New Hampshire Study Shows How People Help Their Communities

The University of New Hampshire studied how people in New Hampshire help their communities and stay involved in civic life. This 'civic health' report looks at three main areas: how aware people are of community issues and how they participate, how they connect with neighbors and community groups, and how they volunteer and give money to help others. The study found that New Hampshire is a small, aging state where many residents weren't born there. The state is becoming more diverse, especially among young people. The researchers looked at how different groups participate based on their education, income, where they live, gender, and age. They found that people with more education and higher incomes tend to be more involved in civic activities. The report shows that civic health - meaning how well people work together to solve community problems - is important for making communities stronger. This research helps leaders understand what's working and what needs improvement in getting people involved in their communities.

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VoiceDaedalus Journal: War and American Democracy ResearchDaedalus is a scholarly journal published by the American Academy of Arts and Sciences that explores big questions about society. Their Fall 2025 issue examines how wars have shaped American democracy over time. The journal features essays by university professors and experts who study topics like how war has given more power to the president, how the Supreme Court handles security issues, and how war appears in movies and TV shows. Daedalus covers many subjects including democracy, justice, global affairs, and social health. Past issues have looked at changing rules of war, the common good in democracy, Indigenous knowledge, and immigration and race in America. This is an academic publication meant for scholars, researchers, and people who want to deeply understand complex social and political issues. Readers can browse current and past issues online, sign up for alerts about new publications, and donate to support the Academy's work.

The Bigger WeStories of Community Builders Who Weave Neighbors TogetherThis article shares inspiring stories of three community builders from Phoenixville, PA who found ways to connect neighbors and strengthen their town. Maddie Goodwin started PXV Gives after the Women's March to help people find volunteer opportunities with local nonprofits. Julie Miller, an English teacher for immigrants, created a Spanish library and builds bridges between immigrant families and the community. Teresa Haag paints murals that bring beauty to the town and create spaces for neighbors to share stories. These 'weavers' show how regular people can make their communities stronger by building relationships and helping others get involved. Their work demonstrates that lasting change happens when neighbors know and care for each other. The stories are part of a series celebrating everyday people who create positive change in their communities through small but meaningful actions.

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