Stories

Want to learn more about making it your own? Check here for inspirational news, essays, and other exciting info about the world of community problem solving.

• Keeping It Real: Case's Approach to Online Voting
  Journalist Elaine Gast explores how the Case Foundation developed its unique approach to participatory philanthropy and online voting in an effort to "keep us real and make our work stronger." Read more.
• Online Fundraising 101
  Want to learn how to raise funds without knocking on doors or picking up the phone? The Internet has made things a lot easier for those seeking support for a good cause. Here's a basic tutorial on a great new online tool and how you can get the most out of it. Read more.
• Charity Badges: Turn Your Supporters into Fundraisers
  A charity badge, or fundraising widget, is a customizable graphic module that functions like an advertising banner for your very own project or cause. Online technology gurus TechSoup explain how widgets work and where you can get them. Read more.
• Nine Ways to Widget Wisdom
  Widgets are all over the Web these days. Advertising and design firm the James Gang explains just why these "nifty little gizmos" seem to be popping up everywhere and why you should learn what they can do for you. Read more.
• Hope Community Trains Youth to Organize for Change
  Minneapolis' Hope Community has committed itself to promoting youth civic engagement through such programs as SPEAC (Sustainable Progress through Engaging Active Citizens), which mentors young people in organizing others to come together, identify issues of concern, and develop an action plan. Read more.
• Using Tech to Connect
  New technology enables us to communicate in all kinds of different ways, but it can get a bit overwhelming at times. Allison Fine, author of Momentum: Igniting Social Change in the Connected Age, offers some practical tips for wading through the "Web 2.0" world. Read more.
• Nonprofits, Foundations, and the Future of American Democracy
  "Americans learn to be self-governing citizens through the gritty, messy, unpredictable process of democratic engagement," says Hudson Institute senior fellow William Schambra, and the best places for citizens to learn how to lead themselves are local community organizations. Read more.
• Politics Trumps Pop Culture
  A new study reveals that, despite the media’s painting of youth as obsessed with pop culture, today’s college students have a strong understanding of political issues and often take an active role in their communities. Read more.
• Are Legislators Finally Getting It About Working With Citizens?
  In a political world where citizens are increasingly frustrated with public officials, who in turn grapple with how to regain the trust of their constituents, an interesting thing is starting to happen -- legislators are realizing that both sides can benefit from interactive deliberation. Read more.
• Citizens Give Their Ideas for a New and Improved D.C.
  In 2006, social justice advocacy group DC Appleseed asked residents of the nation’s capital to submit their ideas for solving problems in the city that would benefit the entire community. The response was tremendous, and now the group is working with the District government to create ongoing collaboration between area residents and top officials. Read more.
• Being an American: Engagement Defines Us
  Active involvement in one's community is synonymous with what it means to be an American, writes high school essay contest winner Aysha Bagchi. And making real change demands dedication and hard work. Read more.
• How's Your Karma?
  A recent survey reveals that 95 percent of those aged 18-24 believe in the notion that "what goes around comes around." Playing off that idea, a new campaign and Web site are urging youth to "get good karma" by volunteering, voting, writing letters and staying informed. Read more.
• Channel Changer: Ian Rowe is kick-starting the potential of the TRL crowd
  After spearheading MTV's successful "Choose or Lose" youth voter mobilization campaign, socially minded exec Ian Rowe helped launch think MTV, a multimedia initiative focused on getting young people actively involved in such issues as the environment, education, and world politics. Read more.
• Can Philanthropy Be Citizen-Centered?
  The Make It Your Own campaign is an effort to shift the balance of power to real people. Cindy Gibson, author of Citizens at the Center: A New Approach to Civic Engagement, stresses the need for this shift in all worlds, including philanthropy, and explains how the Case Foundation is working to help make it happen. Read more.
• Movement or Moment?
  Recent studies indicate that Americans are feeling increasingly isolated, with no real role to play in addressing the issues that matter to them most. One way people are learning to correct this trend is by getting together with others to identify shared problems and work as a community to make change happen. Read more.

Related Articles

• The "Brand" of Citizenship: In Need of a Facelift?
  Does citizenship mean so many different things that it means nothing at all? For most Americans today, is citizenship urgent and relevant to their daily lives? Branding strategist Raphael Bemporad shares his thoughts on the "branding" of citizenship. How do people perceive the concept, and does the brand need an overhaul? Read more.
• A Call to Service
  What exactly does citizenship mean to the average citizen? Does it mean being kind to others? Making sure you vote? Being aware of the world around you? This man-on-the-street video combines a brief history of giving back in America with comments from everyday people about what citizenship means to them. Watch video.