Community Issues and Volunteering / Public News Service

RAFI-USA launched the Fresh Bucks consumer incentive program in 2015, in partnership with the Kate B. Reynolds Charitable Trust. The Double Bucks incentive program began in 2019. (Adobe Stock)

Tuesday, May 24, 2022

NC Farmers’ Markets Double Buying Power for Food-Insecure Households

People in North Carolina who need to stretch every dollar spent on food can get double the value of fresh produce and other goods through government a…

Mutual Aid groups, which have been around for generations, say they do not view themselves as providing charity, but rather injecting a wave of neighborly help that cannot easily be applied by larger institutions. (Adobe Stock)

Tuesday, May 24, 2022

Mutual Aid Groups Stand Ready as Excessive Heat, Blackouts Lurk

Regulators have put the Midwest on high alert for energy shortfalls this summer, while forecasters say most areas will be hotter than usual. In Iowa…

The West Virginia Flood Tool is designed to provide floodplain managers, insurance agents, developers, real estate agents, local planners and citizens with an effective means by which to make informed decisions about the degree of flood risk for a specific area or property. (Adobe Stock)

Monday, May 23, 2022

WV Has 'One Chance' To Improve Flood Preparedness

The mayor of Huntington, where more than 200 homes were recently damaged by severe flooding, said now is the state's "one chance" to prevent other …

Doug Baldwin won the Super Bowl with the Seattle Seahawks in 2014. (Jeff/Flickr)

WA BBQ Brings Together Community Kept Apart by COVID-19

The pandemic has kept Washingtonians apart for the past two years. With COVID-19 numbers down, an event in Renton is aiming to bring people together …

Since the National Association of Letter Carriers began participating in the annual Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive, they have collected an estimated 1.8 billion pounds of food for families in need. (Andrii/Adobe stock)

UT Letter Carriers Help 'Stamp Out Hunger' with Food Collections

Utahns can expect their mail to be delivered as usual this Saturday but with a catch. Your letter carrier will be asking for something in return - a …

Urban heat islands are areas that can be up to 20 degrees hotter than nearby neighborhoods due to factors like buildings, pavement, and lack of tree cover that can amplify high temperatures. (Adobe Stock)

MD's Montgomery County Conducts Urban Heat-Mapping Project

Maryland's most populous county is embarking on an urban heat-mapping project to better understand neighborhood heat inequities, which can affect …

The outside pool's slide and lily pad in the Township of Upper St. Clair. (Courtesy Township of Upper St. Clair)

PA Communities Gearing Up for Public Pool Season

Recreation departments across Pennsylvania are preparing to kick off their outdoor public pool seasons starting Memorial Day Weekend, marking for …

Denver's Globeville and Elyria-Swansea neighborhoods have just 5% tree canopy cover, when the ideal minimum canopy is 20%. (Adobe Stock)

Planting Trees on Earth Day for Climate Resiliency

Conservationists are planting trees on Earth Day to help mitigate the impacts of a warming planet. Urban areas along Colorado's Front Range become …

More than 70% of respondents to a survey said volunteering has become more important to them since the pandemic. (Dragana Gordic/Adobe Stock)

NH Group Encourages Giving Back this National Volunteer Week

It's National Volunteer Week, and groups are spotlighting some of the benefits of volunteering, both for individuals and the communities they serve…

More than 260,000 people in Ada County voted in the 2020 presidential election. (Seventyfour/Adobe Stock)

With ID Primary Approaching, Poll Workers 'Backbone' of Elections

Poll workers will be out in force across Idaho next month, helping with the state's primary election. They'll play an integral role in ensuring …

Pennsylvania saw 76.5% of registered voters turn out during the 2020 general election, according to the Department of State. (Adobe Stock)

1 Vote Counts: Harrisburg Group Aims to Increase Voter Participation

A civic-engagement organization based in Harrisburg is hoping to increase voter turnout in Pennsylvania's capital city through education and meeting p…

More than 11,600 Adopt-a-Highway and Keep Texas Beautiful volunteers collected 1.29 million pounds of litter during the 2021 "Trash-Off" event. (Adobe Stock)

The Month of April Means "Don't mess with Texas"

The month of April has special meaning for Texans. It's when many groups - like Adopt-a-Highway and Keep Texas Beautiful affiliates - participate in …

Volunteer opportunities vary widely across Oregon, including helping clean up local parks. (lovelyday12/Adobe Stock)

Oregonians Can Donate Time, Skills for National Volunteer Month

April is National Volunteer Month, recognizing the time people give to help their local communities. John Afryl, senior program manager for Hands On …

One of the only bright spots in the USDA's food-price predictions for 2022 is that fresh vegetables are expected to rise in price just 1 to 2%. (Travel Photographer/Negative Space)

Along with Prices, Hunger Rises in Texas

Prices for food, gas and housing are all higher in Texas this year than last. And for local food banks, that means the need for their services is …

"The recipe for a tornado requires a few important ingredients: low-level heat and moisture and cold air aloft, coupled with a favorable wind field that increases in speed with height, as well as changes in the wind direction in the lower levels." - Ernest Agee, professor emeritus of atmospheric science, Purdue University (Adobe Stock)

Texans Rally to Recover from Storm, Wildfire Damage

It has been a tough week for Texas, with a lethal combination of tornadoes, wildfires and even snow. At week's end, 16 counties have been declared …

More than $8 billion philanthropy dollars went to women's and girls' organizations in 2018, but still represents a small slice of contributions overall. (Andrey Popov/Adobe Stock)

Giving Circles Provide Way for Women to Engage in Philanthropy

Philanthropy groups are pointing out a big gap in donations toward groups focused on women's and girls' issues during Women's History Month this year…

Funding from AARP helped create a project in Amesville aimed at mitigating the decline in pollinators.(Adobe Stock)

Grant Application Window Still Open for Shovel-Ready Community Projects

Funding is available to help shovel-ready community projects in Ohio get going in 2022, but there is not much time left to apply. The AARP Community …

There were about 4.6 million job openings nationwide at the end of 2021. (wachiwit/Adobe Stock)

Worker Shortage Hits MT Nonprofit World Hard

The country has a worker shortage - and it's leading to hard times for nonprofits. Liz Moore is the executive director of the Montana Nonprofit …

Eight in 10 Nebraska voters support increasing funding for the respite care program which provides short-term help from a home health aide or adult day-care program so family caregivers can take a break. (Adobe Stock)<br /> — Eight in 10 Nebraska voters support increasing funding for the respite care program which provides short-term help from a home health aide or adult day-care program so family caregivers can take a break. (Adobe Stock)

Nebraska Lawmakers Urged to Support Family Caregivers

The strain of unpaid family care-giving is pressing down hard on many Nebraska residents, according to new AARP research. Nearly half of people …

In 2019, an estimated 19.2 million women were living with HIV, and every week, more than 5,000 young women aged 15 to 24 around the globe become newly infected with HIV, <a href= — In 2019, an estimated 19.2 million women were living with HIV, and every week, more than 5,000 young women aged 15 to 24 around the globe become newly infected with HIV, according to amfAR, The Foundation for AIDS Research. (Adobe Stock)

Faith Groups Work to Reduce Stigma Around HIV Testing

Today is National Women and Girls HIV/AIDS Awareness Day, and one in nine women with HIV are unaware they have it. Faith leaders in North Carolina …

Houston's Gulfton-Sharpstown neighborhood includes residents from more than 80 countries, including Somalia, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Mexico and parts of Central America. (Brookings Institute)

In Texas, Building More Livable Cities, One Grant at a Time

Neighborhoods are known to be more livable when housing, transportation and public spaces harmonize with the community, and Houston's most diverse …

The City of College Place, Wash., has struggled with unreliable internet because of its rural location. (City of College Place)

Small Grants Help WA Communities with Big Ideas

Grant winners from last year are encouraging organizations and communities this year to apply for AARP's Community Challenge grant. Applications …

Since 2017, Iowa communities have received more than $165,000 in Community Challenge grants. (Adobe Stock)

As Infrastructure Work Ramps Up, IA Communities Can Pitch In

Iowa is poised to receive $5 billion from the new federal infrastructure law. And separate grant opportunities are available to help spur smaller…

Research shows that traumatic events are known to have a detrimental long-term impact on both mental and physical health over a lifetime. (Adobe Stock)

Program Aims to Infuse Trauma-Informed Practices in Rural NC

Beginning this month, a leadership program in Rural North Carolina is helping local organizations implement trauma-informed practices. Organizers of …

Radio Tierra has been on the air in the Columbia River Gorge since 2004. (yooranpark/Adobe Stock)

Bilingual Station Keeps Columbia Gorge Farmworkers Up to Date

A unique radio station in the Columbia River Gorge provides information in English and Spanish, on topics ranging from the environment to immigration…

Many of the farmworkers in Oregon near the Columbia River Gorge work in orchards. (Kirk/Adobe Stock)

Radio Station Shares Bilingual News with Gorge Farmworkers

A unique radio station in the Columbia River Gorge provides information in English and Spanish, on topics ranging from the environment to immigration…

The Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame Museum in Owensboro, Ky., was the recipient of an AARP Community Challenge grant in 2021. (Adobe Stock)<br /> — The Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame Museum in Owensboro, Ky., was the recipient of an AARP Community Challenge grant in 2021. (Adobe Stock)

KY Cultural Sites See Uptick in Local Interest, Visitation

Amid the pandemic, Kentuckians have shown more interest in local attractions as they stick closer to home, and museums and cultural centers say …

As of last Saturday, election officials in Harris County, Texas' largest, had returned nearly 38% of all mail-in ballots to voters after they failed to provide a Social Security or driver's license number. (wikipedia)

Fallout from Stricter Laws Felt by Texas Voters, Election Officials

Across Texas, early ballots have been rejected for the March 1 primary, causing voter frustration when election officials explain they've failed to …

Comins Township was the winner of last year's Put Your Town on the Map Challenge, to build a new town square and event center. (Wikimedia Commons)

Call to MI Small Towns: Submit Proposals to Attract Visitors, New Residents

As small towns struggle to recover from the pandemic, a grant program called Put Your Town on the Map aims to support ideas for revitalization…

Colorado landlords have denied veterans housing based on their source of income from federal and state benefits. (Adobe Stock)

Homeless-Veterans Measure Advances in Colorado Legislature

A bill making its way through the Colorado Legislature would make it a lot harder for landlords and home sellers to discriminate against military vete…

Ohio's hunger-relief network provides food and personal care items to nearly one million Ohioans each month. (Adobe Stock)<br /> — Ohio's hunger-relief network provides food and personal care items to nearly one million Ohioans each month. (Adobe Stock)

Ohio's Hunger-Fighting Network Navigates New Challenges

In the latest COVID variant surge, Ohio's hunger-relief network is facing unique challenges. With missed wages due to illness, quarantining and …

Research from the Mayo Clinic Health Center shows volunteering can lead to lower rates of depression and anxiety, especially for people age 65 and up. (Mediteraneo/Adobe Stock)

Volunteering in Retirement Brings Mental, Physical Benefits

Many nonprofits and advocacy groups across Maine, and the nation, have seen fewer volunteers during the pandemic, but research shows donating your …

Nebraskans age 50 and older account for 56 cents of every dollar in consumer spending in the state, and generate $50 billion in economic activity. (Adobe Stock)

NE Lawmakers Consider Dropping Tax on Social Security Income

A bill designed to eliminate state taxes on Social Security benefits by 2025 is making headway in the Nebraska Legislature. Sen. Brett Lindstrom…

Pete Sands and two of his puppet creations, Sadie and Ash. The puppets will be the stars of "Navajo Highways," a TV show to teach children about the Navajo language and culture. (Pete Sands)

Puppets Aim to Teach Navajo Children Tribe's Language, Culture

It was a little bit "Muppet Show," a little bit "Sesame Street" and a lot of community pride that brought about the idea for a TV series to teach Nava…

United Way of King County had more than 300 volunteers helping prepare 2021 income-tax returns online in 2022. (RomanR/Adobe Stock)

Free Tax Prep Has Proved Valuable for Washingtonians

It's the season of potentially confusing income-tax forms and line items, but free tax help is available for many Washingtonians who need it…

Approximately 36,000 units of red blood cells are needed every day in the United States. (Adobe Stock)

PA in Great Need of Blood Donors Amid Supply Shortage

Two years into the pandemic, the number of volunteer blood donors in Pennsylvania has dropped dramatically. Blood center leaders say it's critical to …

AARP says the Community Challenge grants it provides are meant to foster local projects that are inclusive, address disparities and directly engage volunteers. (Adobe Stock)

South Dakotans Can Again Apply for Challenge Grants

With constant reminders of crises and turmoil happening around the world, community advocates say it's easy to feel overwhelmed in wanting to make a …

Recent AARP Community Challenge grant projects included improvements to a community garden in Lincoln and walking trails in Hebron. (Adobe Stock)

Age-Friendly Community Grant Applications Now Open

AARP is now accepting applications for its Community Challenge Grant program. This year's focus is to increase investments in projects boosting …

Cities like Victor, Idaho, have used Community Challenge Grant funding to increase accessibility to the area's library. (AARP Idaho)

AARP Opens Search for Community-Improvement Proposals

A contest from AARP to fund projects making places more livable is back. Now in its sixth year, the AARP Community Challenge Grant awards projects …

According to guidance from the U.S. Department of the Treasury, American Rescue Plan Act dollars can be used to create new trails and parks, along with making improvements to those already existing. (Adobe Stock)

PA Municipalities Consider Using ARPA Funds for Outdoor Recreation

As local municipalities consider ways to use an influx of funds from the American Rescue Plan, some communities see it as an opportunity to support …

By 2035, there are projected to be more than 1.2 million older adults living in Minnesota (Adobe Stock)

MN Becomes 10th 'Age-Friendly' State

Minnesota is building on efforts to meet the needs of its growing population of older adults, now becoming the 10th state to join AARP's network of …

Access to Temporary Assistance for Needy Family (TANF) funds varies greatly by county in Colorado. (Adobe Stock)

Fewer Colorado Families Living in Poverty Receive TANF Cash Assistance

Colorado and other states are hoarding more than $6 billion intended for struggling families, according to new analysis. In 2020, Colorado denied …

Even if someone in need receives brand new winter gear that was donated, humanitarian groups say there's a good chance some of those items can become lost or damaged over the course of a cold season and need to be replaced. (Adobe Stock)

Evictions, Inflation Part of Plea for Winter Clothing Donations

South Dakota is seeing another round of below-freezing temperatures. As folks bundle up, Salvation Army chapters hope they'll consider donating …

According to the state, 4 million California students owe a total of $147 billion in student debt. A new state program aims to help new students reduce that debt through public service. (Pathdoc/Adobe Stock)

New Program to Pay CA College Students $10K for Volunteer Service

The State of California is launching a new program that will pay college students $10,000 to volunteer doing public service work for a year. …

Helping the one in eight Ohioans whose family is food insecure is one way to build more equitable communities. (Adobe Stock)

Ohio Volunteers Strive for Unity through Service

Ohioans from all over the state will answer Martin Luther King, Junior's call to action today. MLK Day is the only federal holiday designated as a …

The Marshall Fire, fueled by record drought, swept across some 6,000 acres in a matter of hours in Boulder County. (Adobe Stock)

Boulder County Homes, Businesses Destroyed by Drought-Fueled Fire

Just two people remain missing after Colorado's most costly wildfire on record destroyed nearly a thousand homes and businesses in Louisville and Supe…

According to a November Gallup poll, from 2001 through 2019, at least 42% of Americans reported that their mental health was "excellent." That has dipped to 34% in both 2020 and 2021. (Adobe Stock)

Ohio Faith Leader: Rely On Community in Uncertain New Year

The new year is just around the corner, and one Ohio faith leader is asking folks to find comfort in community during uncertain times. With the …

Tornado damage in western Kentucky continues to affect the operations of domestic-violence shelters in the region. (Tori Henninger)

Experts: Natural Disasters Increase Risk of Domestic Violence, Abuse

BOWLING GREEN, Ky. - Shelters in western Kentucky face ongoing challenges helping domestic-violence survivors as communities continue to clean up …

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