Building Community
Our Theme in November 2019
Demand for community supported agriculture has never been higher
Recently, we’ve highlighted the rise of microgrid food systems and the movement towards buying local to address the resiliency challenges of COVID-19. Farm to table community-supported agriculture (CSA) programs are another aspect of local economies thriving as the pandemic disrupts distribution Read More...
Second chances: This bakery is bringing hope back to an old mining town
Generations of Appalachians have relied economically on the coal mines, but now that the coal industry has practically become obsolete, communities are suffering. Unemployment is high and substance abuse is becoming a more pervasive issue. However, not all is bleak in the Appalachian mountains. Read More...
Poll shows Americans want change in their their reopened communities
As communities begin to reopen their offices, restaurants, parks, and stores, some aspects of daily life are returning to normal, but some are looking radically different. Even in areas where restaurants are reopening, customers are still cautious about exposing themselves to normal life again. Read More...
Irish repay favor to Native American tribe severely hit by COVID-19
In 1847, a Native American tribe provided relief aid to Irish people that have been severely hit by a period of mass starvation known as the Great Famine. Now, 173 years on, the favor is being returned to Native American tribes hit by the coronavirus. The Navajo Nation, which straddles parts of Read More...
Solutions from our Optimist Daily readers
We at The Optimist Daily believe in focusing on the solutions to global problems. Throughout the novel coronavirus, we have shared stories of unity, generosity, creativity, and the scientific discovery that shine a light on the good that can come out of the darkest times. We have also had the Read More...
How microgrids play a role in the future of food
In our Optimist View a couple of weeks ago, we discussed the critical changes that have come from previous pandemics. Food system security is an issue that demanded attention before the outbreak of COVID-19 and the virus has only exacerbated the need for real changes in our food Read More...
How animal rescue groups are finding homes for dogs via virtual adoptions
While much of the country is under orders to shelter at home, pet rescue groups across the country have reported skyrocketing interest in adoption and fostering. But considering that in most cities pounds and rescue groups are deemed nonessential businesses, the organizations have had to get Read More...
Builders are back on site to rebuild Notre Dame
After a fire engulfed Notre Dame last year, French President Emmanuel Macron vowed to rebuild the 850 year old cathedral within five years. COVID-19 put a slight dent in those plans, but now the workers are back on site this week to continue the effort. The rebuilding challenges have not been Read More...
Closed movie theater projects films for community viewings
Like many other movie theaters around the world, La Clef cinema in Paris was forced to close its doors to halt the spread of COVID-19. Now, the theater has found a way to keep some of the movie magic alive with film projections onto a building across the street. Last Friday featured the Read More...
Neighbor provides free coffee to essential workers from his kitchen window
If you’re an essential worker living in San Francisco, you can grab yourself a free cup of homemade coffee from Ben Ramirez who has started an impromptu to-go coffee shop out his kitchen window. Ramirez makes about 15 cups of coffee a day for local essential workers including nurses, doctors, Read More...