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Building Strong Neighborhoods

Today, all kinds of neighborhoods are dealing with crime, economic problems, tensions between different groups of people, and drug and alcohol abuse. To find solutions to these problems and make lasting changes for the better, neighborhoods need everyone's ideas, work, and talent.

Dialogue-to-change programs help people build the trusting relationships necessary for long-term change. People from diverse backgrounds and experiences develop trust, understand each other's experiences, and work together on solutions.

Read profiles of programs strengthening neighborhoods in their communities

Success Stories

Making work work for everyone

Residents of the Harambee-Brewers Hill neighborhood in Milwaukee, Wis., take part in a one-day summit to tackle unemployment issues and explore what it would mean if everyone in the neighborhood had meaningful work. Read more

Neighborhoods and people of faith power dialogue and action in Indianapolis

A number of dialogue-to-change efforts and other community initiatives are under way in Indianapolis neighborhoods and churches, helping to unite and empower adults and youth. Read more

A new vision of community

“Study circles gave me my voice back,” says Michael Morris. “Before, I didn’t have a voice, or I didn’t choose to use my voice. This made me someone who gets things done.” Read more

News Articles
June 1, 2009 | The Washington Examiner | Manassas, Va. Prince William, Va., residents create plans to clean up community
by David Sherfinski
March 8, 2009 | Washington Post | Manassas, Virginia Residents given reins to improve neighborhoods Manassas program lets neighbors discuss issues, generate solutions
by Jennifer Buske
January 14, 2009 | The Washington DC Examiner | Manassas, Virginia Neighborhood Watch — Cindy Brookshire
by Freeman Klopott
September 7, 2008 | Bloomington Pantagraph | Bloomington, Illinois Revitalizing a city is taking root West-side garden project planting seeds of renewal
by M.K. Guetersloh
August 13, 2008 | NH Broadcaster | Brookline, Massachusetts Farmers market takes root in Brookline, Mass.
by Steve Jusseaume
August 8, 2008 | Visalia Times-Delta | Visalia, California Keeping neighborhoods neighborly
by Editorial
October 10, 2007 | Shore Publishing | Guilford, Connecticut Creating a "Better Life in Guilford" Public asked to help create "Better Life in Guilford"
by Pam Johnson
March 28, 2006 | The Star-Ledger | Morristown, New Jersey Morristown, N.J., to examine issues around immigration and racism Morristown volunteers to tackle race, immigration
by Maura McDermott
February 28, 2006 | Casa Grande Valley Newspaper | Casa Grande, Arizona Study circles to help shape future of Casa Grande, Ariz. Study circles forming to see how residents feel about CG
by Susan Randall
October 30, 2005 | Toledo Blade | Lima, Ohio Lima citizens united to subdue gangs Participants say effort called on broadest array of agencies and institutions
by Jennifer Feehan
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