Advocacy work means a lot of waiting and hoping for a better future. That makes it a lot like Advent (the weeks before Christmas on the Christian calendar). But waiting during Advent isn’t discouraging or boring: It’s hopeful, active and joyful. Here are a few ways to bring that approach to your community, whether you celebrate Christmas or not.
Read MoreChildren need the option to participate in the outside world, not just to fear it. Here's how Tiffany Owens Reed is carving out space for her son.
Read MoreStarbucks built its brand on being a third place — a communal hangout that fosters communication and conversation — but in recent years, its priorities have shifted to speed of service. Now, instead of returning to its roots, the corporation is trying to redefine what a third place is.
Read MoreWhen residents ask why they should allow more housing in their neighborhood, advocates often default to altruism, suggesting that an influx of people will have negative effects but that giving them a place to live is still the right thing to do. But there are a myriad of ways that an increased population can improve your quality of life. Here are some of them.
Read MoreNorth America is facing two widespread crises at the same time: housing and loneliness. This group is proving that cohousing might be the solution to both.
Read MoreSocial media tells us that snarky, callous remarks get the most attention and have the biggest impact. But when Tristan Cleveland sat down for a real conversation with his opponents, he realized that urbanists must approach people with empathy and understanding. That's the only way to change minds and create real change.
Read MoreIt’s natural to feel grief when local officials ignore calls to make your city a stronger and safer place. But while the grief is real, the changes your advocacy inspires are real too.
Read MoreWith regular repetition, community cleanups build something that’s lasting: a sense of commitment, pride, and place attachment.
Read MoreThis Netflix documentary about regions of the world with higher-than-average life expectancies holds some key insights for anyone who wants to see North American cities become thriving, healthy places for people.
Read MoreWinter can be an isolating time, but here’s one easy, fun way to keep your community together during the year’s colder months!
Read MoreTeenagers are a sadly overlooked asset group in our communities. Reimagining the future of our communities with them in mind is a simple but powerful way to position our cities for long-term success.
Read MoreDustin LaFont is the executive director of Front Yard Bikes, a youth workforce development program providing safe spaces for youth in Baton Rogue, LA, to learn bike mechanics and other skills.
Read MoreOur cities need more housing, but perhaps even more urgently, our neighborhoods need more neighbors.
Read MoreHalloween is about more than just candy and costumes: it can also represent something more about a neighborhood’s sense of community.
Read MoreBecoming resilient isn’t magic. It’s hard work that starts with knowing our neighbors.
Read MoreCities should rethink how they do public engagement if it doesn’t come with a strong educational component.
Read MoreHave you ever joined a Jane’s Walk? Named for renowned urban thinker Jane Jacobs, this annual festival of free, citizen-led walking conversations takes place around the world every May. Here’s one Walk from Winnipeg, MB.
Read MoreFor 45 years, this Denver organization has been seeding community, one garden at a time.
Read MoreConnecting with your neighbors is an important part of building a stronger town. Here are nine ways you can start forging those relationships, for free (or next to free)!
Read MoreAnd it begins with just showing up!
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