In the spirit of the reflexive reflective moment, is looking back at some of the stories of local-level ideas that are driving and inspiring renewal nationwide that we have featured on our website over the year to bring you: #YearInRenew2022.
Follow
Ben Speggen
@BenSpeggen
Perpetually curious. Editorial Director; Editor-at-Large; VP. Views/opinion = 100% my own. (he/him)
Ben Speggen’s Tweets
Revisit the first episode of the #InsideOurTowns podcast w/ host, producer in convo / of about ’s #CommunityHeartAndSoul feat here in #YearInRenew2022 series:
Quote Tweet
People aren't trapped in #rural America, but sometimes they feel left behind. @jaxneises of @DBQFoundation joined #InsideOurTowns host @evanjsanford to talk about living in small towns & how @OrtonFoundation gives people the tools to improve their communities.
#YearInRenew2022Show this thread
0:08
42 views
And tune into ’s insightful and thoughtful podcast, #ReimagingRural, which wrote about for & we Republished here:
ourtownsfoundation.org/new-podcast-hi
Quote Tweet
End of year inspirations from @OurTowns as they look back at stories of locally driven ideas & progress - looking forward to this #YearinRenew2022. twitter.com/BenSpeggen/sta…
Show this thread
1
3
6
An innovative approach to learning and research on display from at (words by me on a podcast project for :
#YearInRenew2022
Quote Tweet
At @MSMSBlueWaves, @ThomasEasterli7 assigned his students #podcasts for research projects. Christina Zhang explored how a #church in Biloxi, Mississippi serves as a space to share and celebrate Asian-American culture.
#YearInRenew2022
Show this thread
0:08
61 views
2
4
An example of how a small town can have a big, global-level impact.
#YearInRenew2022 continues w/ 's reporting on #ThePaperClipProject:
Quote Tweet
A big project in a small town, @catch20q reports on the history of the #PaperClipsProject, how it has shaped the town's identity, and how #students can drive conversation in #communities. #YearInRenew2022
ourtownsfoundation.org/the-paper-clip
0:08
41 views
1
2
Great article by on how local governments can reach communities “beyond traditional channels for civic engagement” in places like parks, social clubs, and #libraries.
💡
Quote Tweet
When #community members can’t, or don’t, or won’t, go to town halls to attend #local government meetings, elected officials in Bucksport, Dillsburg, and Meadville have found an #innovative way to go to their constituents, @sandman_jordan reports here: ourtownsfoundation.org/how-local-gove
7
8
Breaking down an $80 billion surge in place-based industrial policy | New brief with
wp.me/p7KzvY-6Wm0
7
10
Libraries: respected, safe, neutral ground for civic engagement, hard conversations, information, and a lot of fun. Open To All.
Quote Tweet
Great article by @sandman_jordan on how local governments can reach communities “beyond traditional channels for civic engagement” in places like parks, social clubs, and #libraries.
@OrtonFoundation twitter.com/ourtowns/statu…
@OrtonFoundation twitter.com/ourtowns/statu…1
11
42
"When community members can’t, or don’t, or won’t, go to town halls to attend local government meetings, some local elected officials have found a way to go to their constituents."
ourtownsfoundation.org/how-local-gove
/
1
1
2
Show this thread
New dispatch from about impact of through work of local elected officials:
Quote Tweet
When #community members can’t, or don’t, or won’t, go to town halls to attend #local government meetings, elected officials in Bucksport, Dillsburg, and Meadville have found an #innovative way to go to their constituents, @sandman_jordan reports here: ourtownsfoundation.org/how-local-gove
1
2
When community members can’t, or don’t, or won’t, go to town halls to attend local government meetings, some local elected officials have found a way to go to their residents.
New dispatch from explores that here:
Quote Tweet
Excited to share my latest piece for @OurTowns on the great work of Community Heart & Soul in a diverse set of towns across the country. CH&S helps include residents in shaping the trajectory of their town’s future. Read more: ourtownsfoundation.org/how-local-gove
Show this thread
1
. #YearInRenew2022 continues.
Check out the latest post below, and stay tuned as the #OurTowns team shares more of the stories of local-level ideas that are driving and inspiring renewal nationwide.
Quote Tweet
Barbershops are more than places for fades and shaves; they are safe spaces to discuss healthcare. @pwaec reports on @iamtyrikjackson and @DKBmed's #FadeOutHIV initiative to destigmatize #HIV education.
#YearInRenew2022
Show this thread
0:08
39 views
1
Quote Tweet
#ReimagineRural highlights changes happening in rural America along with stories of renewal and innovation. @KristiEaton writes for @dailyyonder about the new podcast from @anthonypipa @BrookingsGlobal.
ourtownsfoundation.org/new-podcast-hi
3
5
Thank you, and for hosting me! So impressed with your organization and your community.
Quote Tweet
Tonight, @Esri @AllenCarroll presents on the innovative storytelling platform, @ArcGISStoryMaps, at @JeffersonErie #GlobalSummit2022:
1
1
9
How can towns engage their youth?
reports on impact has had w/ #CommunityHeartAndSoul including examples from in Iowa:
#YearInRenew2022:
Quote Tweet
@FallowsDeb shares ideas on how to engage youth in communities, with examples from @OrtonFoundation, @jaxneises, and others.
#YearInRenew2022
Show this thread
0:08
56 views
1
4
Quote Tweet
@AllieKuroff reports on how a one-time industrial center is making efforts to improve quality of life and reverse the town's economic fortunes.
#YearInRenew2022
Show this thread
0:08
36 views
2
Re-upping on this:
Quote Tweet
Narrated by @SJP, here is a minute-long trailer of the upcoming bipartisan documentary, '#GritAndGrace: The Fight for the American Dream': youtu.be/mDDLxSNqRRo
Doc screens 12/13, as reported by @washingtonpost's @JaxAlemany (feat'ed in original tweet below):
Listen for my exclusive interview with Judy and Al this afternoon at 3:30 on //
Quote Tweet
what a treat to be at @GannonU for @JeffersonErie #GlobalSummit2022: a great crowd, a wonderful community and spectacular moderator, Erie native @SteveScully twitter.com/talkerie/statu…
1
2
what a treat to be at for #GlobalSummit2022: a great crowd, a wonderful community and spectacular moderator, Erie native
3
5
54
With many thanks to & for introducing and connecting me to tonight’s guests & the partnership in #GlobalSummit2022!
1
2
Show this thread
Show this thread
Quote Tweet
Another example of the #OurStoryBridge model, the #FreedomStoryProject, comes from @JohnBrownLives as part of the @AARP Community Challenge. Check it out below, and stay tuned for more #OurTowns reporting: freedomstoryproject.org
1
3
Quote Tweet
How do communities share their stories with future generations? @AllieKuroff explores how OurStoryBridge, an innovative storytelling platform, is being used to capture and share community stories around the country.
#YearInRenew2022
Show this thread
0:08
81 views
4
“To a large extent, philanthropy has forgotten rural America”
Good summer piece on , which highlights philanthropy’s oppty in rural places: investing in place-based civic infrastructure
2
4
11
Many thanks to *all* who’ve played a hand in this event, with special thanks to ’ & for introducing and connecting me to to encourage him to visit #EriePA and participate in the #GlobalSummit2022.
1
3
Show this thread
Show this thread
From , a thread on how libraries serve the communities they call home (and are often in a process of reinventing themselves), as seen by her reporting for :
Quote Tweet
1/
Very interesting @NYTimes story by @TArangoNYT on libraries’ civic role in communities.
nytimes.com/2022/12/11/us/
@OurTowns
Some background (by me):
Show this thread
1
And thanks to !
Very much looking forward to this event in #EriePA tonight.
In #EriePA and want to join? Details here: jeserie.org/global-summit
Quote Tweet
@johndickerson tonight at @GannonU for the @JeffersonErie Global Summit! Our GS Chair @SteveScully will moderate the event 
Thanks @ErieNewsNow @FallowsDeb @JamesFallows @BenSpeggen and @OurTowns for making this possible!
Thanks @ErieNewsNow @FallowsDeb @JamesFallows @BenSpeggen and @OurTowns for making this possible!2
Quote Tweet
International relationships can benefit the U.S. locally, nationally, and globally. @ElaineDezenski and @John_C_Austin make the case for how "ally-shoring" can strengthen democracy while creating jobs at the local level.
#YearInRenew2022
Show this thread
0:08
69 views
2
Quote Tweet
What started as a small neighborhood group turned into a civic-engagement movement that led to the @councilofdc unanimously banning gas-powered leaf blowers.
#YearInRenew2022
Show this thread
0:08
65 views
1
Looking forward to reading this:
Quote Tweet
.@AndrewConte shares 5 key insights from DEATH OF THE DAILY NEWS over at @NextBigIdeaClub! Read or listen here: nextbigideaclub.com/magazine/death
1
A thread worth reading, points worth reflecting on, and issues in despair need of repair.
I, of course, don’t know more than what has shared here, but I am grateful that he’s shared it:
Quote Tweet
Just applied to an apartment in DC where I told the guy that my credit was really bad. He said I’d be fine. Got denied, lost the apartment, and the application fee.
This ain’t meant for people who don’t already have money.
Show this thread
Quote Tweet
1
Journo friends, check this out. If right for you, apply. If you know someone in your orbit it's right for, spread the word.
Quote Tweet
Journalists, are you ready to take on a new challenge?
Significant beats. Unparalleled training, mentorship and support—@Report4America is an opportunity to make a difference in communities across the country.
Join the movement! reportforamerica.org/apply
1:44
829 views
1
2
For more information about #GlobalSummit2022, including how to register, head over to 's website: jeserie.org.
/Fin
Show this thread
Dec. 13: of will present "Making Maps, Telling Stories, Opening Minds," offering insights into the creation and development of the innovative, dynamic storytelling platform he's created, at JES. 4/
1
1
3
Show this thread
Dec. 12: #GlobalSummit Chair of will moderate a conversation w/ veteran journalists, and wife-husband duo, & to discuss American politics, culture, and their time in the media at . 3/
1
2
2
Show this thread
Dec. 11: #GlobalSummit Chair of will moderate a conversation w/ ' on his *excellent* book, "The Hardest Job in the World: The American Presidency," and politics past, present, and future at . 2/
1
1
Show this thread