Patch Launches 'Dispatches: The Changing American Dream'

Cascade Patch is excited to launch 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 that it's dizzying: 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 Cascade Patch—and the close to 900 other Patch sites in 22 states across the country—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 which a multitude of people are working toward. Across the United States 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 succeed because they innovated, 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, churchgoers and business people in southwest Atlanta, fit along these fault lines.

For example, 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 know all about the CRCT cheating scandal and how students like those at Young Middle are "just saying No" to any stigma that might bring to their bright futures.

"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 in Cascade Patch go to the heart of your American Dream.

We don't think there's one American Dream, but a multitude of American Dreams. We hope you’ll share your vision of the American Dream, the ways it is changing, and how you and your neighbors are adapting. Just e-mail Janita.Poe@Patch.com, Cascade@Patch.com or comment on this article.