Dispatches: The Changing American Dream

We're excited to inaugurate a new series for our readers: "Dispatches: The Changing American Dream."

Every day, the national media is full of stories about how American families, businesses and neighbors are adjusting to these trying times. There are so many changes happening so fast: national debates about unemployment, foreclosures, debt, religion, government and private enterprise all touch on fundamental ways in which we see ourselves and our communities. At Patch, we want to explore that conversation on a daily basis so we can better understand how our neighbors are adjusting to the challenges and opportunities that surround us.

We don't think there's one American Dream, but a multitude of American Dreams that people are working toward. Looking out across nearly 900 Patch sites, we see businesses holding their breath deciding whether to expand; college graduates returning home because they can't find jobs; and senior citizens bringing boarders into their homes to help pay their bills. We also see bold new volunteer efforts, inspiring stories of local businesses that are innovating and locals who've taken these trying times as a signal to engage more, not less, in their government.

At the purely local level, we want to know where we, as neighbors, fit along these fault lines.

There's the story of the - a clam shack - with the help of the city government's New Business Acceleration Team.

And even longtime businesses, like on Atlantic Avenue,

There's the story of two women who were finally able this summer to turn

Nationally, there's a debate about the education system, which is at the center of our dreams of a better life for our children. Locally, we struggle with school over-crowding, long-wait lists at elementary schools and . 

Many immigrants have come to this neighborhood and put down roots- from the Italians of Carroll Gardens, the N and the . Those stories are still with us today, and there are plenty more to tell.

"Dispatches" will be built upon the compelling vignettes and snapshots we unearth across all of our Patch sites.

And, of course, we want your help: Tell us what issues and what stories go to the heart of your American Dream.