Patch To Tell American Story in New Series

We're inaugurating a new series for our Patch readers here and across the country: "Dispatches: The Changing American Dream."

Every day, you see national stories on the economy, politics, social issues, health and policy. Debates are raging about unemployment, the housing market, the national debt, education and the nation's infrastructure.

American families, business leaders, workers and entrepreneurs are trying to adjust to trying times.

Patch wants to explore the effects of these challenges locally--in our neighborhoods.

We already know that many businesses are putting off expansion plans, people are without jobs, college students are having to leave school and governments are juggling funding priorities.

But there are a lot of Americans learning new ways to contribute and finding innovative solutions to problems--using tools and connections that didn't exist just a few years ago.

We will continue to tell the stories of Arbutus and neighboring communities as they relate to these national debates.

For example, nationally there is discussion of the recession and we've already reported on the work of the , which focuses attention on the problem of the growing need of the state’s hungry. We've told the story of and the struggles of .

We'll keep after those issues and uncover others to illuminate them with context and perspective. You also may see your local stories highlighted as examples in a national forum.

"Dispatches" will be built upon the compelling narratives and snapshots we unearth across our almost 900 Patch sites.

We look to you to help guide us: Tell us what issues and stories in Arbutus are part of what makes up your American Dream.