Ahead of the 2022 midterm elections, we collected stories of how people in cities, towns, regions across the country are contributing to their communities… uniting them. With all the talk of democracy under threat, America Amplified stations wanted to see what was working.
‘Instead of a class, he wants us to be family.’ Yuma High band makes music with a coda of community
By Rae Solomon, KUNC
In the midst of endless cornfields in Yuma, Colorado, high school music teacher Robert Zahller has carved out a special place in the Yuma High School music program.
From boardroom foes to lunchtime friends, these Pa. school board members build trust one meal at a time
By Sam Dunklau, WITF
A York County school board may be the last group that comes to mind when thinking of people who can find common ground on tough issues. 3 board members from York Suburban School District are changing that — one lunch at a time.
In Louisiana, fostering community is the name of the game for adaptive sports athletes and coaches
By Alana Schreiber, WWNO
Stephanie Lamparez is a physical therapist in New Iberia, Louisiana. But she is also a para-athlete coach and has been for years who’s brought teams of Louisiana para athletes to participate in elite competitions. She’s also built a community of athletes along the way.
Community fridges offer a different kind of solution in Wichita’s food deserts
By Kylie Cameron, KMUW
Colorful refrigerators are popping up all across Wichita. The idea behind them is simple: find a welcoming store or business, put in a fridge, and then invite the community to fill it up.
While everyone else seems burned out on civic engagement, one man in Juneau keeps stepping up
By Jennifer Pemberton, KTOO
In Juneau, Alaska, there’s a concerning lack of interest in running for local office or serving on the city boards and commissions that hold the community together. Is it possible that the pandemic has burned us all out – even on civic engagement? For at least one guy in town, the answer is … not yet.
How one advocate is providing resources and community for LGBTQ+ Oklahomans
By Kateleigh Mills, KOSU
Nicole McAfee is executive director of Freedom Oklahoma, a local organization that advocates for the LGBTQ+ community. This community is often targeted by the highest levels of state government in Oklahoma, which is why McAfee says she works so hard to create a space where the community can convene to learn and build advocacy skills
The Tampa health clinic breaking down barriers to care in Black communities
By Matthew Peddie, WUSF
At the Multicultural Health Institue, Dr. Lisa Merritt treats patients, of course. She also inspires a new generation to think big when it comes to public health.
How a Connecticut woman is working to improve mental health care for her immigrant community
By Ebong Udoma, WSHU
When existing services failed to meet the needs of Reena Aurora and her Sikh community, she set out to establish the mental health services herself.
Community ‘mover’ Rick Brooks takes on new challenges one exciting chapter at a time
By Yvonne Booze, WNJI
Many Americans feel that democracy is under threat, but one northern Illinois retiree is demonstrating social equality by connecting people in his community and in other places.
