Building Community
Our Theme in November 2019
OPTIMIST VIEW: An Emissary Conversation – Understanding what matters to our community
By The Optimist Daily Team “Ideas of every kind are constantly galloping toward us, constantly pass through us, constantly trying to get our attention.” - Elizabeth Gilbert, Big Magic In today’s Optimist Emissary conversation we covered the top four stories from the last month, Read More...
Every last pet found a home this holiday season at the Minneapolis animal shelter
Holidays are a popular time for “clear the shelter” events for local animal shelters. Recently, a Minneapolis animal shelter was overjoyed when over 300 residents showed up and waited in line in 30 degree weather to adopt every last one of the shelter’s pets. Dozens of cats, dogs, and Read More...
This community of women in Kenya have restored a dying coral reef
Three years ago, the coral reef along the Kenyan coastline was almost totally destroyed in some areas. Rising surface sea temperatures had triggered devastating bleaching episodes for the fourth time in less than two decades, and with the whitening of coral came a dwindling of marine life. Read More...
Why you should make a turkey trot part of your holiday tradition
It’s the season of family gathering and endless pumpkin pie, but it’s also the season for turkey trots! Getting outside for a charity walk or run this holiday season benefits a good cause, boosts your health, and helps you connect with your community, so why not sign up? Charity walks have Read More...
How to create an online community free of trolls
This Thanksgiving week we’ve been publishing stories that emphasize the powerful role of community. And we’re not just talking about physical communities! We also recognize the power that online communities can empower people…if done right. Creating an online community is a bit like opening Read More...
How to unlock the power of a strong community
Time and time again, scientists have consistently identified the root of happiness: having rich social bonds and meaningful relationships. When you have a strong community, it helps people to expedite the formation of meaningful relationships that make one happier. If you want to help make your Read More...
Vendors turn streets into community spaces, so why are cities cracking down?
Earlier this month, a woman from Ecuador was handcuffed by police for selling churros in a New York City subway station. Officers confiscated her pushcart—her livelihood—and all its contents. She did not have a permit. But the city has not raised the number of permits since 1983, meaning $200 Read More...
This startup is using tech to help immigrant communities thrive in America
While there are plenty of online networking tools these days, there’s only one like Homeis. That’s because Homeis specializes in building networks that are focused on the needs of specific immigrant communities and helping them find things like new friends and job opportunities. The startup Read More...
Community parks: Just what the doctor ordered
We know that increased time outdoors improves physical and mental health, yet the average American still spends 93% of their day indoors. Doctors have been telling patients to spend more time outdoors for decades, but now, some doctors are going as far as writing prescriptions for outdoor Read More...
If you want to live in this Arizona community, you’ll have to ditch your car
Try and imagine your life without a car. No noisy engines, no busy asphalt streets, your grocery store within walking distance. This is the vision for Culdesac Tempe, a new development slated for 2020 in the fast-growing outskirts of Phoenix. The project will house 1,000 people, all without cars. Read More...