HomeIssuesNeighborhoods

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

Fostering understanding across cultures and continents
Roundtables: A New Way for a Town and its Residents to Work Together
‘Family Circles' build vital neighborhoods in Indianapolis
Portsmouth, N.H.: Where public dialogue is a hallmark of community life
Resources

Story Booklet: Kansas City, Kansas: Where neighborhood voices lead to better solutions

Comprehensive Discussion Guide: Building Strong Neighborhoods for Families with Children: A Guide for Public Dialogue and Problem Solving

Comprehensive Discussion Guide: Building Strong Neighborhoods: A Study Guide for Public Dialogue and Community Problem Solving

News Articles
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
August 31, 2003 | The Journal News | Yonkers, NY Community groups are taking shape
by Ernie Garcia
September 1, 2001 | Communities (The United Way) Going 'Round in Circles: Neighbors Build Community
by Phyllis Rozanksy
May 16, 2001 | The Palm Beach Post | Delray Beach, FL MAD DADS fix homes for elderly owners
by Katie Mee
Print this pageEmail this page
Issues

Find ways to make progress on...

Racial Equity Education Neighborhoods Youth Issues Poverty Growth and Sprawl Diversity Immigration Police-Community Relations Violence
Find a program

Stay informed!

Subscribe to our monthly e-newsletter and learn the latest in organizing dialogues for change.

Already registered on this site or on StudyCircles.org? Sign in

Newsletter archives