Community Corner

Dispatches: How Is Your American Dream Changing?

We are looking for stories of struggle, perseverance and innovation at a time when the economy has shifted the American Dream for many citizens.

We're excited to inaugurate a new series for our Patch  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 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 which a multitude of 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.

Find out what's happening in Clawsonwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

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 Clawson neighbors, fit along these fault lines.

Find out what's happening in Clawsonwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

From reporting, we know that many families are struggling, living on one income or unemployment compensation. And with the near-crumbling of the auto industry, Michigan jobs are still few and far between. We know the has lost state and federal funding, altering the way we allocate money. And thanks to the caring citizens of Clawson, we've been fortunate to have with weekend meals for low-income students in Clawson as well as a hosted by Clawson Police. 

"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 Clawson go to the heart of your American Dream.


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