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

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

“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

Annabi’s (study) circle met for six weeks to talk about ways to build a neighborhood where children and families could thrive. They talked about wanting to preserve their own culture while working for a better future in the United States. Young people, working mothers, and senior groups spun off into separate groups to continue exploring what it means to be Arabs in America. “My concern is not to be closed off on ourselves,” Annabi says. Read more

For years, residents of East Hampton, Connecticut, were in gridlock over the town budget. Many were adamant about not raising taxes, while others expressed concern about the need to continue improving education and safety services. Town meetings were often confrontational, and the budget was defeated over and over again. But things are changing in East Hampton. For the second year in a row, the town is giving residents a real voice in the decision-making process. Read more

Neighborhoods in Indianapolis, Ind., have become much more than bricks and mortar after participating in a project called "Family Circles." Residents have had the chance to voice their views and solve neighborhood problems. In the process, they've built relationships, exchanged ideas and taken action. Read more

Roll a snowball down a hill and, as it grows, it will develop velocity through its sheer volume. That's what's happened in Portsmouth, New Hampshire. Read more