Rolling Out '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 outlets offer 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 you and your neighbors are adjusting to the challenges and opportunities that surround us.

We don't think there's one American Dream, but a multitude of hopes and goals that a multitude of people are working toward. Looking out across nearly 900 Patch sites, we see businesses holding their breath on whether to expand, college graduates returning home because they can't find jobs and senior citizens taking 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 are innovative and local residents who have 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 individuals and communities in Skokie fit along these fault lines.

Nationally, there's a debate about which government projects are "shovel ready." Locally, we know that the revitalization of West Dempster Street and downtown Skokie are vital to the community. 

Nationally, there's a debate about the education system, which is at the center of dreams of a better life for our children. Locally, we know that high school District 219 had the second highest cost-per-pupil level in the state. Does this translate into a better education for our children? 

"Dispatches" will be built upon the compelling vignettes and snapshots unearthed across all of the Patch sites.

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