Dispatches: A New Series on Medfield Patch

Every day, the national media is full of stories about how American
families, businesses, and neighbors are adjusting to these trying
times. 

The , Verizon workers striking, riots in London,  – it seems like both the local and national news are constantly sharing stories that can be downright depressing.

But, even more prevalent are the stories of those Americans who are surviving these tough economic times. Families who have pulled together to help loved ones out of work, volunteers who stock the shelves at the  and businesses trying to flourish in the midst of all this economic turmoil.

At Medfield 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 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.

At the purely local level, we want to know where we, as neighbors, fit along these fault lines.

"DisPatches: The Changing American Dream," will share stories about education, religion, business, culture, national debates, the economy and more.

We want to hear your stories and share your voices. Tell us what issues go to the heart of your American Dream.

E-mail jeremie.smith@patch.com with your stories and stay tuned to Medfield Patch to learn more!