Community

Strengthening our connections.

Can Crowdsourcing Help Save Dying Languages?

by Michele Lent Hirsch

posted Aug 13, 2013

More than 3,000 of the world’s languages are at risk of dying out, but a new set of tools will help the linguists and advocates who defend them.

Joining a Rural Community: Why It Takes Years to Be Accepted

by Shannon Hayes

posted Aug 02, 2013

Country people have a reputation for viewing outsiders with skepticism. But it turns out they have good reasons for doing that.

What Lipstick and High Heels Taught Me About Friendship

by Shannon Hayes

posted Jul 18, 2013

Heather and I were like oil and water. We made polite conversation but couldn’t find a single thing in common. But slowly over time, a friendship has grown.

Four Paths to a More Compassionate Patriotism

by Jeremy Adam Smith

posted Jul 04, 2013

Can one celebrate the Fourth of July without hating and fearing other countries?

Making Hurricane Preparedness Fun...and Delicious

by Chuck Collins

posted Jun 19, 2013

The Jamaica Plain New Economy transition town has found that pie parties are a good way to get more people interested in disaster preparedness.

Why Rain and Cold Can’t Stop Our Family Farm

by Shannon Hayes

posted Jun 19, 2013

Selling food in the freezing rain is not my favorite thing. But seeing my customers come out in the bad weather reminded me of why of do this work.

How Afternoon French Lessons Turned Friends into Family

by Shannon Hayes

posted Jun 12, 2013

I was afraid of being judged by a neighbor who began giving free French lessons to my kids. But the worries melted away as our friendship grew deeper.

What’s Love Got to Do with the Apocalypse? We Asked This Group of Young Leaders

by Sarah van Gelder

posted Jun 10, 2013

On life, leadership, and the future in an age of catastrophic change.

“Modified Social Benches”: An Experiment in Outdoor Socializing

by Cat Johnson

posted May 13, 2013

An installation of creatively shaped benches in Belgium pushes the edge of urban sit-ability.

Love Your Books? 4 Ways to Share Them With Others

by Fabien Tepper, Signe Predmore

posted Apr 22, 2013

From mobile libraries to tiny libraries, how to get others to read the books you love.

For Thriving Public Spaces, Just Add Seating

by Jonathan Rowe

posted Mar 21, 2013

Could it be as simple as that? Author Jonathan Rowe thought so, and tried it out in his own hometown.

An Oasis of Community and Support for Latina Moms

by Sena Christian

posted Feb 15, 2013

In California, many Latina moms find themselves cut off by domestic responsibilities and language barriers. But with the help of trusted mentors, they’re learning new skills and strengthening their support networks.

Green Housing: In Buffalo, It's Not Just for Rich People Anymore

by Mark Andrew Boyer

posted Feb 15, 2013

Can we build sustainable housing that's affordable, too? The city of Buffalo did, and created a community jobs pipeline in the process. Here's what can happen when neighborhoods take the lead.

Oakland Youth Swap Fast Food for Fresh Food

by YES! online staff

posted Feb 12, 2013

Video: A group of young people in West Oakland are taking control of what they eat and using pedal power to bring local groceries to produce-strapped communities.

People We Love: David Feld

by Fabien Tepper

posted Feb 07, 2013

Designing nonviolent ways for humans and animals to live in harmony—in the city.