'Dispatches: The Changing American Dream'

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 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 almost 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.

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.

Here in Grafton, the town, unlike its federal counterpart, is in solid financial shape, according to a report at the Town Meeting by the Finance Committee.

And Grafton's volunteer efforts, from finding a place for Worcester youngsters to play after gunfire cancelled their games to growing literally tons of food for the needy, all done by volunteers, show that the American Dream is alive and well. 

"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 this community go to the heart of your American Dream. Email Editor Sandy Quadros Bowles at sandra.bowles@patch.com and let us know your thoughts.