook for other cities.

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Teens In Transition Program shows promise at reducing crime

Kevin Holmes

June 28, 2019 |

KSHB-TV |

Broadcast TV News |

Under 3 Minutes

Response Location: United States, Kansas City, Missouri

Collaborative efforts targeting adult-peer mentoring in Kansas City, Missouri have resulted in less crime and increased trust among participants. Focusing on high-risk teens and young adults, the program known as Teens in Transition connects law enforcement with youth members to work together on an art project over a 9-week span.

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What if Fort Worth hired ex-convicts to fight violent crime? It's working elsewhere

Nichole Manna

June 24, 2019 |

Fort Worth Star-Telegram |

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1500-3000 Words

Response Location: United States, Richmond, California

Within a year of founding its Office of Neighborhood Safety to prevent gun violence, Richmond saw its most violent neighborhood drop from 27 murders to three. The program pairs former gang members and formerly incarcerated men with people deemed at risk of shooting others or getting shot. The mentors are paid a salary by the city, and the program "fellows" get paid a stipend if they stay out of trouble and respond well to the program's life-skills counseling. The program expanded citywide and to other cities, based on its record of keeping fellows alive and shootings in decline.

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City Revival - Did We Learn From the Urban Renewal Era?

Tom Condon

June 24, 2019 |

The Connecticut Mirror |

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1500-3000 Words

Response Location: United States, New Haven, Connecticut

In the middle of the 20th century, the Housing Act of 1949 launched cities across the city into a downtown reconstruction frenzy, the often to no avail; in the modern renewal movement, cities try to get it right. Cities like New Haven, Connecticut look at renewal projects that have failed - both in economic success and equity endeavors - to build structures with economic justice and long term social consequences in mind.

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