Building Community
Our Theme in November 2019
Thankful Thursdays: A note to non-profits
What is the most impactful organization in your community? In this week's Thankful Thursdays prompt, we look at organizations and non-profits that serve our neighborhoods and the global community. This can be an organization that you have been involved with, have been helped by, or simply just Read More...
The elections are over. Here’s how to continue your role in democracy
So you cast your ballot and participated in the democratic process, now what? There are so many more ways to remain involved in the democratic process beyond just voting. Today we share some ideas for contributing to collective civic good any time, not just during election season. Reach out Read More...
Thankful Thursdays: Who makes you laugh and feel at peace?
Research has shown that gratitude promotes new relationships, improves mental and physical health, and boosts self-esteem. Although many of us think about what we are grateful for around the holidays, all too often we let this practice slip during the rest of the year. This is why The Optimist Read More...
3 ways to make new friends while working remotely
For all the comfort that working remotely might offer, there’s one crucial aspect of spending time with others in-person is proving difficult to replace: friendship. In an 18-month study of a Fortune 500 technology firm with a remote workforce, researchers found that virtual teammates faced Read More...
Tartu transformed its main street into a pedestrian paradise
From Oakland and Seattle to Bogota and York, cities around the world have been showcasing the community-building benefits that come with removing cars from the streets. In another display of car-free living, the Estonian city of Tartu transformed its main street into a pedestrian-friendly paradise Read More...
Abandoned old dogs live out their golden years at this sanctuary
Often enough, senior dogs who can no longer be taken care of by the owners wind up in shelters where no one adopts them. After all, most potential pet owners want a young dog they can spend many years with. The sad truth, however, is that when a dog doesn’t get adopted, it often gets euthanized Read More...
What do policing alternatives look like? Denver is the perfect example
As calls for police reform spread across the country this summer, many cities stepped up to reallocate police funding to social programs to address systemic police violence and racism. One of these cities is Denver, Colorado. The city’s Support Team Assistance Response (STAR) program sends a Read More...
Lebanese designers repair damaged goods in Beirut explosion for free
A pair of designers in Lebanon have transformed their showroom into a community center where people can bring in home furnishings damaged in last month’s Beirut explosion to be repaired. The designers, Hoda Baroudi and Maria Hibri, are the founders of the Lebanese brand Bokja, a design studio Read More...
Airbnb Open Homes connects wildfire evacuees with a free place to stay
More than 200,000 Californians have been displaced by the wildfires ravaging the state, but some are finding safety and shelter with the help of Airbnb. The vacation rental company is mobilizing its network of open properties to connect fire victims with urgently needed free shelter. The Read More...
Therapy dog lends a helping paw to firefighters fighting CA blazes
As the pandemic and wildfires sweep through California, we are more grateful than ever for the first responders and medical staff who put their lives on the line every day to ensure the safety of their fellow citizens. For many firefighters, a lack of resources and stigma around mental health help Read More...