Introducing 'DisPatches: The Changing American Dream'

We're excited to inaugurate a new series for our Patch users: "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 the ways we see ourselves and our communities.

At Patch, we want to explore that conversation daily so we can better understand how our neighbors are adjusting to the challenges and opportunities around 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 business owners 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 have taken these trying times as a signal to engage more in their government.

At the purely local level, we want to know where members of Burnsville fit along these fault lines.

"DisPatches" will be built upon the compelling vignettes and snapshots we unearth across all Patch sites.

And, of course, we want your help: Tell us what issues and what stories in Burnsville go to the heart of your American Dream.